Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Malaysia
Malaysia places highest on Open Data Inventory (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on Organic Agricultural Area (bottom 2%).
Malaysia in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
35,126,298
people
since 1950
Land area
328,550
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
35,461
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
76.66
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.819
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
3.764
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Malaysia
Key facts about Malaysia
- Capital
- Kuala Lumpur
- Official language
- Malay
- Currency
- Malaysian ringgit (MYR)
- ISO code
- MYS · MY
- Domain · dialling
- .my · +60
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Malaysia’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
5thof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
40thof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
40thof 176
From 4 of 4 key statistics
51stof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
63rdof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
62ndof 177
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint60thof 159
From 2 of 2 key statistics
91stof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint93rdof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
96thof 200
From 4 of 4 key statistics
95thof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
110thof 193
From 3 of 3 key statistics
105thof 171
From 4 of 4 key statistics
121stof 181
From 3 of 3 key statistics
132ndof 183
From 4 of 4 key statistics
127thof 175
From 4 of 4 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Malaysia’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Malaysia in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Malaysia stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Malaysia sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Malaysia does best7
In the top third of all countries measured. 7 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1st
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 1st
Position · derived 104th of 104 · 1 = worst · 2.5 · 2023
world median 5.2 (better) · ▲ 19 pts since 2013
- 3rd
- 4th
- 8thINFORM Severity Indextop 6%
Position · derived 74th of 81 · 1 = worst · 1.7 · 2025
world median 3.1 (better)
- 8th
Position · derived 86th of 93 · 1 = worst · 0.984 · 2023
world median 3.225 (better) · ▲ 76 pts since 2016
Where Malaysia struggles most5
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 4 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stOrganic Agricultural Areabottom 2%
Position · derived 150th of 150 · 0 · 2024
world median 0.725 (worse) · ▼ 5 pts since 2014
- 5thSocial Institutions and Gender Indexbottom 3%
Position · derived 5th of 140 · 1 = worst · 60.7 · 2023
world median 25.2 (worse)
- 8thGender Social Norms Indexbottom 8%
Position · derived 8th of 91 · 1 = worst · 99.54 · 2023
world median 91.81 (worse)
- 9thSchool Life Expectancybottom 11%
Position · derived 69th of 77 · 12.13 · 2024
world median 14.59 (worse) · ▼ 21 pts since 2014
Position · derived 20th of 174 · 1 = worst · 12.81 · 2025
world median 4.456 (worse)
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Malaysia can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
65th
of 141 · 1990
67th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
53rd
of 173 · 2012
54th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
35th
of 79 · 1990
47th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
36th
of 132 · 2022
34th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
46th
of 140 · 1995
29th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
28th
of 172 · 2020
38th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Malaysia has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Physical Violence Index+28 pts since 2015
Losing ground
Where Malaysia has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Adjusted Net Savings-50 pts since 2011
- Crop Production Index-48 pts since 2012
- Government Spending on Education-30 pts since 2013
05In context
Malaysia and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 178, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across South-eastern Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 178 placed).
