Visitors are drawn to Selangor for its rich cultural heritage and its wealth of outdoor activities and shopping opportunities. The state of Selangor is located on peninsular Malaysia’s west coast, covering an area of nearly 5,000 square miles. The state surrounds the country’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur (KL), and stretches from KL to Port Klang, the busiest port in Malaysia and the closest harbour to the federal capital district.

Often called the ‘Gateway to Malaysia’ due to its proximity to the country’s major airport, it is also the country’s industrial hub. Shah Alam, the state capital, is the site of the largest concentration of regional industry, located just 15 miles (25kms) from KL.

Industrialisation here is quite recent. Up until the 1970s, the area’s economy was based solely on its rubber and palm plantations. In the mid-‘70s the sultan created a new capital for the state, Shah Alam, complete with an artificial lake at its centre and the impressive Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque (‘Blue Mosque’). The spectacular mosque is the largest in Malaysia, accommodating 24,000 devotees.

With a population of just over four million residents, Selangor is the most populous state in Malaysia. It boasts forests and jungles as well as hills, lakes and waterfalls, all of which complement its newly-created architectural masterpieces. The state is rich in culture and history, and is home to religious landmarks that range from the Batu Caves to the gigantic ‘Blue Mosque.’

As the 18^th century progressed, Selangor’s influence gradually extended and it became a significant political power in the region. As Western colonial presence increased in the region, in-fighting between the Bugis, Chinese and Malay leaders led to instability. The civil war came to an end in Selangor in 1874, when the British arrived and a British Resident was installed. The British increased their hold and added Selangor to the Federated Malay States in 1896. This coincided with the beginnings of rubber cultivation in Malaysia. In 1948, the state became part of the Federation of Malaya.

Selangor has become the richest and most developed state in Malaysia. The country’s largest seaport, Port Klang, is located here and many of the largest industrial operations in the country are found in the Klang Valley. The economy is highly-diversified, ranging from agriculture and industry to international commerce and tourism.

Although the industrial base continues to expand, the economic base remains rooted in rubber, palm-oil and tin exports, maintaining the importance of the port. Tourism has recently started to take hold as a significant contributor to the regional economy, with Malaysia’s primary air gateway situated here.