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Country Fact File : Indonesia
Volunteer with Orang-utans In Sumatra
Made up of thousands of islands, Indonesia comprises many different cultures, nationalities and religions. Over 300 languages are spoken here and although Islam is the predominant religion, Indonesia is also infused with strong elements of Hinduism and Buddhism. For the traveler, there is something of everything: paradise beaches, dense jungles and many mountains and volcanoes. There is a lot to do while you are here, and it is well known for it’s diving and snorkeling, watersports, and rafting. Sumatra offers some incredible jungle treks and Indonesia is a haven for animal, bird and plant life. Those who travel here will find it easy to get around, with budgets to suit all tastes, and a diversity of activities.
| Location | Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean |
| Area | 1,919,440 sq km |
| Border Countries | East Timor, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea |
| Climate | tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands |
| Terrain | mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountains |
| Highest Point | Puncak Jaya 5,030 m |
| Natural Hazards | occasional floods, severe droughts, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanoes, forest fires |
| Environmental Issues | deforestation; water pollution from industrial wastes, sewage; air pollution in urban areas; smoke and haze from forest fires |
| Population | 231,328,092 (July 2002 est.) |
| Ethnic Groups | Javanese 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, coastal Malays 7.5%, other 26% |
| Religions | Muslim 88%, Protestant 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%, Buddhist 1%, other 1% (1998) |
| Languages | Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch, local dialects, the most widely spoken of which is Javanese |
| Type of Government | Republic |
| Capital | Jakarta |
| Independence Day | 17 August 1945 (proclaimed independence; on 27 December 1949, Indonesia became legally independent from the Netherlands) |
| Chief of State/ Head of Government |
Chief of State: President MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri (since 23 July 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government |
| Currency | Indonesian rupiah |
| Time | GMT +7/+9 |
Did you know?
The Indonesian archipelago comprises more than 13,000 islands
One of the world’s biggest flowers, the Rafflesia Arnoldii, grows in Sumatra
Lake Toba in Sumatra is the largest lake in South East Asia
Gurung Leuser National Park is one of the largest National Parks in the world
Useful Numbers & Web Addresses
International dialing code: +62
Police tel: 110
Ambulance tel: 118
British Embassy: Jalan M H Thamrin 75, Jakarta 10310. Tel (21) 330 904
Embassy in UK: 38 Grosvenor Square, London W1X 9AD. Tel +44 (0) 20 7499 7661
01727 250250
Duration and Costs
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