- 26
Singapore - 54
Thailand - 57Malaysia
- 71
Vietnam - 82
Brunei - =95
Indonesia - =95
Philippines - =113
Timor-Leste - 115
Laos - 124
Cambodia - 153
Myanmar
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Malaysia
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions26
Agriculture Orientation Index87th of 132position · derived0.22Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
bottom 34% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Malaysia 0.22 · world median 0.305 (worse)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
▼ -25 percentile points since 2014
Central Bank Independence Indexbottom 41%0.559CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
bottom 41% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
Malaysia 0.559 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Civic Space Ratings104th of 198position · derived49.74Civic space score (0–100)2025
bottom 48% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Malaysia 49.74 · world median 50.46 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)64th of 192rank0.465ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
top 33% of 192 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)
Malaysia 0.465 · world median 0.387 (better)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Completeness of Birth Registrationbottom 47%97.7Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
bottom 47% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Malaysia 97.7 · world median 98.4 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Control of Corruption65th of 211position · derived0.564Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 30% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
Malaysia 0.564 · world median -0.197 (better)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Corruption Perceptions Index54th of 181rank52CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
top 30% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Malaysia 52 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
General Government Consumption94th of 132position · derived12.37General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
bottom 29% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Malaysia 12.37 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
No real change since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index38th of 195rank62.34AI readiness score (0–100)2025
top 19% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Malaysia 62.34 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness43rd of 209position · derived0.957Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
top 20% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Malaysia 0.957 · world median 0.101 (better)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Government Spending on Education67th of 123position · derived3.515Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
bottom 46% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Malaysia 3.515 · world median 3.709 (worse)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▼ -30 percentile points since 2013
GovTech Maturity Index45th of 196position · derived0.848GTMI score (0–1)2025
top 23% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
Malaysia 0.848 · world median 0.63 (better)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2022
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index63rd of 175position · derived0.777Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
top 35% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Malaysia 0.777 · world median 0.676 (better)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
▲ +23 percentile points since 2015
Liberal Democracy Index88th of 176position · derived0.355Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
top 50% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
Malaysia 0.355 · world median 0.353 (better)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
▲ +21 percentile points since 2015
Open Data Inventory1st of 168rank90ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
top 1% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Malaysia 90 · world median 59 (better)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▲ +81 percentile points since 2015
Political Corruption Index116th of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.322Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
top 34% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
Malaysia 0.322 · world median 0.518 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2015
Public Sector Wage Bill127th of 168position · derived5.306Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
bottom 25% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Malaysia 5.306 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality46th of 209position · derived0.684Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 22% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Malaysia 0.684 · world median -0.093 (better)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Rule of Law81st of 211position · derived0.408Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 38% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Malaysia 0.408 · world median -0.102 (better)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Statistical Performance Indicators43rd of 188position · derived84.99SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 22% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Malaysia 84.99 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +21 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density112th of 139position · derived8.698Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
bottom 20% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Malaysia 8.698 · world median 16.68 (worse)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index87th of 176position · derived0.504Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
top 49% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Malaysia 0.504 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▲ +23 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability108th of 206position · derived-0.106Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 48% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Malaysia -0.106 · world median -0.022 (worse)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2015
Women, Business and the Law158th of 190position · derived60.63WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
bottom 17% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Malaysia 60.63 · world median 81.25 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation31
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution41st of 139position · derived88.69Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 29% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Malaysia 88.69 · world median 72.83 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
No real change since 2014
Adjusted Net Savings93rd of 118position · derived0.36Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)2021
bottom 21% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)
Malaysia 0.36 · world median 8.389 (worse)
Best in the world 32.18 (Bangladesh)
▼ -50 percentile points since 2011
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)69th of 158position · derived8.216Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
top 43% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Malaysia 8.216 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
No real change since 2015
Container Port Traffic5th of 103position · derived30,659,850Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
top 4% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
Malaysia 30,659,850 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
No real change since 2014
Crop Production Index140th of 195position · derived97.93Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 28% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Malaysia 97.93 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -48 percentile points since 2012
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports76th of 170position · derived29.08Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)2024
