Indonesia
Ethnically a highly diverse country, Indonesia is home to the world's
largest Muslim population. Spread across a chain of about 17,000 islands
between Indochina and Australia, the country was colonized by the
Dutch in the early 17th century. It fell to the aggression of Japan
and occupied the aggressor from 1942 to 1945. Though the country declared
its independence after Japan's surrender, it took four years more
that finally the Dutch agreed to leave the country.
In recent years, Indonesia has seen some troubled times. It had to
face the Asian financial crisis. President Suharto who came to power
in 1965, was forced to resign. The cession of East Timor, separatist
guerilla movement from restive provinces, bitter ethnic and religious
conflict and a devastating tsunami are the current issues the country
is facing.
Travel overview
The world's largest archipelago, Indonesia offers something for everyone.
The reasons for the country’s popularity among travelers are
no far to seek. Its stunning volcanic peaks, ideal beaches, its diverse
culture all these go along way in making Indonesia a great place to
visit. It is no surprise that places like Bali stand at the top of
any tourist’s list in spite of recent instances of terrorism.
The ancient Buddhist stupas at Borubudur and Prambana are important
attractions of Indonesia. Sumatra has an unspoilt wilderness and an
amazing wildlife. Java is known for steaming volcanoes and spectacular
historical monuments. Bali is a stuff of painting and poetry, an island
of breathtaking scenery, palm groves and beach resorts. Further east,
Komodo is the home to the world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon.
Pay a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary where you will
find three temples. Don’t miss the coloured lakes of Kelimutu.
Capital: Jakarta
Location: Southeastern Asia
Climate: tropical, hot and humid
Total Area: 1,919,440 sq km
Total Population: 234,693,997
Population Growth Rate: 1.213%
Sex Ratio: 1.001 male(s)/female
Literacy: 90.4%
Ethnic Groups: Javanese, Sundanese, Madurese, Minangkabau, Betawi,
Bugis, Banten, Banjar
Irrigated land: 45,000 sq km
Languages: Bahasa Indonesia, English, Dutch, local dialects
Time Zone: UTC+7
Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
Neighbouring countries: East Timor, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea
Type of govt.: republic
Head of Govt.: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Major Political Parties: Crescent Moon and Star Party or PBB , Democratic
Party or PD , Party of the Functional Groups (Golkar), Indonesia Democratic
Party-Struggle or PDI-P , National Awakening Party or PKB , National
Mandate Party or PAN , Prosperous Justice Party or PKS , United Development
Party or PPP
Participation in International Organizations: ASEAN, BIS, CP, APEC,
APT, ARF, AsDB, EAS, FAO, ICAO, ICC, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICRM,
IDA, IHO, ILO, IMF, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU,
ISO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNWTO,
UPU, WCL, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOMIG, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WTO, WIPO,
WMO
Major Agricultural Products: rice, peanuts, rubber, cassava, cocoa,
coffee, palm oil, beef, pork, copra, poultry, eggs
Natural Resources & Minerals: petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel,
timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silver.
Industry & Transport: petroleum and natural gas, mining, cement,
chemical fertilizers, textiles, apparel, footwear, plywood, rubber,
food, tourism
Airports: 503
Railways: 6,458 km
Roadways: 368,360 km
Waterways: 21,579 km
Major Trade Partners: Singapore, Japan, China, US, Thailand, South
Korea, Saudi Arabia, Australia, China , Malaysia
Exports: $102.3 billion
Imports: $77.73 billion