Indonesia

As a country, Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, comprising some 17,000 islands that form an arc-like shape between the Indian Ocean and China Sea. It is the fourth most populous nation fostering more than 270 million inhabitants, home to some 200 million Muslims (more than all the Middle Eastern Arab states combined) and is South East Asia’s biggest economy.

Colonised by the Dutch in the 17th Century, Indonesia was brought under one government known as the Dutch East Indies. It was further occupied by the Japanese in 1942 and later gained independence from the Dutch in 1949. It has since then gone through further spots of turmoil: guerilla warfare and a failed coup in the ’60s, a bomb attack on Kuta beach in 2002 and an earthquake in 2004 (with its dangerous tsunami) to name some. 

Indonesia is a special place to visit, its unique geography has afforded each island its own customs and culture. A must-see destination for tourists, there is so much to explore. If volcanos, jungles and wildlife are your thing you are in the right place. Alternatively, if you enjoy drinks by the pool, getting pampered with exceptional Balinese massages and going for strolls on beaches with exfoliating black lava sand, you are also in the right place.

Indonesia Facts:

• Capital: Jakarta
• Population: +270 Million
• Currency: Rupiah ($1 USD = 16,086 IDR) See Xe for current exchange rates.
• National Dish: Nasi goreng (fried rice)
• Dialing Code: +62
• Famous for its prized Kopi luwak (the world’s most expensive coffee – collected and produced from partially digested coffee beans of the Civet Cat).