top 44% of 170 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)
Malaysia 29.08 · world median 25.42 (better)
Best in the world 87.15 (Ireland)
No real change since 2014
Economic Complexity Index29th of 145rank0.86ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
top 19% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Malaysia 0.86 · world median 0.131 (better)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
No real change since 2014
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)22nd of 138position · derived70.97Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
top 15% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Malaysia 70.97 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit85th of 179position · derived37.93Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)2025
top 47% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
Malaysia 37.93 · world median 35.95 (better)
Best in the world 88.52 (Israel)
No earlier reading to compare
Food Production Index115th of 195position · derived102.8Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 41% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Malaysia 102.8 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▲ +23 percentile points since 2012
Foreign Direct Investment Inflowstop 33%3.26FDI inflows (% of GDP)2025
top 33% of 202 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · FDI inflows (% of GDP)
Malaysia 3.26 · world median 1.968
Highest 2,221 (British Virgin Islands)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
GDP Growth42nd of 186position · derived5.171GDP growth (annual %)2025
top 22% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Malaysia 5.171 · world median 3.396 (better)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)55th of 185position · derived35,461GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 29% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Malaysia 35,461 · world median 17,265 (better)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Global Innovation Index34th of 139rank40.58GII score (0–100)2025
top 24% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Malaysia 40.58 · world median 28.52 (better)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2022
GNI per Capita (PPP)21st of 102position · derived34,062GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 20% of 102 countries measured
World Bank Group · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Malaysia 34,062 · world median 14,273 (better)
Best in the world 116,633 (Singapore)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2015
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)87th of 131position · derived20.46Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
bottom 34% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
Malaysia 20.46 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▼ -28 percentile points since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)65th of 146position · derived23.38Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
top 44% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Malaysia 23.38 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▼ -23 percentile points since 2014
Household Consumption67th of 131position · derived61.63Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
bottom 49% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Malaysia 61.63 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
▲ +22 percentile points since 2015
ICT Goods Exports3rd of 119position · derived35.21ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
top 2% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
Malaysia 35.21 · world median 0.975 (better)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
No real change since 2014
ICT Services Exports57th of 118position · derived7.519ICT services exports (% of services exports)2024
top 48% of 118 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT services exports (% of services exports)
Malaysia 7.519 · world median 7.474 (better)
Best in the world 56.25 (Ireland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)32nd of 138position · derived65.43Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
top 23% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Malaysia 65.43 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
No real change since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)24th of 158position · derived35.67Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
top 15% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Malaysia 35.67 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index4th of 175rank509.53LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
top 2% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Malaysia 509.53 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
No real change since 2016
Livestock Production Index142nd of 194position · derived99.69Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 27% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Malaysia 99.69 · world median 107.06 (worse)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index26th of 139rank3.6LPI score (1–5)2023
top 21% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Malaysia 3.6 · world median 2.9 (better)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)12th of 132position · derived22.1Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
top 8% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Malaysia 22.1 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Researchers per Million Inhabitants57th of 145position · derived1,218Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)2024
top 39% of 145 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)
Malaysia 1,218 · world median 701.95 (better)
Best in the world 18,130 (Liechtenstein)
No earlier reading to compare
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Productsbottom 49%3.42Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)2022
bottom 49% of 143 countries measured
World Bank Group · Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)
Malaysia 3.42 · world median 3.66
Highest 29.52 (Bermuda)
No real change since 2012
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)58th of 180position · derived6.922Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
top 29% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Malaysia 6.922 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)24th of 138position · derived136.4Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
top 17% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
Malaysia 136.4 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
World Energy Trilemma Index35th of 99rank69Trilemma score (0–100)2023
top 34% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Malaysia 69 · world median 63.8 (better)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour16
Average Weekly Hours Worked26th of 182position · derived44.49Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
top 14% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Malaysia 44.49 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Agriculture110th of 182position · derived9.182Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
bottom 40% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Malaysia 9.182 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Industry37th of 182position · derived25.96Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
top 20% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Malaysia 25.96 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services79th of 182position · derived64.86Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
top 43% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Malaysia 64.86 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio45th of 182position · derived63.63Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
top 24% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Malaysia 63.63 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate104th of 182position · derived51.64Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 43% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Malaysia 51.64 · world median 53.36 (worse)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
