Exploring Malaysia 
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During the 8th and 9th centuries Pahang was part of the Sri Vijaya empire which covered most of southern Peninsular Malaysia. With the collapse of the empire Pahang came firstly under the control of Siam (Thailand today) and then of the Melaka empire. It was in turmoil for the most part of the 16th century as the Portuguese, Dutch, Johor and Acheh fought for control. In mid 17th century Pahang became part of the Johor-Riau Empire. In 1858, the death of the Bendahara (chief minister) Ali of Pahang resulted in a five-year civil war between his two sons ending with the youngest, Wan Ahmad, declaring himself the new Chief Minister in 1863. Wan Ahmad went on to proclaim himself Sultan in 1881. Thereafter, the British manifested conctrol and Pahang had to accept the appointment of a British Resident. In 1986 Pahang became part of the Federated Malay states and suffered the same fate as the other Malaysian states during World War II. It finally joined the Federation of Malaya and eventually became part of Malaysia.
The population of Pahang is around 1.3 mil, the majority being of Malay origin, followed by a sizeable Chinese ethnic community, with those of Indian origin and others making up the rest.
