Kedah (pop. 1,571,077) is a state in northwest Peninsular Malaysia. It lies on the border with Thailand. The state includes the Langkawi Islands, a small group lying off the coast of Perlis. Kedah occupies an area of 3,639 square miles (9,426 square kilometers). The state capital is Alor Setar. Kedah's head of state is a hereditary ruler known as a sultan. A majority of the people are Malay.