1. Sarawak's Population
Sarawak has a population of 2.31 million as at year 2005. The crude birth rate on 2004 is about 20300, crude rate of natural increase is about 16200 and the crude death rate is 4100. ( Source: Yearbook of Statistic, 2005)

The largest populated administrative district in Sarawak is the State’s capital, Kuching, with a total estimated population of 579,900 people in 2006. Samarahan is the second most populated district followed by Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Kapit, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri, while Limbang is the least populated district with an estimated 45,500 people in 2006.

2. Ethnic Groups
Sarawak has 27 major ethnic groups with their own distinct language, culture and lifestyle. The 27 ethnic groups include the Iban, Chinese, Malay, Bidayuh, Melanau, Kayan, Kenyah, Lun Bawang, Penan, Kelabit, Kedayan, Bisaya, Berawan, Lahanan, Sekapan, Kejaman, Punan Bah, Punan Biau, Punan Busang, Baketan, Ukit, Sihan, Tagal, Tabun, Saban, Lisum and Longkiput. Cities and towns are populated by Chinese and Malays and a growing number of indigenous people who have migrated from their home-villages.

2.1 Malay

The Sarawak Malay is a coastal people and a fishing community. They are now found in almost every city, town or major village and make up 462,270 inhabitants. The Malay now occupy top positions in politics, civil service and private sector

Malay villages called “Kampung” are usually a cluster of wooden houses built on stilts, many of which are still located by along the coast or river estuaries on the outskirts of major towns and cities. The Malay cottage industries include wood carvings, silver and brass crafting as well as traditional Malays textile weaving with silver and gold thread (kain songket).

The Malay are Muslims and their religion is reflected in their culture and art and Islamic symbolism is evident in local architecture - from traditional homes to government buildings.

2.2 Melanau

The Melanau and are among the earliest inhabitants of Sarawak. They inhabit the coastal region between the Rejang and Baram rivers and have common origins with the Orang Ulu, particularly the Kajang. A large majority of Melanau have become Muslim while about a quarter are Christians followed by a handful of believers of the old “Adat Liko” religion.

Melanau are fishermen and are reputed to be among some of the finest boat-builders and craftsmen. Sago cultivation is still part of their economy.

The Melanau who once lived in tall houses call “Rumah Tinggi” celebrate traditional animist festivals such as the annual “Pesta Kaul” in Mukah and Dalat. In the old days, their aristocrats built “Jerunai” poles to bury their dead.

2.3 Chinese

Sarawak’s Chinese are from the Hakka (Khek), Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Henghua, Hainanese, and Foochow groups. Foochow have been described as the most dynamic. Settling in the Sibu district in 1901 and led by Wong Nai Siong from the Fukien province, this community of Methodists graduated from farming rice, pepper and rubber to becoming the most prolific business group.

The Chinese population has increased by since they were invited to settle in Sarawak by the Brookes in the 1800s. Today they constitute 537,230 of the population.

2.4 Iban

The Iban are the largest community in the State, making up 603,735 people. They are a generous, hospitable and hard-working people.

Inhabiting longhouses along the main tributaries and estuaries of the major river systems in central Sarawak, the Iban first arrived in Sarawak from Ulu Kapuas (Indonesia’s Kalimantan Barat province) in the 17^th century. They settled in the Saribas-Skrang Rivers before moving across the hills to the middle reaches of the Batang Rajang River. From there they migrated down river ending up as far as Lingga, Sebuyau and Lundu. Some groups went further north and occupied the Mukah and Bintulu districts as well as the lower Baram region.

Nowadays, many Iban live in concrete double-story longhouses along the main Kuching-Miri trunk road and its subsidiary feeder roads.

The majority of Iban are Christians. However, like most other ethnic groups in Sarawak, they still hold strong to their many traditional rituals and beliefs. They have unique and colorful festivals such as the Gawai Dayak (harvest festival), Gawai Kenyalang (hornbill festival) and Gawai Antu (festival of the dead).

2.5 Bidayuh

The Bidayuh are found in the Kuching Division. Having abandoned their traditional longhouse style of living 50 years ago, they now live in village clusters along the main and feeder roads of the Serian, Bau and Sematan districts. The Bidayuh originated from “Gunung Sukong” in West Kalimantan. The traditional Bidayuh abode is the longhouse. In the midst of a traditional Bidayuh village, one would find a "Baruk" or “Panggah” headhouse rising majestically. This building was not only a sleeping house for the unmarried, able-bodied men, but it also acted as a store for the village’s weapons and heads collected in battle as well as a meeting hall and courthouse. Some of the Bidayuh villages still have headhouses.

Typical of the Sarawak indigenous people, the Bidayuh are well-known for their hospitality. The 112,984-strong community speak a number of different but related dialects. While a handful of them still practice traditional religions, most modern-day Bidayuh have adopted the Christian faith and are one of the most progressive groups.

 2.6 Orang Ulu

Orang Ulu (Upriver People) inhabit the upper reaches of rivers and highlands of North Eastern Sarawak. The largest communities are the Kayan, Kenyah and Kajang (a term used to describe some of the smaller and dwindling tribes such as the Kejaman, Lahanan, Sekapan, Punan and Sihan). Orang Ulu communities together make up 117,690 of the Sarawak population.

Originally from Apo Kayan and the Kayan River in East Kalimantan, the Kayan-Kenyah of Sarawak now inhabit the middle to upper region of the Baram River, and Balui. Like the Melanau, their aristocrats are known as “Maren” or “Paren” too use “Kliering” burial poles. There are about 70,000 Kayan-Kenyah.

The next group of Orang Ulu are the mountain tribes such as the Kelabit, Lun Bawang and Saban. The Kelabit were the last people who set eyes on the white men sometime in the early 1900s. Since becoming Christian, the community has produced a large number of graduates and professionals. Like the Kelabit, the Lun Bawang (also called Murut) belong to the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM). Together, the Kelabit and Lun Bawang community are comprise of 30,000 people.

The Orang Ulu are an artistic people with longhouses elaborately decorated with murals and woodcarvings. They are also well-known for their intricate beadwork detailed tattoos. The Orang Ulu tribe can also be identified by their unique music - distinctive sounds from their sape, a stringed instrument not unlike the mandolin.

The 10,000 strong Penan are a semi-nomadic people and amongst the last of the world's hunter-gatherers. Today, most live in longhouses on the fringes of the rainforest. However, about only 400 “true nomads” still roam the virgin jungles hunting with blowpipes. Penan are skilled weavers and make high-quality rattan baskets and mats. The majority of Penan who have abandoned the nomadic lifestyle for settlement in longhouses have relinquished the old “Bungan” religion to join the BEM.Other native races in Sarawak include the Bisaya, Kedayan, Baketan, Berawan, Ukit, Lisum, Punan Vuhang (Busang), Tabun, Tring, Tagal and Tatau. Non-natives include Indians, Javanese, Indonesians, Eurasians and Europeans.

3. Cultural Diversity

One of the most attractive features of Sarawak and one which sets it aside from many of the other Malaysian states is its cultural diversity. With the 27 distinct indigenous ethnic groups that speak at least 45 different languages and dialects, Sarawak can be proud to boast of a people who adhere to a variety of traditions, practices and religions.

Sarawakians enjoy a variety of colorful festivals throughout the calendar year. The cultural diversity also allows Sarawak to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.