Sarawak

views updated Jun 08 2018

Sarawak Largest state of Malaysia, in nw Borneo, comprising a highland interior and swampy coastal plain; the capital is Kuching City. Ruled as an independent state by Britain after 1841, it was made a British Protectorate in 1888 and a Crown Colony in 1946. Sarawak became a part of Malaysia in 1963, triggering a three-year dispute with Indonesia. Oil is an increasingly important product alongside the traditional coconuts, rice, rubber, and sago. Area: 124,449sq km (48,050sq mi). Pop. (2000) 2,012,616.

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