Exploring Malaysia 
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The history of Johor is closely associated with the neighbouring state of Malacca. It is the son of the last Sultan of Malacca, Sultan Mahmud Shah, who founded Johor in the early 16th century. From its initial small state it extended its reach to grow into the Johor Empire which covered the Riau Archipelago. In the 18th and 19th century the Johor Riau Empire was fought over by various powers. This eventually resulted in the British taking the opportunity to acquire Singapore and the Empire being broken up. Mainland Johor came under the control of the Temenggong who began to develop Johor. His son, Dato' Temenggong Abu Bakar, was formally crowned the Sultan of Johor in 1866. Sultan Abu Bakar who is rightly known as the 'Father of Modern Johor' developed Johor’s constitution and an efficient administration system. He was followed by apt successors who ensured the continued prosperous growth of the state.
During World War II, the state suffered during the Japanese occupation of Malaya until the year 1945. In 1948, it joined the Federation of Malaya, which gained Independence in 1957. Today, Johor is a prosperous State with an expanding economy. Johor's population is around 3 million (2006 est), comprising an ethnic mix of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other groups.
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