Geography
Indonesia, an archipelago nation, stretches across the equator and spans over 17,000 islands, making it the world’s largest island country. It is located in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The country’s vast expanse includes five main islands: Sumatra, Java, Borneo , Sulawesi, and New Guinea. Its diverse geography ranges from dense tropical rainforests, high volcanic mountains, to extensive coastlines and coral reefs. Indonesia’s strategic location on major sea lanes has historically made it a significant maritime hub.
History
The history of Indonesia is rich and complex, marked by the rise and fall of various kingdoms, the influence of Hindu and Buddhist cultures, and later, the spread of Islam. European colonialism began with the Portuguese in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch, who established the Dutch East Indies. The struggle for independence culminated in 1945 when Indonesia declared independence, leading to a four-year diplomatic, military, and social conflict with the Netherlands before full sovereignty was recognized in 1949.
Economy
Indonesia has Southeast Asia’s largest economy, driven by significant natural resources like oil, natural gas, tin, copper, and gold. Agriculture, particularly palm oil, rubber, and rice, plays a crucial role. The economy has been transitioning towards manufacturing and services, with sectors like textiles, footwear, electronics, and automotive industries growing. Despite economic growth, challenges include income inequality, corruption, and infrastructure deficits.
Politics
Indonesia is a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The president is both the head of state and government, elected for a five-year term with a maximum of two terms. The political landscape has been shaped by the transition from authoritarian rule under Suharto to a more democratic system since the late 1990s. Issues like decentralization, regional autonomy, and the management of ethnic and religious diversity continue to influence political dynamics.
Indonesia at the CIA World Factbook
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