Johor in its early days was known as Ujong Tanah (a Malay term meaning Land’s End). The present name of Johor is reputed to have been derived from the Arabic word “Jauhar" which means precious stone. The English equivalent for precious stone is ‘jewel The Malay name ‘Johor’ was coined as it sounded like ‘jewel'.
Johor Bahru is the State of Johor. Johor lies at the southern end of Peninsular Malaysia. It occupies a land area of 18,841 sq. km and is the 3rd largest state of the country after Sarawak and Pahang. Owing to its position, travellers often know Johor as the “Southern Gateway to Malaysia”. Johor has another unofficial accolade; the “Southern-most Tip of the Mainland Asia”. The southernmost tip Tanjung Piai in Pontian, is the south-western region of Johor.
Geographically, Johor is surrounded by the states of Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang on the north, the Straits of Malacca on the west, the Straits of Johor on the south and the South China Sea on the east. The island Republic of Singapore situated in the south shares the Straits of Johor and is linked to Johor via the causeway (Johor Bahru-Woodland) and the 2nd Link (Tanjung Kupang-Tuas). Johor has eight districts: Johor Bahru, Pontian, Batu Pahat, Muar, Segamat, Kluang, Mersing and Kota Tinggi. The capital of the state is Johor Bahru. If you are in Johor for the first time, we suggest that you find out which district you are in, and decide which other districts you would like to visit.
Johor is one of the nine states, with a hereditary ruler, the Sultan, who is the Head of State. The head of the state government is the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister), an elected representative and appointed by the Sultan on the advice of the Prime Minister. The civil servants of the state are under the Johor Civil Service (JCS) system which is distinct from other states. Johor also has its own military force called the Johor Military Force (JMF).
