Malaysia

　　Races: Malaysia is a multi-racial country. The three main ethnic groups are the Malays, Chinese and Indian communities. The Malays are earlier inhabitants of the Malaysia peninsula; they migrated there from Indonesia. The Chinese, who moved into the area later, during the Ming and Ching Dynasty, were mostly people from the coast of Kwangtung, Fukien and Hainan Island.
　　Religion: Malaysia is near the equator, and as a result has extensive rain forests. The mild, rainy climate made it possible to maintain a good standard of living. Austronesian peoples moved into Malaysia very early on, and brought their culture with them. The geographical conditions created obstacles to integration, and as a result the New Stone Age lasted for a long period of time, during which political organization was limited to tribes and small groups. These circumstances continued until civilization and organized religion were introduced. The Malay Peninsula experienced seven dynasties from the 2nd century to the 14th century, and was deeply influenced by Indian culture during this period.
　　Indonesians from Sumatra built the Kingdom of Malacca in the late 15th century. The establishment of Malacca kingdom had a great impact on the subsequent history of the Malay Peninsula, helping promote the development of Malaysian culture. The first dynasty respected Indian culture, and adopted the Indian political system and Indian titles for the emperor. However, during the second dynasty the rulers were converted to Islam through a royal marriage. The fifth dynasty decided to make Islam the state religion; the king became known as the sultan, and Islamic institutions were introduced.