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INDONESIAThe 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 movement in Papua. WHEN TO GO The best time to visit Indonesia is during the "dry season" between May and October when it is hot but less humid than the rest of the year. The wet season is from November to March. Consider air conditioning a must no matter when you decide to visit. FACTS ABOUT INDONESIA - Location: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean
- Geographic coordinates: 5 00 S, 120 00 E
- Area: 1,919,440 sq km
- Coastline: 54,716 km
- Max elevation: Puncak Jaya 5,030 m
- Population: 237,512,355
- Capital: Jakarta
- Government: Republic
- Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
- Internet Country Code: .id
- Calling Code: 62
- Ethnic groups: Javanese 40.6%, Sundanese 15%, Madurese 3.3%, Minangkabau 2.7%, Betawi 2.4%, Bugis 2.4%, Banten 2%, Banjar 1.7%, other or unspecified 29.9%
- Languages: Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch, local dialects (the most widely spoken of which is Javanese)
- Religions: Muslim 86.1%, Protestant 5.7%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 1.8%, other or unspecified 3.4%
- Major Industries: petroleum and natural gas, textiles, apparel, footwear, mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood, rubber, food, tourism
- Natural resources: petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silver
- Environmental issues: deforestation; water pollution from industrial wastes, sewage; air pollution in urban areas; smoke and haze from forest fires
- Climate: tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands
- Average sea surface temp: 28 °C
- Average annual rainfall: Varies from 1800 mm to 3700 mm
- Annual tourist arrivals: 5.51 million
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