Indonesia otherwise known as Republic of Indonesia means India Islands.
Indonesia is made up of a group of many islands, 17,508 islands in fact, between the Indian and Pacific Ocean.
It declared its independence from Dutch rule and the Japanese invasion of World War 2 on 17 August 1945. The capital of Indonesia is Jakata which is located in Bali.
Indonesia is a culture-rich country situated in Southeast Asia. It's the home of colourful native costumes and diverse heritage and a popular tourist attraction.
It has many volcanoes and it frequently experience earthquakes and tsunamis but is the home of heavenly beaches and resorts.
Popular destinations include Baliem Valley home of the Dani warriors, Borobudur temple, Bunaken where people enjoy scuba diving and other water-related fun, Lake Toba a volcanic lake and Mount Bromo a real live volcano.
Its main exports are Crude Oil and gas, plywood, textiles, rubber and palm oil.
Indonesia
About Indonesia
National Olympic Committee
Sports
The most popular sports in Indonesia are badminton and football.
Traditional sports include sepak takraw, and bull racing in Madura.
Bali also made history and hosted the first ever Asian Beach Games in October 2008.
Climate
There are two discernible seasons in Indonesia: the dry season, which extends from June to October, and the rainy season, which lasts from November to March, both are hot.
The coastal regions, however, are often cool, and in the mountains the air is often chilly.
The climate of Indonesia is determined partly by its island structure and its position astride the Equator, which assure high, even temperatures.
In addition, its location between the two landmasses of Asia and Australia exposes it to seasonal patterns of precipitation brought by monsoon winds.
Religion
Muslim make up 86.1%, Protestant 5.7%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 1.8%, other or unspecified 3.4%
Culture
The most famous of Indonesia's islands is the exotic Bali, known for its captivating art and temples, but there are also untold natural and cultural wonders on the much larger islands of Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and in Irian Jaya.
The most dominant influences on Indonesian architecture have traditionally been Indian; however, Chinese, Arab, and European architectural influences have been significant.
Indonesian cuisine varies by region and is based on Chinese, European, Middle Eastern, and Indian precedents. Rice is the main staple food and is served with side dishes of meat and vegetables. Spices (notably chili), coconut milk, fish and chicken are fundamental ingredients.