Some of Penang Facts includes knowing about State Flag, State Emblem, our economy and multi racial population.
Penang is one of thirteen states in Malaysia. It is located to the northwest of Peninsular Malaysia. Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Malaysia is, located in the centre of the Asia-Pacific region.
Situated in the tropics, Malaysia stretches across the South China Sea. Peninsular Malaysia is at the tip of mainland Southeast Asia while the states of Sabah and Sarawak are on the island of Borneo.
The island occupies an area of 285 square kilometres. The state also encompasses Province Wellesley (Seberang Perai), a strip on the mainland.
The island is separated from the mainland by a channel three kilometres wide at the narrowest point. The Penang Bridge - completed in 1985 - as well as the 24-hour ferry service links the island to the mainland.
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.Penang Facts
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
George Town is the capital city of Penang with a population of approximately 1,200,000 people. Named in honor of King George lV by the British, it is the seat of the state administration and the commercial hub of the state.
George Town is located on the northeastern part of the island. Outside the busy city centre are mushrooming suburbs and townships dotted by fishing villages and the rustic countryside.
To the north of George Town runs the sun-kissed beaches punctuated by luxury hotels, brightly colored shops and residues of tiny hamlets.
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.
Other Facts
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Our Head of State
Yang DiPertua Negeri
Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Dato' Sri Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abbas
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Head of Government
Ketua Menteri
Lim Guan Eng
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 of 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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