No real change since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager41st of 179position · derived25.54Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
top 22% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Malaysia 25.54 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed55th of 168position · derived70,821GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
top 32% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Malaysia 70,821 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Labour Force Participation Rate51st of 182position · derived66.12Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 28% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Malaysia 66.12 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked70th of 182position · derived30.41Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
top 38% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Malaysia 30.41 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
No real change since 2015
Self-Employment Rate114th of 182position · derived25.37Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
bottom 38% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Malaysia 25.37 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate119th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst3.764Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 35% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Malaysia 3.764 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment112th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst21.89Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
top 39% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Malaysia 21.89 · world median 28.67 (better)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Working Poverty Ratetop 15%0.1Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
top 15% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Malaysia 0.1 · world median 4.885 (better)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Youth Unemployment Rate94th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst11.95Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
top 49% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Malaysia 11.95 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge21
Academic Freedom Index128th of 176position · derived0.289Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
bottom 27% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
Malaysia 0.289 · world median 0.619 (worse)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
No real change since 2015
Adult Literacy Rate74th of 172position · derived95.77Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
top 43% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Malaysia 95.77 · world median 93.99 (better)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling125th of 195position · derived12.68Expected years of schooling2023
bottom 36% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Malaysia 12.68 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2013
Female Share of Researcherstop 24%48.6Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)2024
top 24% of 153 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)
Malaysia 48.6 · world median 38.17
Highest 76.54 (Myanmar)
No earlier reading to compare
Harmonized Test Scores57th of 172position · derived445.68Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
top 33% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
Malaysia 445.68 · world median 414.32 (better)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2010
Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary19th of 75position · derived12.47Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)2024
top 24% of 76 countries measured · 76 share 75 positions
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)
Malaysia 12.47 · world median 5.494 (better)
Best in the world 87.12 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Learning Poverty56th of 125position · derived · 1 = worst42.0310-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)2023
bottom 44% of 125 countries measured
World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 10-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)
Malaysia 42.03 · world median 34.02 (worse)
Best in the world 2.331 (Ireland)
No earlier reading to compare
Learning-Adjusted Years of School60th of 172position · derived8.889Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
top 35% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
Malaysia 8.889 · world median 7.941 (better)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2010
Mean Years of Schooling68th of 193position · derived11.09Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
top 35% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Malaysia 11.09 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Out-of-School Rate, Primary27th of 121position · derived · 1 = worst11.97Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)2024
bottom 22% of 121 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
Malaysia 11.97 · world median 3.691 (worse)
Best in the world 0.004 (United Arab Emirates)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2014
Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiarybottom 41%4.141Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)2023
bottom 41% of 117 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)
Malaysia 4.141 · world median 5.279
Highest 1,724 (Cook Islands)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2013
PISA Mathematics Performance53rd of 79position · derived408.69Mean mathematics score2022
bottom 33% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
Malaysia 408.69 · world median 442.09 (worse)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2012
PISA Reading Performance59th of 79position · derived388.09Mean reading score2022
bottom 26% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
Malaysia 388.09 · world median 440.35 (worse)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2012
PISA Science Performance51st of 79position · derived416.31Mean science score2022
bottom 36% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
Malaysia 416.31 · world median 446.93 (worse)
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2012
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate42nd of 120position · derived81.12Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
top 34% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
Malaysia 81.12 · world median 65.93 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
No real change since 2016
Primary Completion Rate15th of 165position · derived99.83Primary completion rate (%)2025
top 9% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Malaysia 99.83 · world median 97.43 (better)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2015
School Life Expectancy69th of 77position · derived12.13School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)2024
bottom 11% of 77 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)
Malaysia 12.13 · world median 14.59 (worse)
Best in the world 21.01 (Monaco)
▼ -21 percentile points since 2014
Secondary School Enrolment85th of 109position · derived80.28Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)2024
bottom 22% of 109 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)
Malaysia 80.28 · world median 93.19 (worse)
Best in the world 158.55 (Monaco)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2014
Tertiary Enrolment Ratio58th of 95position · derived38.5Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)2024
bottom 39% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)
Malaysia 38.5 · world median 52.77 (worse)
Best in the world 141.86 (Macau)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Upper Secondary Completion Rate85th of 164position · derived63.26Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 48% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Malaysia 63.26 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratetop 43%98.7915–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
top 43% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Malaysia 98.79 · world median 98.22 (better)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing18
Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff30th of 86position · derived99.6Births attended by skilled health staff (%)2019
