The name Miri is of Hebrew origin and is primarily a female name. It means "Of The Sea Or Bitter". Miri is also a coastal city in north-eastern Sarawak, Malaysia, known for its rapid development and rich history related to the discovery of oil. Miri serves as the main tourist gateway to several national parks and is the birthplace of the Malaysian petroleum industry. The city's economy is driven by industries such as oil and gas, timber, oil palm, and tourism. Miri is a diverse city with a population of 356,900 as of 2020, consisting of various ethnic groups including Iban, Malay, Chinese, and others. The city embraces a mix of languages spoken, such as Malay, Malaysian Mandarin, Iban, and English, reflecting the cultural diversity of its residents. Miri was granted official city status in 2005 and has since been a popular destination for visitors from neighboring countries.