A Little About Indonesia
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/4/7/11472851/4244374.jpg?443)
Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia located between the Indian and Pacific Ocean. It is composed of thousands of islands (over 13,000) and within those islands, more than 300 different languages are spoken. Java is the most populated island containing the country’s capital, Jakarta. Bali is most known for its scenery and flourishing of Indonesian culture. The country of Indonesia is about 1,919,440 square kilometers in size with a population about 248,216,193 (July 2011 est.). Javanese is the most dominant ethnic group in the country, making up about 40% of the entire population. Despite having over 300 different languages, Indonesian is the official language of the country. Being located on the equator, Indonesia is known for its warm and humid climates and there are only two distinct seasons, the wet monsoon and the dry season.
Indonesia’s national slogan, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika or “Unity in Diversity” was used to promote cultural unity among the diverse cultures of Indonesia. The idea of unity and cooperation is seen expressed in many aspects of Indonesian culture such as in the arts and performances.
Indonesia’s national slogan, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika or “Unity in Diversity” was used to promote cultural unity among the diverse cultures of Indonesia. The idea of unity and cooperation is seen expressed in many aspects of Indonesian culture such as in the arts and performances.
Tectonic Plates: Earthquakes and Volcanoes!
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/4/7/11472851/6221105.jpg?439)
Being located between a few tectonic plates: the Eurasian Plate, Australian Plate, the Philippine Sea Plate, and the Pacific Plate; Indonesia has become the site of many earthquakes and active volcanoes. The Krakatoa and Tambora are names of some of the famous volcanoes whom are still active today.
Rainforests and Biodiversity
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/4/7/11472851/4944438.jpg?403)
Indonesia is also known for its tropical forests and animal biodiversity. There are about 242,163,274 acres of tropical forests which are home to thousands of species of animals such as pygmy elephants, rhinoceros and Sumatran tigers. Some species of animals such as the komodo dragons and orangutans can only be found in these forests. Despite such diversity, thousands of acres of land are being deforested for paper and palm oil, endangering many of these animals.