Visitor Guide To Malaysia: Malaysia Hotels, Malaysian, Travel

Perlis was originally a part of the Kingdom of Kedah, which was conquered by Thailand in 1821. After the Sultan of Kedah regained his throne in 1842, the Thais established Perlis as its vassal state. In 1905, Perlis acquired the services of a European advisor obtained from Thailand. Subsequently the Anglo — Siamese Treaty of 1909 saw the transfer of control, of the state, from Thailand to Britain. During World War II, the Japanese occupation forces handed Perlis back to Thailand. After the war Perlis once again reverted to British control until it gained independence with the formation of the Federation of Malaya in 1957.

The population of Perlis is estimated at around 204,450 of which the majority are Malays, followed by Chinese, with small minorities of other races. Due to its close proximity to Thailand, Perlis is heavily influenced by Thai culture, which is seen in its traditional music and dance performances like Tarian Canggung and Tarian Terinai. Many of the local dishes are also imbued with a distinctive Thai flavour.