Indonesia

Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country, with a population of over 273 million people. It is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, stretching from the Asian mainland to the Pacific Ocean. Here are some key facts about Indonesia:

Capital: Jakarta

Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)

Language: Official language is Indonesian, but there are over 700 languages spoken across the country

Government: Presidential republic

Economy: The world’s 16th largest economy in terms of nominal GDP and the 8th largest in terms of GDP (PPP)

History:

• The region has been inhabited for at least 40,000 years
• Majapahit Empire (1293-1520) was a major power in Southeast Asia
• Dutch colonial rule from 1815 to 1945
• Independence gained on August 17, 1945

Geography:

• Land area: 1,904,569 km² (735,358 sq mi)
• Islands: Over 17,000 islands, including Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Bali
• Mountains: The Indonesian archipelago is home to many active volcanoes and mountain ranges
• Coastline: Over 54,000 km (33,500 mi) long

Cuisine:

• Popular dishes include nasi goreng (fried rice), gado-gado (vegetable salad), and sate (grilled meat skewers)
• Street food is popular throughout the country
• Traditional sweets like dodol and krupuk are enjoyed during festivals and celebrations

Festivals:

• Nyepi: A Balinese New Year celebration
• Galungan: A Hindu holiday celebrating the triumph of dharma over adharma
• Eid al-Fitr: A Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan
• Christmas: Celebrated by Christians across the country

Tourist attractions:

• Borobudur Temple Complex: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Magelang
• Prambanan Temple Complex: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yogyakarta
• Ujung Kulon National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in West Java
• Baliem Valley: A scenic valley in Papua known for its traditional tribes and stunning scenery

Education:

• Education is compulsory for children between ages 7 and 15
• The University of Indonesia is one of the top universities in Southeast Asia

Sports:

• Football (soccer) is a popular sport in Indonesia
• Badminton is a national sport and has produced many world champions
• The Indonesian Premier League is a professional football league

Fun facts:

• Indonesia has the world’s third-largest population of Muslims after Pakistan and India
• The country has over 300 ethnic groups and more than 700 languages spoken across its islands
• Indonesia has a rich cultural heritage with many traditional arts and crafts