top 36% of 86 countries measured
UNICEF · Births attended by skilled health staff (%)
Malaysia 99.6 · world median 98.8 (better)
Best in the world 100 (11 countries tied)
▲ +26 percentile points since 2009
Children with Functional Difficultiesbottom 15%5.6Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)2024
bottom 15% of 62 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)
Malaysia 5.6 · world median 13
Highest 35.2 (Afghanistan)
No earlier reading to compare
Dietary Energy Supply79th of 155position · derived2,975Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
bottom 49% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Malaysia 2,975 · world median 2,982 (worse)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months72nd of 136position · derived40.3Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
bottom 47% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Malaysia 40.3 · world median 40.74 (worse)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index47th of 172rank0.172GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
top 27% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Malaysia 0.172 · world median 0.351 (better)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Global Violent Deaths177th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst0.85Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
top 15% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Malaysia 0.85 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index62nd of 172position · derived0.611HCI score (0–1)2020
top 36% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Malaysia 0.611 · world median 0.564 (better)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +21 percentile points since 2010
Human Development Index67th of 193rank0.819HDI score (0–1)2023
top 34% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Malaysia 0.819 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Infant Mortality Rate140th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst6.981Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 30% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
Malaysia 6.981 · world median 12.26 (better)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
INFORM Severity Index74th of 81position · derived · 1 = worst1.7INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)2025
top 6% of 81 countries measured
ACAPS · INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)
Malaysia 1.7 · world median 3.1 (better)
Best in the world 1.3 (Trinidad and Tobago)
No real change since 2021
Life Expectancy at Age 6579th of 222position · derived17.6Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
top 35% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
Malaysia 17.6 · world median 16.39 (better)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth88th of 222position · derived76.66Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
top 39% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Malaysia 76.66 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio119th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst26.38Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
top 39% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Malaysia 26.38 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
No real change since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare75th of 178position · derived2.73Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
top 41% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Malaysia 2.73 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity58th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst5.8Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
bottom 44% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Malaysia 5.8 · world median 4.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2015
Prevalence of Undernourishment104th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst2.5Population undernourished (%)2023
top 19% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Malaysia 2.5 · world median 5.2 (better)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five57th of 162position · derived · 1 = worst21.2Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
bottom 35% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Malaysia 21.2 · world median 13.8 (worse)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate138th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst8.309Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 31% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Malaysia 8.309 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Development & Human Capital7
Access to Electricitytop 28%100Population with electricity access (%)2024
top 28% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Malaysia 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2014
Cereal Yield79th of 179position · derived3,524Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
top 44% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Malaysia 3,524 · world median 3,072 (better)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2013
Coefficient of Human Inequality107th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst13.29Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
top 37% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Malaysia 13.29 · world median 17.05 (better)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
No real change since 2013
Gender Development Index84th of 184position · derived0.973Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
top 46% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Malaysia 0.973 · world median 0.971 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index61st of 169position · derived0.707IHDI (0–1)2023
top 36% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Malaysia 0.707 · world median 0.609 (better)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Net Official Development Assistance Received129th of 130position · derived0.002Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
bottom 1% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Malaysia 0.002 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
No real change since 2013
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI79th of 156position · derived0.677PHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 50% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Malaysia 0.677 · world median 0.678 (worse)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
No real change since 2013
Environment & Sustainability23
Agricultural Emissions36th of 193position · derived45,687Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
top 18% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Malaysia 45,687 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Agricultural Irrigated Land51st of 121position · derived5.157Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
top 42% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
Malaysia 5.157 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Agricultural Land134th of 209position · derived26.09Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
bottom 36% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Malaysia 26.09 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Arable Land per Person169th of 206position · derived0.022Arable land (hectares per person)2023
bottom 18% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Malaysia 0.022 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Carbon Intensity of Electricity51st of 193position · derived · 1 = worst604.33Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)2024
bottom 26% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)
Malaysia 604.33 · world median 468.81 (worse)
Best in the world 23.49 (Ethiopia)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2014
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)38th of 190rank0.365ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)2024
top 20% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)
Malaysia 0.365 · world median 0.45 (better)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
CO₂ Emissions per Capita33rd of 210position · derived · 1 = worst8.162Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
