Kedahs

Kedah, officially Kedah Darul Aman, is a state in the northwest of Peninsular Malaysia. Its capital is Alor Setar, and the state has a population of about two million. The majority are ethnic Malays, with Chinese and Indian communities; Malay is the official language and a local Kedahan variant is commonly spoken. Islam is the predominant religion, with Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian minorities.

Geography and economy: Kedah lies along the western coast facing the Andaman Sea and is bordered by Perlis to the north and Penang and Perak to the south. The Langkawi archipelago lies off its northwest coast and is administered as part of Kedah. The state is renowned for fertile paddy plains and the Muda River irrigation system that supports rice production. Gunung Jerai, a prominent highland area, lies inland and influences local climate.

History: Kedah is among the region’s oldest polities and later became a Malay sultanate. It operated as a vassal or protectorate to Siam during the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1909 it came under British protection after the Anglo-Siamese Treaty, and following the formation of Malaya, Kedah joined the Federation in 1957.

Economy and tourism: Agriculture, especially rice, remains central to Kedah’s economy, complemented by manufacturing, fishing, and growing tourism. Langkawi, the state’s offshore archipelago, is a major international destination and free-port area.

Administration and culture: The state is governed by a Menteri Besar and a legislative assembly, while the Sultan of Kedah serves as ceremonial head of state. Notable sites include Istana Anak Bukit and Balai Besar in Alor Setar, and Gunung Jerai. Kedah’s cultural heritage features traditional Malay arts and regional cuisine, reflecting its northern Malaysian roots.