Melaka (state)

State of west Peninsular Malaysia; area 1,700 sq km/656 sq mi; population (2000 est) 602,900 (about 70% Chinese). The capital is Melaka. Rubber is the leading export of the state, though the output of coconuts and fruit, especially pineapples, is also commercially significant. Other exports include 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 in 1824, becoming part of the Straits Settlements.