bottom 15% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
Malaysia 8.162 · world median 3.21 (worse)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Ecological Footprint31st of 126position · derived · 1 = worst4.111Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
bottom 24% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Malaysia 4.111 · world median 2.296 (worse)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)bottom 23%4.106Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
bottom 23% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
Malaysia 4.106 · world median 2.738 (worse)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
No real change since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare1st of 188position · derived2,926Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
top 1% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Malaysia 2,926 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
No real change since 2013
Forest Area31st of 210position · derived57.72Forest area (% of land area)2023
top 14% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Malaysia 57.72 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster21st of 160position · derived · 1 = worst236,000New displacements by disaster (people)2024
bottom 13% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Malaysia 236,000 · world median 4,750 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
Land Under Cereal Production93rd of 179position · derived615,072Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
bottom 49% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Malaysia 615,072 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
No real change since 2013
Livestock Density104th of 188position · derived0.47Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
bottom 44% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Malaysia 0.47 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation128th of 190position · derived19.78Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 34% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)
Malaysia 19.78 · world median 35.66 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
ND-GAIN Country Index50th of 190rank54.98ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
top 26% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)
Malaysia 54.98 · world median 47.44 (better)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Organic Agricultural Area150th of 150position · derived0Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
bottom 2% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Malaysia 0 · world median 0.725 (worse)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita36th of 181position · derived16,717Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
top 19% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Malaysia 16,717 · world median 2,528 (better)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation122nd of 190position · derived19.78Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 37% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Malaysia 19.78 · world median 31.14 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Water Stress135th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst3.44Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
top 24% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Malaysia 3.44 · world median 10 (better)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
No real change since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector106th of 171position · derived45.65Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
bottom 39% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Malaysia 45.65 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generationbottom 37%3.016Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 37% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)
Malaysia 3.016 · world median 5.769 (worse)
Best in the world 69.12 (Denmark)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2014
World Risk Index37th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst14.28WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 19% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Malaysia 14.28 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
No real change since 2015
Gender & Equality4
Sex Ratio at Birthtop 19%106.5Male births per 100 female births2023
top 19% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
Malaysia 106.5 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
No real change since 2013
Social Institutions and Gender Index5th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst60.7SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
bottom 3% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Malaysia 60.7 · world median 25.2 (worse)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Women's Political Empowerment Index88th of 176position · derived0.772Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
top 50% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
Malaysia 0.772 · world median 0.772 (better)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
▲ +23 percentile points since 2015
Democracy & Civil Liberties8
Deliberative Democracy Index81st of 176position · derived0.364Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
top 46% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
Malaysia 0.364 · world median 0.339 (better)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2015
Egalitarian Democracy Index76th of 176position · derived0.38Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)2025
top 43% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)
Malaysia 0.38 · world median 0.321 (better)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2015
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index110th of 176position · derived0.586Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
bottom 38% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
Malaysia 0.586 · world median 0.693 (worse)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2015
Government Censorship of the Media109th of 176position · derived-0.017Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
bottom 38% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
Malaysia -0.017 · world median 0.565 (worse)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2015
Government Internet Shutdowns87th of 176position · derived1.038Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
top 49% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
Malaysia 1.038 · world median 1.023 (better)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2015
Military Dimension Indextop 21%0Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)2025
top 21% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)
Malaysia 0 · world median 0.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2015
Participatory Democracy Index87th of 176position · derived0.303Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
top 49% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
Malaysia 0.303 · world median 0.298 (better)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2015
Physical Violence Index60th of 176position · derived0.884Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
top 34% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Malaysia 0.884 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▲ +28 percentile points since 2015
Peace & Security6
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Malaysia 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Global Militarisation Index103rd of 149rank · 1 = worst79.56GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
top 31% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Malaysia 79.56 · world median 100.66 (better)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index98th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst3.6INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
top 48% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Malaysia 3.6 · world median 3.7 (better)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence92nd of 211position · derived0.34Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 43% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Malaysia 0.34 · world median 0.171 (better)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Political Violence by Non-State Actors75th of 171position · derived · 1 = worst-0.497Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence2025
