Exploring Malaysia 
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Rich in art, culture and history, Selangor boasts of modern architecture alongside traditional Malay buildings, creating a visually delightful blend of cityscapes. The people are similarly a unique blend of cultures adding to the diversity of the state. Selangor is currently the richest, most industrialized and most urbanized of all the Malaysian states as reflected in its rapid development. Nevertheless Selangor still retains its natural beauty, historical influences and wide cultural diversity which make it a unique destination for visitors.
Geography
Selangor is on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, bordered by Perak to the north, Pahang to the east, Negri Sembilan to the south and the Straits of Malacca to the west. It surrounds the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. The state has nine administrative districts: Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor, Klang, Shah Alam, Kuala Langat, Sepang, Gombak and Hulu Langat. The state capital is Shah Alam and the royal capital is Klang town. Petaling Jaya, another major urban centre, was declared a city on 20 June 2006. Hence, Selangor is one of the few Malaysian states hosting more than one city.
Selangor's capital city, Shah Alam, is a city with many beautifully landscaped recreational parks, lakes and modern buildings including the famous landmark the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, also known as the "Blue Mosque. The well-planned and modern city is equipped with some of the finest infrastructure including highways, stadiums, three airports and sporting facilities second-to-none.
Petaling Jaya. located in the Petaling district of Selangor encompasses an area of approximately 97.2 km², On 20 June 2006, Petaling Jaya was granted city status. In addition to being a major commercial and industrial hub the city also has a wide variety of dining and entertainment venues catering to both locals and visitors.
History
In the 15th century, Selangor was ruled by the Sultanate of Malacca. Initially populated by mainly the Minangkabaus of Sumatra, , Selangor saw an influx of Bugis in the 17th century. These new arrivals displaced the Minangkabau settlers and by the 18th century had established a sultanate which was constantly at war with the Dutch. In the 19th century, the economy of the state boomed due to the exploitation of huge tin reserves and the growing importance of rubber attracting a large influx of Chinese migrants. The 1860's were turbulent times for Selangor with feuds among Malay chieftains, Bugis and Chinese tin miners.
The British capitalized on the turmoil and appointed a British Resident to the state in 1874. The increasing prosperity of Selangor led the British to include it in the Federated Malay States in 1896. In 1948, it joined the Federation of Malaya which eventually became Malaysia. In 1970, Selangor relinquished the city of Kuala Lumpur to the federal government. Putrajaya, a part of Selangor, also became a federal territory in the mid-1990s.
The population of the state was estimated at 3,947,527 in 2000 with an ethnic composition comprising a majority of Malays, and a large segment of Chinese, Indians and others.
The population of the state was estimated at 3,947,527 in 2000 with an ethnic composition comprising a majority of Malays, and a large segment of Chinese, Indians and others.
