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Kuala Lumpur is the capital and largest city of Malaysia, serving as the country's principal financial, commercial, and cultural center. The city has a population estimated at 2,218,130 inhabitants (2026 estimate). Founded in the 1850s at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, Kuala Lumpur began as a small settlement supporting the region's tin-mining industry. It grew rapidly during the late 19th and 20th centuries, becoming the capital of the Federated Malay States and later of independent Malaysia.
Today, Kuala Lumpur is a modern metropolis known for its diverse population, impressive skyline, and economic significance in Southeast Asia. Notable landmarks include the Petronas Twin Towers, the Merdeka Square, and the Batu Caves. The city has also been the birthplace of several notable figures, including racing driver Alex Yoong, astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, and entrepreneur Tony Fernandes.
Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia
101.7° E
Kuala Lumpur Population Evolution
The population of Kuala Lumpur in 2026 is estimated to 2,218,130 inhabitants. This estimate is taken from our extrapolation of available data and not an official estimate.
Population Summary
| Year | Population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 20,000 | |
| 1957 | 316,537 | +1,482.7% |
| 1974 | 612,004 | +93.3% |
| 2000 | 1,305,792 | +113.4% |
| 2020 | 1,982,112 | +51.8% |
Interactive Map of Kuala Lumpur
What to see in Kuala Lumpur
National Mosque of Malaysia
Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque
Putra Mosque
National Stadium, Bukit Jalil
Istana Negara, Jalan Istana
PalacePetaling Street
NeighborhoodNational Museum of Malaysia
museumBatu Caves
caveFamous People Born in Kuala Lumpur
Michael Gough
actorEnglish actor
Tony Fernandes
entrepreneurMalaysian entrepreneur
Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor
astronautMalaysian surgeon and spaceflight participant
Alex Yoong
racing automobile driverMalaysian racing driver
Sister Cities of Kuala Lumpur
This list is based on publicly available structured data and may differ slightly from official municipal publications.
| City | Country | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | 🇵🇰 Pakistan | 14,910,352 |
| New York City | 🇺🇸 United States | 10,020,520 |
| London | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 8,799,728 |
| Chennai | 🇮🇳 India | 6,599,000 |
| Ankara | 🇹🇷 Turkey | 5,803,482 |
| Dubai | 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates | 3,944,751 |
| Casablanca | 🇲🇦 Morocco | 3,215,935 |
| Mashhad | 🇮🇷 Iran | 3,001,184 |
| Isfahan | 🇮🇷 Iran | 1,961,260 |
| Denpasar | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 670,210 |
| Malacca | 🇲🇾 Malaysia | 455,300 |