George Town Population 2026
George Town has a population of 158,336, making it the #53 biggest city in 🇲🇾 Malaysia, located in Penang. Roughly 0.4% of Malaysia's population lives here. It is about 9.2× smaller than Kuala Lumpur, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
158,336
Rank in Malaysia
#53
Coordinates
5.41°N, 100.34°E
~14 m elevation · Asia/Kuala_Lumpur
Distance to capital (Kuala Lumpur)
294 km
183 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Penang
| City | Population | Rank in Malaysia |
|---|---|---|
| Paya Terubong | 226,712 | #40 |
| Bukit Mertajam | 212,329 | #45 |
| Kampung Sungai Glugur | 145,600 | #62 |
| Kampung Sungai Ara | 140,849 | #64 |
| Tasek Glugor | 135,786 | #67 |
| Bayan Lepas | 130,455 | #68 |
| Butterworth | 107,591 | #74 |
| Val Dor | 88,600 | #90 |
Cities near George Town
- Jelutong63,507 people · ~3 km away
- Butterworth107,591 people · ~3 km away
- Kampung Sungai Glugur145,600 people · ~5 km away
- Perai65,301 people · ~6 km away
- Paya Terubong226,712 people · ~8 km away
- Permatang Kuching27,191 people · ~8 km away
FAQ
What is the population of George Town?
George Town has a population of 158,336 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #53 biggest city in Malaysia.
What region is George Town in?
George Town is located in Penang, Malaysia.
Is George Town the capital of Malaysia?
No, the capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur, about 294 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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