Penang Facts

Some of Penang Facts includes knowing about State Flag, State Emblem, our economy and multi racial population.

It may or may not be needed and still just a few practical information that you may find useful before visiting us.

State Flag

The Penang facts about the flag consists of three vertical stripes of equal width of light blue, white and yellow; the white stripe in the centre has an areca nut palm (betel nut) on a mount. The light blue signifies the sea which surrounds the island of Penang. The white represents the State itself. The yellow signifies prosperity.

The betel nut tree (pokok pinang) is the name of the tree from which the island takes its name. The betel nut tree gave the island its name. The Malay word Pinang stands for Penang.

State Emblem

The Penang Bridge is not only a source of pride to the people of Pulau Pinang; it also unites the island with the mainland and part of the State.

In addition, it symbolizes the unity between the State and the Federation. The two pillars of the bridge stand for two basic features of the new Economic Policy, namely the eradication of poverty and the restructuring of society.

The four cables represent the four major races of the nation – Malays, Chinese, Indians and others. The five blue and white waves symbolize the five principles of the Rukunegara (Principles of Malaysian Nationhood) and also the five administrative districts of the State. The five colors at the base of the betel nut tree have the same meaning. These are few Penang facts.

Economy

The economy of Penang is multifaceted, diverse, vibrant, thriving and growing. Not depending on any one sector for its growth, Penang's economy continues to thrive even during economic slowdowns.

This can be attributed in part to the excellent infrastructure and transportation facilities.

With an international airport, an excellent port for ships, access to the North-South highway and the railroad, Penang is an ideal location for the manufacturing sector as demonstrated by the presence of several international companies.

Penang Facts

• Our Head of State
• Yang DiPertua Negeri
• Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Dato' Sri Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abbas
• Head of Government
• Ketua Menteri
• Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon

Location

Southeastern Asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam.

Geographic coordinates

• 2 30 N , 112 30 E

Area

• Total: 329,750 sq km
• Land: 328,550 sq km
• Water: 1,200 sq km

Land Boundaries

• Total: 2,669 km
• Border countries: Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 km

Coastline

• 4,675 km
• Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km
• East Malaysia 2,607 km

Maritime Claims

• Territorial sea: 12 nm

Exclusive Economic Zone 200nm

• Continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of eploitation; specified boundary in the South China Sea

Population and Racial Mix

Penang has 1.2 million people; the population is multi-racial, young and almost equally distributed between male and female.

• Chinese 59 %
• Malay 32 %
• Indian 7%
• The others 2%

Religion

Our official religion in Penang is Islam, but we are proud to say Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Taoism and much other religion are freely practiced.

Freedom in worship is what makes Penang unique. Visitors will be amazed by our diverse cultures, festivals and celebrations which occur regularly throughout the year.

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