Johor, the southern gateway, is the third largest state in Peninsular Malaysia. It has a population of about 2.1 million. Covering an area of 18,986 sq km at the southern part of the peninsular, the state is bounded by Pahang to the north, Malacca and NegeriSembilan to the west, and the Straits of Johor to the south. A causeway carrying a road and a railway line connects the state capital Johor Bahru to Singapore. Boat services also connect various points along the Johor River to Changi in Singapore.