Sarawak, one of Malaysian states on the island of Borneo neighbouring Sabah is located on the north west
of the island. Famously known as Bumi Kenyalang (it means Land of the Hornbills), it is the largest state in
the country. Sarawak’s capital, Kuching has a population of over 600,000 that comes from plenty of ethnic
groups namely Iban, Chinese, Malay, Melanau, Bidayuh, Penan, Kelabit and Kenyah. The state is divided into
several administrative divisions including Sibu, Miri, Limbang, Kapit, Kuching, Sri Aman, Mukah, Betong,
Bintulu and Sarikei.
          By the early 19th century, Sarawak is under the rule of Sultan Brunei. In1839, Sarawak was in the state
of chaos and during this time, James Brooke arrived in Sarawak. James Brooke agreed to restore Sarawak,
in the condition that Sultan Brunei must surrender Sarawak to him. James Brooke ruled Sarawak until his death
in 1868. Sarawak was then handed to his cousin, Charles Vyner Brooke. Under the Brooke Dynasty, Sarawak
was greatly expanded. The Brooke family governed Sarawak with the aid of the Dayaks such as the Iban,
Bidayuh and other ethnic groups.
          Later, Japan invaded Sarawak in the year of 1941, during the War World II. After the end of the Second
World War, Sarawak became a British Colony, before it finally joined with Malaysia in the later year.
Sarawak was then officially granted independence on 22nd July 1963.
          Sarawak’s economy has been transformed in recent years, as the state diversifies away from
its traditional reliance on mining, agriculture and forestry. Today, the government is developing the
state’s infrastructure, high-tech industries and renewable energy sources with the aim of creating
1.5 million jobs and long-term economic prosperity by 2030.
          Sarawak’s head of state is the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (or Governor). The State practises democracy
system and the executive body is headed by Chief Minister.