The following is a comparison between Indonesia and Malaysia, two countries in Southeast Asia. Let’s read.
Indonesia and Malaysia – country comparison
| Indonesia | Malaysia | |
| Area | approximately 1.9 million sq km | approximately 329,850 sq km |
| Population | 277.5 million (2023 estimate) | 34.3 million (2023 estimate) |
| Region | Southeast Asia and Oceania | Southeast Asia |
| Most spoken language | Indonesian language | Malaysian Malay |
| Capital City | Jakarta | Kuala Lumpur |
| Largest City | Jakarta (Metro Population – 33.5 million/2021) | Kuala Lumpur (Metro Population – around 7.5 million/2020) |
| Largest Metropolitan area | Jakarta metropolitan area | Greater Kuala Lumpur |
| Type of government | Unitary presidential republic | Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
| Life expectancy (UN/2021) | 67.6 | 74.9 |
| Currency | Indonesian Rupiah | Malaysian Ringgit |
| Highest mountain | Puncak Jaya (4,884 m) | Mount Kinabalu (4,095 m) |
| Number of Islands | over 18,100 | 878 |
| Major Rivers | Kapuas, Solo, Musi, Mahakam, Barito, Mamberamo, etc | Rajang, Kinabatangan, Pahang, Perak, Baram, Muar, etc |
| National Animal | Komodo dragon | Malayan tiger |
| National Bird | Javan hawk-eagle | Rhino hornbills |
| National Flower | Melati putih (Jasminum sambac) | Hibiscus rosa-sinesis |
| Most popular sport | Football and Badminton | Football and Badminton |
| Busiest Airport | Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (serves Jakarta metropolitan area) | Kuala Lumpur International Airport |
GDP – Indonesia vs Malaysia
| IMF 2023 | Indonesia | Malaysia |
|---|---|---|
| GDP (nominal) | $1.42 trillion | $430.9 billion |
| GDP rank (nominal) | 16th | 36th |
| GDP (PPP) | $4.39 trillion | $1.23 trillion |
Which country is larger in area, Indonesia or Malaysia?
Indonesia is the largest country in southeast Asia. It is more than 5.7 times larger than Malaysia.
- Area of Indonesia – approximately 1.9 million sq km
- Area of Malaysia – approximately 329,850 sq km
Which country is more populous, Indonesia or Malaysia?
Indonesia is more populated as well as more densely populated as compared with Malaysia.
- Population of Indonesia – 277.5 million (2023 estimate)
- Population of Malaysia – 34.3 million (2023 estimate)
Are there more islands in Indonesia or Malaysia?
Indonesia ranks among the countries with the most islands. In southeast Asia, it has the highest number of islands.
- Number of islands in Indonesia – over 18,100
- Number of islands in Malaysia – 878
Also read
- Japan and South Korea – country comparison | Japan vs South Korea
- India and USA – country comparison | India vs USA
Flag of Indonesia
Flag of Malaysia
