Sarawak

Sarawak is a state of Malaysia located on the island of Borneo. Its capital is Kuching. Covering about 124,450 square kilometres, it is the largest Malaysian state by area. It borders Kalimantan to the south and west, Sabah to the northeast, and has a coast on the South China Sea. The interior is largely tropical rainforest with mountains and rich biodiversity. The Rajang River is the longest river in Sarawak.

Historically, Sarawak was ruled by the Brooke family as the White Rajahs from 1841 to 1941, then became a British protectorate and later a Crown Colony after World War II. It joined Malaysia on 16 September 1963, with Sabah and Singapore; Singapore left in 1965. Since then Sarawak has enjoyed a degree of autonomy on immigration and land matters.

It is one of Malaysia's 13 states. The head of state is the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (governor) and the head of government is the Chief Minister. The unicameral Legislative Assembly elects the state government.

The population is ethnically diverse, including Dayak groups such as Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu, along with Chinese and Malay communities. Indigenous cultures are tied to longhouses and crafts. Malay and Mandarin are widely spoken; Malay is the official language and English is common in business and education.

The economy relies on timber, palm oil, and oil and gas, with growing contributions from tourism and agriculture. Protected areas such as Gunung Mulu National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Bako National Park, and Niah Caves are important for ecotourism.

Higher education institutions include Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). The state pursues ongoing development while prioritizing sustainable management of natural resources.