Facts about indonesia
By Catalogs Editorial Staff
Some fascinating facts about indonesia
Facts about indonesia include that the islands that comprise this nation have a distinct history, which is deeply enmeshed in the national motto: ‘Unity in Diversity?. This is not surprising, as one of the primary facts about Indonesia is that it is one of the few places in the world with as many as 300 different ethnic groups and more than 500 languages and dialects. Its complex geographic composition also renders it a unique corner of the cosmos; it is the largest archipelago in the world, comprised of more than 18,000 islands that stretch along the equator for more than 5,000 km (about 3,100 miles).During the first and second centuries AD, the islands came under the influence of Hindu priests and traders. Muslim invasions began in the 13th century, and most of the archipelago had converted to Islam by the 15th century. In 1602, the Dutch United East India Company established posts on the island of Java, in an effort to control the spice trade, and Indonesia fell under Dutch rule for more than four centuries.
During World War II, Japan seized the islands because oil was vital for the war effort. This invasion and subsequent occupation ended Dutch rule and encouraged the nation?s movement for independence. Two days after the surrender of Japan in August 1945, nationalist leader, Sukarno, declared independence and was appointed president.
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What are some interesting facts about indonesia?
1- Known for its beautiful handicrafts, Indonesia is divided into eight distinct parts. These include: Java, Bali, Sumatra, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Maluku, Kalimantan and Irian Jaya (the western half of New Guinea). Java is the political, economic and geographic heart of Indonesia and it is one of the most densely populated islands on earth.
2- Historically, Java has been home to Indonesia’s most glorious kingdoms and has produced the archipelago’s finest art and architecture. Today, it is the centre of political and economic power.
3- Nearly 60% of Indonesia’s land is forested and a significant portion is mountainous and volcanic.
4- Indonesia is the fourth most heavily populated country in the world after China, India and the United States with 228 million people. Sixty percent is concentrated on Java, Bali and Madura (60%). A government transmigration policy resettles people on the less populated islands, and Indonesians are encouraged to limit themselves to only two children per family in order to control the birth explosion.
5- Indonesia is the biggest Islamic nation in the world, with Muslims forming about 90% of the population. Bali, however, is almost entirely Hindu and everywhere there are Buddhists and Christians. But, strangely enough, there is no official state religion, despite freedom of thought being guaranteed by the Constitution.
6- Bali is renowned for its diverse and sophisticated art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, beautiful kites, unusual handcrafts, and performing arts.
7- The majority of Indonesians are of Malay descent. The major ethnic groups are: Javanese (45%), Sundanese (14%), Madurese (7.5%). Coastal Malays (7.5%) and Chinese and Indians (26%).
8- Sumatra is an island blessed with an extraordinary wealth of natural resources, abundant wildlife, Islamic and colonial architecture and breathtaking landscape. There are many facts about Indonesia.
The more one knows about this remote region of the world, the more one is drawn to it.
Pay a visit and add some facts about Indonesia to your own special list.
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