25 Amazing Facts about Indonesia

We learn so many things about each and every destination that we choose to visit. We are forever grateful and sharing these facts with our readers:

• Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, consisting of over 17,000 islands.

• It is the fourth most populous country in the world, with over 270 million people and it is home to the largest population of Muslims in the world (over 87% of all people in Indonesia identify as Muslims). Jakarta – the capital city, is one of the most populous urban areas in the world.

• The country is extremely biodiverse, hosting 10-15% of the world’s known plant, mammal, and bird species.

• Komodo Island is famous for being the home of the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard.

• Indonesia has the second-highest level of biodiversity in the world, after Brazil.

• It is the only place in the world where you can find the Rafflesia arnoldii, the world’s largest flower.

• Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of palm oil, used in various industries from food to cosmetics.

• The island of Bali is renowned for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife.

• The Borobudur Temple in Central Java is the largest Buddhist temple in the world.

• Indonesia is one of the world’s leading producers of coffee, with Sumatra and Java being famous for their beans.

• It is home to some of the world’s most diverse cuisines, including rendang, nasi goreng, and satay.

• The country has a rich cultural heritage, with hundreds of distinct ethnic groups and languages.

• The orangutan, found in the jungles of Borneo and Sumatra, is one of Indonesia’s most iconic animals.

• Indonesia has some of the world’s best diving spots, including Raja Ampat and Bunaken Marine Park.

• The traditional Indonesian puppet theatre, known as Wayang, is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

• The country has a thriving batik industry, with intricate patterns and designs originating from different regions.

• Indonesia’s national motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,” means “Unity in Diversity” in Sanskrit.

• It is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and is classified as a newly industrialized country.

• Indonesia has the third-largest area of rainforest in the world, after Brazil and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

• The country has a vast array of ethnic dances, with each region having its own unique style.

• The Javanese language, spoken primarily on the island of Java, is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages.

• Indonesia has a rich history of traditional medicine, including Jamu, a herbal concoction used for various ailments.
• Gili Islands off of the costa of Lombok (Gili Air, Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno)does not have any motor transport except for electric scooters, horse+carriage and bicycles.
• There are over 400 volcanoes in Indonesia and 100 of them are still active (including Krakatoa, which famously erupted in 1883)!
• There are over 600 ethnic groups in the country- because of this- There are an astounding 300 local languages and over 500 dialects spoken across Indonesia.
  

These are just a few fascinating facts about Indonesia, a country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. We keep exploring this vast and beautiful country and will keep adding more facts as we go.