What role did geographic location and natural resources play in the the development of Malaysia?

 What role did geographic location and natural resources play in the the development of Malaysia?


Geographic location and resources played a large, distinct role in shaping Malaysia into the country it is today. Malaysia, for it's relative size, has a population 35 million people, that equal to Canada, a country easily 100 times the size of malaysia. The country is growing exponentially with no end in sight. The location of Malaysia is ideal for growth as it can trade easily with the other large nations that surround it such as China, Singapore, and Thailand. These opportunities to trade gives Malaysia chances to grow it's population by importing goods. Just because Malaysia has a large export market doesn't mean they don't import anything, Malaysia has plentiful and ready access to rubber, timber and even oil, due to it's location and lush surroundings. 


Natural resources also help bring trade and knowledge into the grasp of Malaysia as merchants and scholars came to the country to learn and capitalize on the vast amount of natural resources there. This helped the population balloon to an amazing number quickly. The resources are being depleted however as the prevalence of illigalities involving lumber and it's associated products are on the rise. Malaysia has indeed been the benefactor from this population rise as the country's wealth grows and grows.