MALAY.Ma-lā´.
A peninsula of Asia; the southernmost point of the continent.
Area about 70,000 square miles. Estimated population, 650,000. Less known of the interior than of any other point in Asia. Surface very uneven. Climate is moist and hot: temperature on the Makran coast and in Persian Gulf, 110°; and at times, 125°. Out of 365 days, 190 are rainy; rainfall from 100 to 130 inches.
Politically, Malay consists of the Straits Settlements of Great Britain, 6 Provinces of Siam, and a number of small Malay States, either tributary to or in treaty with the above powers. The Straits Settlements comprise the Islands of Singapore and Penang and the territories of Malacca and Province of Wellesley. Area, 1,445 square miles; pop., 423,384.
COREA.Ko-ree´a.
A kingdom of Eastern Asia. Area estimated at 82,000 square miles. Population, 16,227,885. Climate variable, on account of the unevenness of the country; the thermometer at times registers 15° below zero.
The history of Corea dates back to 1120, when the Chinese gained possession of it. Seems first to have been subjugated by the Tartars. Japanese ruled it between 1692 and 1698, when it reverted to China. The country pays an annual tribute of 800 ounces of silver to the Chinese Emperor. The King of Corea is an absolute despot. Capital, Seoul; pop., 199,127.
Minerals are said to abound in the peninsula; but the low state of civilization in the country will not admit of their development. The country is mountainous, and the cultivable portion small; principal crops are rice, millet, beans and jute.
Value of imports, 1881, $1,944,735; exports, $1,882,650. Principal exports, ginseng, hides, rice and silk. Wheeled vehicles are unknown, and there are no bridges over the many streams. Doctrine of Confucius the established creed.