Malaysia
In short
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian nation split into two main regions by the South China Sea. It consists of Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia on the island of Borneo.
In plain words
The country is a group of thirteen states and three federal territories. It is a monarchy where the government follows a constitution. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur, but the administrative centre is Putrajaya.
A simple example
A person travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching would need to cross the South China Sea to move from the peninsula to the Borneo region.
Why it matters
Its location makes it a vital hub for trade and shipping in Southeast Asia. It also plays a key role in regional politics and the economy.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse Malaysia with Malacca, which is a historical state within the country.