Indonesia

The Dutch began to colonize Indonesia in the early 17th century; the islands were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia declared its independence after Japan's surrender, but it required four years of intermittent negotiations, recurring hostilities, and UN mediation before the Netherlands agreed to relinquish its colony. Indonesia is the world's largest archipelagic state and home to the world's largest Muslim population. Current issues include: alleviating poverty, preventing terrorism, consolidating democracy after four decades of authoritarianism, implementing financial sector reforms, stemming corruption, holding the military and police accountable for human rights violations, and controlling avian influenza. In 2005, Indonesia reached a historic peace agreement with armed separatists in Aceh, which led to democratic elections in December 2006. Indonesia continues to face a low intensity separatist guerilla movement in Papua.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 234,693,997 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Indonesian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Indonesian

Official Language(s): Bahasa

Major Languages Spoken: Bahasa, Dutch, English, Indonesian, Malay, Tetum

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Indonesia

Country Name (short form): Indonesia

Country Name (local long form): Republik Indonesia

Country Name (local short form): Indonesia

Name of Capital: Jakarta

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time); note: Indonesia is divided into three

Countries Near by, and Bordering Indonesia: Malaysia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Australia, Christmas Island, East Timor

Land Area: 1826440 sq km

Water Area: 93000 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Total Land Boundry: 2,830 km

Coastline: 54,716 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 17 August (1945)

International Phone Code: 62

Currency Code: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)

Internet Country Code: .id

US Embassy Location: Jalan 1 Medan Merdeka Selatan 4-5, Jakarta 10110

US Embassy Mailing Address: Unit 8129, Box 1, FPO AP 96520