Demographics of Malaysia

As of 2026, the population of Malaysia is projected at 36.39 million, compared to 35.98 million in 2025. It ranks 45th in the world by population and 18th in Asia, accounting for 0.44% of the global population and 0.75% of Asia's population. The population growth rate for 2026 is projected at 1.10%, placing Malaysia 91st among 237 countries and dependent territories.

There are 19.02 million males and 17.37 million females in Malaysia. The male population accounts for 52.27%, compared to 47.73% for females. Malaysia has 1.65 million more males than females, the eighth-largest male surplus in the world. The sex ratio in 2026 is projected at 109.50 males per 100 females. Malaysia ranks 222nd globally in terms of the female-to-male ratio.

In Malaysia, 440k are born each year, the 59th highest number of births worldwide, accounting for about 0.33% of global births—roughly 1,207 per day, or 50 per hour. Meanwhile, around 198k people die annually, the 58th highest death toll in the world, representing nearly 0.31% of global deaths—about 543 per day, or 23 per hour.

In 2026, Malaysia's life expectancy at birth is projected to reach 77.16 years, approximately 3.39 years below the global average. This places the country 102nd worldwide and 23rd in Asia. Its life expectancy is comparable to that of Tunisia, Thailand, and Serbia.

In 2026, Malaysia's total fertility rate (TFR) is projected at 1.52 children per woman, above the global average. This places Malaysia 162nd worldwide and 39th in Asia, putting it on par with countries such as Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Denmark in terms of overall fertility.

• Population
• Growth rate
• Gender

Malaysia population

• Life expectancy
• Median age
• Fertility rate

Demographics Indicators

• Total
• Crude

Malaysia death and birth rate

• Population
• Urbanization

Urban and rural population of Malaysia

• Population pyramid
• Gender ratio

Malaysia population by Age Group (2026)