Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago state, consisting of about 12000-15000 islands stretching from mainland South-East Asia in an arc down to Papua New Guinea and the Australian continent. It has a coastline of about 80,000 kms. The islands range from small, uninhabited islands a few square kilometers in size to New Guinea and Borneo, which are one of the largest islands in the world. The main islands are Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan (on Borneo), Sulawesi, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku and Iran Jaya (on New Guinea).

Most of Indonesia consists of rain forest and swampy land, with very little land for agriculture. The distinctive feature of Indonesia's highlands is a string of volcanoes stretching in an arc throughout the islands, many of which are active.

Although the Island of Bali is world-renowned as an idyllic tourist spot, there are a lot of areas in Indonesia that remain untouched by mass tourism. Unfortunately, the country has been troubled by internal strife, secessionist movements and more recently, devastating terrorist attacks, and some areas are not safe to travel.

Indonesia achieved independence from the Netherlands in 1949. Post independence, the country has seen decades of an authoritarian government, corruption and military excesses and gross violations of human rights. The economy still does not inspire investor confidence.

Important Destinations In Indonesia

Bali

Banda Islands

Irian Jaya

Lombok

Sumatra

Yogyakarta