and Russia. About two thirds of the land on the peninsula is devoted to the cultivation of rubber, and Malaysia produces more than a third of the world's rubber. Tin is the second largest export, and has been mined on the peninsula since the 17th century. Since Malaysia's exports are mostly raw materials, and raw materials are susceptible to wildly fluctuating market prices, Malaysia's economy is easily affected by market swings. For example, just a one cent fall in the price of rubber would decrease Malaysia's export earnings by $22,000,000 in one year (Britannica Encyclopedia, 692A). Such fluctuations would damage its growing economy, and until recently Malaysia has been slow in catching up with the industrial world.
             Recently, in an effort to balance the economy, Malaysia has put more emphasis on the manufacturing of semiconductors for computers in an effort to lessen its reliance on agriculture and mining. Growing manufacturing sectors include air conditioners, cement, rubber, textiles, and food processing. The manufacturing sector has doubled its economic impact in the last two decades, showing definite growth and progress as Malaysia grows more important to the global economy.
             Major imports are food, petroleum, non-electrical machinery, electrical equipment, chemicals, steel, and textiles. Food, drinks, and tobacco comprise a quarter of the imported goods. Manufactured goods are another quarter, and machinery and equipment are just
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