Kuala Lumpur (translated as: "muddy confluence"; pronounced /ˈkwɑːləlʊmˈpʊər/ in English;[5] Malay [kwɑlɑlʊmpʊ], locally [kwɑləlʊmpɔ],[6] and often abbreviated as K.L.) is the capital and the largest city of Malaysia in terms of population.[7] The city proper, making up an area of 243 km2 (94 sq mi), has a population of 1.4 million as of 2010.[4] Greater Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 7.2 million.[8] It is the fastest growing metropolitan region in the country, in terms of population and economy.

Kuala Lumpur is the seat of the Parliament of Malaysia. The city was once home to the executive and judicial branches of the federal government, but they have since moved to Putrajaya starting in 1999.[9] Some sections of the judiciary remain in the capital. The official residence of the Malaysian King, the Istana Negara, is also situated in Kuala Lumpur. Rated as an alpha world city, Kuala Lumpur is the cultural, financial and economic centre of Malaysia due to its position as the capital as well as being a primate city.

Kuala Lumpur is defined within the borders of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and is one of three Malaysian Federal Territories. It is an enclave within the state of Selangor, on the central west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.[10] Residents of the city are colloquially known as KLites.[11]

Since the 1990s, the city has played host to many international sporting, political and cultural events including the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the Formula One World Championship. In addition, Kuala Lumpur is home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers, which have become an iconic symbol of Malaysia's futuristic developments.