SOME FAST FACTS ON PENANG:
Geographical Location
: 5°30’N, 100°28’E
Climate
: Tropical (average temperature = 28° - 32° C)
Land Area (State)
: 1,031 sq km
Population
: 1.45 million people
Key Economic Activities
: Manufacturing, tourism and services
Main Languages
: Bahasa Malaysia (national language), English (widely spoken), Mandarin, Tamil and dialects
Currency
: Malaysian Ringgit - RM (USD1.00 = RM3.80 and 1.00EUR = RM4.60)
National Carrier
: Malaysia Airlines flies to 100 destinations (Penang International Airport handles 32 flights daily)
 
     
 
Since it was founded as a British spice colony in 1789, Penang has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world.

There are many good reasons why Penang is known as the “Pearl of the Orient”:

• The capital city of George Town is a living Asian heritage city.
• The Penang culture is peaceful, friendly, fun-loving and very colourful.
• Our sunny beaches are renowned worldwide.
• Our refreshing tropical heritage dazzles the senses with unique sights, sounds and
_ smells.
• Visitors enjoy some of the best duty-free shopping for electronics, perfumery and
_ clothing in South-East Asia.
• Penang offers a potpourri of local and international flavours to dazzle diners.
• And, when the sun sets, the party precincts come to life to offer vibrant experiences.