Malaysia/Society

Society in Malaysia

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
35.1M(2023)
Population Growth
1.2%(2023)
Fertility Rate
1.55(2023)
Death Rate
5.2 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
+174.8K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
76.66(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
8.1 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
26 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure
3.9%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
96%(2022)
Primary Enrollment
99.6%(2017)
Secondary Enrollment
85.5%(2023)
Tertiary Enrollment
41.3(2023)
Education Expenditure
3.6%(2023)

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
97.7%(2023)
Access to Electricity
100%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
97.2%(2022)
Urban Population
27.7M(2023)
Rural Population
7.5M(2023)

Current Social Overview of Malaysia

A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.

  • Malaysia has an estimated population of 35.1M
    2023
    A steady annual growth rate of 1.2%
    2023
    supports sustained population expansion, providing a stable base for economic development. A below-replacement fertility rate of 1.6 births per woman
    2023
    suggests gradual population aging and potential future workforce shortages. Positive net migration of approximately 175K individuals annually (or 5.0 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    contributes to population stability and growth.
  • Regarding public health, the country maintains a reasonable health standard with a life expectancy of 76.7 years
    2023
    , though there is scope for further improvements to achieve higher global benchmarks. Concurrently, maternal and child health indicators show solid progress, with child mortality (under 5 years) at 8.1 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality at 26 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    , indicating improving but still developing services. These outcomes are supported by limited healthcare spending, at 3.9% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain comprehensive health system improvements and the attainment of higher health outcomes.
  • Strong educational foundations are evident in the high adult literacy rate of 96%
    2022
    , which significantly contributes to human capital development. Complementing this, the educational pipeline demonstrates high efficiency with 100% primary enrollment
    2017
    and 86% secondary participation
    2023
    , ensuring comprehensive skill development and a prepared workforce. This educational framework is supported by limited educational investment, at 3.6% of GDP
    2023
    , which may constrain the scale and quality of future human capital development initiatives.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the predominantly urban character, with 79% urban population
    2023
    , supports modern economic structures while maintaining important rural-urban linkages. Furthermore, infrastructure modernization is highly advanced, with near-universal electricity access and high digital connectivity (98% internet penetration
    2023
    ), strategically positioning the country for robust participation in the global digital economy.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

Immigration is a key factor in stabilizing the population and offsetting low native birth rates, supporting economic continuity.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

Educational attainment is a direct driver of economic innovation and global competitiveness. Investment in education is key to unlocking human potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

A highly urbanized, digitally connected society creates a strong foundation for service-based industries and global market access.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.