Penang - online puzzles

Penang

Penang (Malay: Pulau Pinang, [pi.naŋ]) is a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Malacca Strait. It has two parts: Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai on the Malay Peninsula. These two halves are connected by the Penang Bridge and the Second Penang Bridge; the latter is also the second longest sea crossing in Southeast Asia. The state shares borders with Kedah to the north and east, and Perak to the south.

With 1.74 million residents and a population density of 1,659/km2 (4,300/sq mi) as of 2020, Penang is one of Malaysia's most densely populated and urbanised states. Seberang Perai is Malaysia's third largest city by population. Penang is culturally diverse with a population that includes Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians, Siamese and expatriates. Residents of the state are colloquially known as Penangites or Penang Lang (Penang Hokkien: 庇能儂; Tâi-lô: Pī-néeng-lâng).Established by Francis Light in 1786, Penang became part of the Straits Settlements, a British crown colony also comprising Malacca and Singapore. During World War II, Japan occupied Penang, but the British regained control in 1945. Penang was later merged with the Federation of Malaya (now Malaysia), which gained independence in 1957.

Penang's economy shifted from entrepôt trade to electronics manufacturing and the tertiary sector in the late 20th century. Today, it is one of the country's most developed economic powerhouses, with the second highest GDP per capita among Malaysian states, and the third highest Human Development Index after Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Penang is also Malaysia's leading exporter with nearly RM451 billion in exports in 2022, primarily through the Penang International Airport, the nation's third busiest.