bottom 44% of 171 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence
Malaysia -0.497 · world median -0.661 (worse)
Best in the world -3.182 (Luxembourg)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Refugees by Country of Origintop 43%2,477Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
top 43% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
Malaysia 2,477 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2015
Risk & Resilience2
Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylumtop 11%63,011Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)2025
top 11% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)
Malaysia 63,011 · world median 1,836
Highest 3,718,945 (United States)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Refugee Population by Country of Asylumtop 22%150,164Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)2025
top 22% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)
Malaysia 150,164 · world median 12,269
Highest 2,655,191 (Germany)
No real change since 2015
Mobility & Trade4
Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs20th of 174position · derived · 1 = worst12.81Average time to clear exports through customs (days)2025
bottom 11% of 175 countries measured · 175 share 174 positions
World Bank Group · Average time to clear exports through customs (days)
Malaysia 12.81 · world median 4.456 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 29%78.1Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
top 29% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Malaysia 78.1 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2012
Cost of Sending Remittances86th of 93position · derived · 1 = worst0.984Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)2023
top 8% of 93 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)
Malaysia 0.984 · world median 3.225 (better)
Best in the world -49.69 (Malawi)
▲ +76 percentile points since 2016
Net Migration Ratetop 17%5.155Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
top 17% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
Malaysia 5.155 · world median -0.133
Highest 39.62 (South Sudan)
No real change since 2013
Poverty & Inequality1
Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Linesbottom 3%5.1Population below the national poverty line (%)2025
bottom 3% of 160 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population below the national poverty line (%)
Malaysia 5.1 · world median 21.8
Highest 82.3 (South Sudan)
No earlier reading to compare
Energy4
Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)bottom 22%-0.511Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)2024
bottom 22% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)
Malaysia -0.511 · world median 0
Highest 707.07 (Palestine)
▼ -42 percentile points since 2014
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitatop 17%122.02Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
top 17% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
Malaysia 122.02 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2014
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scoretop 27%65.86Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
top 27% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
Malaysia 65.86 · world median 48.23 (better)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scorebottom 40%27.96Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
bottom 40% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
Malaysia 27.96 · world median 33.26 (worse)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
No real change since 2013
Digital & Technology2
Mobile Phone Ownership46th of 140position · derived94.68Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 32% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)
Malaysia 94.68 · world median 91.68 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Libya)
No earlier reading to compare
Smartphone Ownership23rd of 140position · derived89.43Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 16% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)
Malaysia 89.43 · world median 78.78 (better)
Best in the world 97.36 (Sweden)
No earlier reading to compare
People & Population10
Crude Birth Ratebottom 45%12.41Births per 1,000 population2023
bottom 45% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
Malaysia 12.41 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
No real change since 2013
Crude Death Ratebottom 14%5.158Deaths per 1,000 population2023
bottom 14% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
Malaysia 5.158 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Median Age of the Populationbottom 48%30.06Median age (years)2023
bottom 48% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
Malaysia 30.06 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Population Aged 65 and Overbottom 45%7.451Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
bottom 45% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
Malaysia 7.451 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
No real change since 2013
Population Densitytop 46%106.91People per square kilometre of land2023
top 46% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
Malaysia 106.91 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Population Growth Ratetop 41%1.241Population growth (% per year)2023
top 41% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
Malaysia 1.241 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Population Under Age 15bottom 48%22.29Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
bottom 48% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
Malaysia 22.29 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationtop 6%110.13Males per 100 females2023
top 6% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
Malaysia 110.13 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
No real change since 2013
Total Dependency Ratiobottom 11%42.33People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
bottom 11% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
Malaysia 42.33 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2013
Total Fertility Ratebottom 33%1.55Live births per woman2023
bottom 33% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
Malaysia 1.55 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2013
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Malaysia. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Child Marriage
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Debt Service on External Debt
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)
- Fatal Occupational Injuries · last seen 2022
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management
- Gini Index · last seen 2021
- Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- Government Funding per Primary Student · last seen 2020
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2021
- Income Share Held by Richest 10% · last seen 2021
- Informal Employment Rate
- Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person · last seen 2021
- Nuclear Share of Electricity Generation
- Palma Ratio · last seen 2021
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2021
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2021
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2021
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2021
- Public Sector Employment
- Research and Development Spending · last seen 2022
- Short-Term Share of External Debt
- Societal Poverty Rate · last seen 2021
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2022
- Violent Discipline of Children
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training · last seen 2022
07Keep reading
Explore further
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Malaysia can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 37 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Malaysia on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Malaysia: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/malaysia