Indonesia has a long and rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to around 40,000 years ago. The region was influenced by Indian and Chinese traders, and the Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms of Srivijaya and Majapahit flourished from the 7th to 15th centuries. The arrival of Islam in the 13th century led to the rise of Islamic sultanates, which ruled until Dutch colonization in the 17th century. Indonesia declared independence from the Netherlands in 1945.
Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia and Oceania, consisting of over 17,000 islands, with a total land area of 1.9 million sq km. It lies between the Indian and Pacific Oceans and shares land borders with Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Malaysia. The country is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, resulting in many active volcanoes and frequent seismic activity.
Republic of Indonesia
Indonesia has a tropical climate with hot and humid temperatures year-round. It experiences two main seasons: dry season from May to September, and rainy season from October to April. The climate supports lush rainforests and diverse ecosystems across the islands.
Indonesia is the fourth most populous country with over 270 million people. The country is home to more than 300 ethnic groups, with the Javanese being the largest. The population practices diverse religions including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
Indonesia is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and is bordered by several seas including:
Indonesia is one of the world’s megadiverse countries, home to vast tropical rainforests, unique wildlife like the Komodo dragon, orangutans, and numerous endemic species. The country faces environmental challenges such as deforestation, habitat loss, and pollution, but remains a key destination for eco-tourism.
The official language is Bahasa Indonesia. Over 700 local languages and dialects are spoken throughout the archipelago, reflecting Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity.
