State of W Peninsular Malaysia; capital
Malacca; area 1,700 sq km/656 sq mi;
population (1980) 465,000 (about 70%
Chinese). Products include rubber, tin, and
wire. The town originated in the 13th century
as a fishing village frequented by pirates,
and later developed into a trading port.
Portuguese from 1511, then Dutch from 1641,
it was ceded to Britain 1824, becoming part
of the Straits Settlements.