Indonesia — 17,508 islands, 280 million inhabitants, world's largest Muslim democracy.
- Indonesia has 17,508 islands only 7000 inhabited. World's largest archipelago. Main: Java (60% population), Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, New Guinea.
- Indonesia is the 4th most populous country in the world (280 mn). 87% Muslims (220 mn) — most in the world.
- Borobudur — world's largest Buddhist temple UNESCO. 9th c., 504 Buddha statues, 2672 relief panels. Lost in jungle for 1000 years, discovered 1814.
- Indonesia has 130 active volcanoes (of 400). Krakatoa, Tambora (strongest eruption of modern times 1815), Anak Krakatau.
- Bali — Hindu deity island Only 4 mn inhabitants, 6 mn tourists annually. 20,000 temples. 95% of inhabitants are Hindu (vs 14% in all of Indonesia).
- Komodo — world's largest lizards (3 m, 70 kg). Only on 5 Indonesian islands. UNESCO. Eat deer + wild pigs.
- Indonesian is the simplest Asian language No declensions, tenses, genders. Easy to learn. Connects 700 local languages.
- Indonesia has 9 UNESCO sites Borobudur, Prambanan (Hindu temples 9th c.), Komodo NP, Ujung Kulon NP, Sangiran (Homo erectus).
- Vanilla from Java — world's most expensive spice (after saffron). 30% of global production. Price: $600/kg.
- Jakarta sinks 25 cm per year Capital will be underwater by 2050. Hence construction of new capital Nusantara on Borneo (started 2022).
Sources: Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Indonesia Ministry of Tourism, UNESCO World Heritage.