George Town (pop. 192,298) is the capital of the state of Penang, also known as Pulau Pinang, in northwestern Malaysia. The city lies on the island of Penang in the Strait of Malacca.
George Town has long been a major port. During the late 1700’s and the 1800’s, George Town depended heavily on trade, including the opium trade. The port attracted vessels traveling between India and China. Later, tin smelting and rubber production became important industries for the city. Today, George Town’s beaches, restaurants, historic buildings, and inexpensive shopping draw many tourists. The Universiti Sains Malaysia (University of Science, Malaysia) is in nearby Minden.
More than half of George Town’s people are ethnically Chinese. The city also has many Indians and Malays. Its cultural diversity is evident in its architecture. British colonial churches and other structures stand alongside mosques and temples.
In 1786, the sultan of Kedah, hoping to receive military aid, gave Penang Island to the English East India Company, a trading company. That year, the English trader Francis Light, acting on England’s behalf, took possession of Penang and founded George Town, named for King George III. The British ruled George Town until 1957 except for a period of Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945, during World War II. In 1957, Penang and the rest of the Federation of Malaya (now part of Malaysia) became independent.
See also Penang.
