Malaysia's first oil well was dug here in 1910, and petroleum has continued to drive the city's economy and development ever since. The Sarawak Shell Berhad and Petronas Carigali are headquartered here. As a result, Miri has a cosmopolitan atmosphere as it hosts many expatriates from all over the world. These expats work in many of the multinational oil and gas giants that are headquartered in Miri.Visitors are able to stop for transit here to change planes heading onward to Gunung Mulu National Park or the famous Kelabit Highlands.Miri boasts of a very diversified population, which consists of Chinese, Malay, Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Kelabit, Lun Bawang and many other ethnic groups. International students from a foreign university campus based here and expatriates from international corporations add much spice to Miri as well. Language is certainly not a problem here, as almost all locals are able to speak English and Mandarin. The main language is the Bahasa Sarawak which is a local Sarawakian language; it is similiar to Malay but with local slangs. The people are quite helpful when it comes to direction or any help needed. A visitor's information centre located near the public bus stand is available for any further enquiries needed by visitors. Miri celebrated its third city status anniversary from 21st-23rd May 2008. http://wikitravel.org/en/Miri