Indonesia and Malaysia – country comparison | Indonesia vs Malaysia

The following is a comparison between Indonesia and Malaysia, two countries in Southeast Asia. Let’s read.

Indonesia and Malaysia – country comparison

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 compared with Malaysia.

  • Population of Indonesia – 277.5 million (2023 estimate)
  • Population of Malaysia – 34.3 million (2023 estimate)

Economy

2023 (IMF)IndonesiaMalaysia
CurrencyIndonesian RupiahMalaysian Ringgit
GDP (nominal)$1.37 trillion$415.57 billion
GDP per capita$4.94 thousand$12.57 thousand
GDP (PPP)$4.39 trillion$1.22 trillion

Overview

IndonesiaMalaysia
Areaapproximately 1.9 million sq kmapproximately 329,850 sq km
Population277.5 million (2023 estimate)34.3 million (2023 estimate)
Capital cityJakartaKuala Lumpur
Largest cityJakartaKuala Lumpur
Largest metropolitan areaJakarta metropolitan areaGreater Kuala Lumpur
Life expectancy at birth (UN/2023)71.1576.66
Most spoken languageIndonesian languageMalaysian Malay
Most popular sportFootball and BadmintonFootball and Badminton
Busiest AirportSoekarno–Hatta International Airport (serves Jakarta metropolitan area)Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Number of UNESCO world heritage sites105
Type of governmentUnitary presidential republicFederal parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Geography

IndonesiaMalaysia
RegionSoutheast Asia and OceaniaSoutheast Asia
Highest mountain Puncak Jaya (4,884 m)Mount Kinabalu (4,095 m)
Number of islandsover 18,000around 900
Major riversKapuas, Solo, Musi, Mahakam, Barito, Mamberamo, etcRajang, Kinabatangan, Pahang, Perak, Baram, Muar, etc
National animalKomodo dragonMalayan tiger
National birdJavan hawk-eagleRhino hornbills
National flowerMelati putih (Jasminum sambac)Hibiscus rosa-sinesis

(Also read: Japan and South Korea – country comparison | Japan vs South Korea)

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