Interesting Facts about Indonesia - Fun Facts about Indonesia

Steeped in tradition, beliefs and history, Indonesia is a land of rapid economic and social change. Its national motto, ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’, which means, Unity in Diversity, stands true to its essence, since the country is home to a vast majority of diverse ethnicities. Here, you will find Indians, Singaporeans, Taiwanese, Indonesians, Australians and other local ethnic groups, living in harmony. Indonesia is one of the popular tourist destinations of the world, situated in Southeast Asia. Though not an Islamic state, it is dominated by Muslims and boasts of being the fourth most populous country of the world. Tourism comprises of one of the major industries of Indonesia, mainly owing to its vast coastline that offers the visitors some of the most magnificent beaches of the world. The tropical climate and rich cultural heritage of the country only add to its attraction. Amongst the most visited places in Indonesia is Bali. To know more fun and interesting facts about Indonesia, browse through the lines given below.

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Fast Facts

Continent: Asia

Area: 1,904,569 km²

Capital: Jakarta

Population: 237,424,363

Currency: Indonesian rupiah

Official Languages: Indonesian

Independence Day: August 17, 1945

Calling Code: 62

Type Of Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic

Interesting Facts About Indonesia

Indonesia is situated in Southeast Asia. It stretches from Sumatra in the west to Irian Jaya in the east.
The archipelago is roughly divided into Greater Sunda Islands, Smaller Sunda Islands and East Indonesia.
Indonesia is a republic, with an elected parliament and president. Its capital is Jakarta.
The biggest island in Indonesia is Sumatra, which is a part of the Greater Sunda Islands.
Of the ten largest islands in the world, three are located in Indonesia.
Indonesia is the fourth largest country of the world, in terms of population.
Indonesia is counted amongst the largest producers of nutmeg in the world.
The local name of Indonesia is ‘Tanah Air Kita’, which means Our Land and Water.
The national motto of Indonesia is ‘Unity in Diversity’.
Indonesia is the largest archipelago the world, comprising of five main islands - Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Irian Jaya.
Indonesia boasts of thousands of islands, out of which around six thousand are inhabited.
Did you know that Badminton and soccer were the two most popular sports in the country?
The English expression, ‘running amok’, comes from the Indonesian language.
Indonesia is home to some of the rarest creatures in the world, including miniature deer, fish that climb trees to catch insects and spiders that catch and devour small birds in giant webs.
There are many headhunters who are still active in the jungles of Indonesia.
Indonesia spreads over "Ring of Fire", situated in Western Pacific. It has over 400 active volcanoes and bears over 3 earthquakes per day.
Sumatra is the only place after Borneo, where one can see live, wild orangutans.
Java Island of Indonesia is one of the initial places in the world where ape-man lived. Even the skull of an ape-man was found buried in ice there.
The highest point in Indonesia, Puncak Jaya is situated in the highlands of Papua.
The world’s largest volcanic lake, Lake Toba, is located in Sumatra, Indonesia.
The islands of New Guinea and Borneo are amongst the largest islands in the world.
‘The Sangiran Early Man Site’, situated in Indonesia, has the status of a World Heritage Site and has served as home to around half of the world's hominid fossils.
Despite being well endowed with natural resources, most of the country’s population lives below poverty line.
Marco Polo was one of the first Europeans to visit Indonesia.
Indonesia is home to Komodo dragon (varanus komodoensis), the largest lizard in the world.
More than 700 dialects and languages are spoken in Indonesia.
The traditions and history of Bali is largely associated with the history and rituals of Hindus in India. Balinese people are major believers of the epic, ‘Ramayana’ and have their own version of this popular mythology.
Indonesia is the world’s most populous Islamic nation, with the Middle-Eastern countries coming second and third to this country.
Chilli, coconut milk, chicken and fishes are some of the most common ingredients in Indonesian cooking.

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