Malaya refers to a historical region located in Southeast Asia, primarily on the Malay Peninsula. It includes the modern-day countries of Malaysia and Singapore. The area is known for its rich cultural diversity, with various ethnic groups such as the Malays, Chinese, and Indigenous peoples contributing to its unique heritage. In the 20th century, Malaya was a significant center for trade and agriculture, particularly in rubber and tin production. It was also a British colony until gaining independence in 1957, which led to the formation of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963, uniting Malaya with Sabah and Sarawak.