Indonesia is home to stunning natural landscapes, a rich and diverse culture, and over 17,000 individual islands. It can be a challenge to fully grasp the beauty and wonder of this vast archipelago, and it can leave your brain spinning!
Key Takeaways
- Indonesia is made up of countless diverse and colorful cultures
- It is home to the world's largest (and smelliest) flower, the Rafflesia Arnoldii
- Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world
- Over 700 different languages are spoken in Indonesia
- Indonesia has more active volcanoes than any other country in the world
- It's home to the infamous Komodo dragon
- Indonesia has the world's biggest gold mine
- You can find the most expensive coffee in Indonesia
Simply put, Indonesia's history, culture, and intrigue are as diverse as all the thousands of islands that make it up. And understanding the rich background of this country is a great way to elevate your mind and revamp your lifestyle.
Keep reading, and we'll share eight of the most interesting and thought-provoking facts about Indonesia!
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#1. You Can Find Countless Diverse Cultures In Indonesia
Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, which is a shocking fact in and of itself. Its thousands of islands span nearly 2 million square kilometers, or over 730,000 square miles, and have no shortage of diversity and intrigue.
It can be hard to grasp the true expanse of this engrossing country. However, because of its enormous expanse and unique geography, Indonesia isn't home to just one single culture.
In fact, all 17,000 islands of this archipelago have their own customs, traditions, and history. And because of that, there are seemingly countless cultures sprinkled across its lush and watery landscapes.
An Ancient Tradition That Has Stood The Test Of Time
Many cultural practices in Indonesia are the same no matter which island you step foot on. For example, Indonesian people, as a whole, are very family-oriented and rather religious.
In fact, there are six official religions in Indonesia, and it is the world's largest Muslim nation.
There are many other cultural traditions and practices that are popular here. The ancient Indonesian wellness custom of Jamu started around 2,000 years ago and has since spread across the globe.
The Power Of Jamu Living
The Jamu lifestyle is all about holistic healing, self-care, and community engagement. And particularly in today's modern world, finding ways to slow down and reconnect with oneself can be especially useful.
Jamu utilizes healthy living and healing in order to treat one's mind, body, and soul in an uplifting and engaging manner.
Timeless Living In A Modern World
Centuries-old customs and natural remedies have been passed down through generations and are still used today in many parts of the world.
Finding the right approach to health and wellness is what Jamu is all about. Natural elements and ingredients are the best way to treat your health right, no matter where you may be in life!
#2. Indonesia Is Home To The World's Largest Flower
Indonesia is a gorgeous place, full of white sand beaches, lush greenery, and ancient architecture. This expansive archipelago is located in southeast Asia and is created by thousands of individual islands.
Indonesia is amazingly intertwined with nature and has some of the most gorgeous landscapes. However, the stunning beaches and tourist-popular forests aren't the only things this archipelago has to offer.
Enormous Red Blossoms
The world's largest flower is found in Indonesia. The Rafflesia Arnoldii, otherwise known as the corpse flower, is found in many of Indonesia's beautiful rainforests and is indigenous to the island of Sumatra.
An individual Rafflesia can weigh up to 10 kg or 22 lbs. This intriguing flower only blooms once a year without any rhyme or reason and only stays in bloom for a couple of days on average.
If you happen to be visiting one of Indoneisa's many forests, keep an eye out for its red blossoms!
Known For More Than Its Size
However, this flower's scarlet hue might only be the second thing you notice. That's because you'll likely pick up on its pungent scent first.
In addition to being the largest flower worldwide, the Rafflesia has a rather unpleasant odor.
That's why its nickname is the corpse flower!
Many akin its smell to rotting meat, and it often attracts carrion flies, beetles, and other insects.
#3. It Is The Fourth Most Populous Country
Even though Indonesia is made up of countless islands, it still has enough room to house 270 million people.
Across its 17,000 islands, Indonesia is home to countless cultures and inhabitants that help make the diverse country what it is!
Indonesia currently stands as the fourth most populated country in the world. And its population is only projected to grow, potentially reaching 330 million by 2050.
Even though a family planning programme was implemented there in 1964, the population has only continued to increase.
The World's Largest "Young" Population
However, a huge amount of Indonesia's population is relatively young. In fact, the country has the world's biggest "young" population.
Only 8% of Indonesia's population is over the age of 60, while there are 165 million people in Indonesia that are under the age of 30.
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#4. There Are Over 700 Different Languages
Indonesia's unique geography has allowed each island of this vast archipelago to develop its own unique culture and customs. And because of that, many various languages have sprouted up across the country over time.
This country is a true melting pot of languages, and there are over 700 spoken across the country. For example, in just the Papua Province, there are 270 different dialects.
The Official Language Is Bahasa Indonesia
The official language of Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia, and it is widely spoken there.
Other common languages of Indonesia include Javanese, Sundanese, Madurese, Minangkabau, and Balinese.
#5. Indonesia Has No Shortage Of Impressive Volcanoes
Indonesia sits along the Ring of Fire, which outlines most of the Pacific Ocean and is the most seismically active area in the world. The world's largest earthquake belt stretches from Chile to Southeast Asia to Japan and has countless fault lines running up and down.
Because of its location, Indonesia is the hottest spot in the Ring of Fire.
It averages at least four small earthquakes daily, but that's not all this impressive archipelago has to offer.
An Earthquake And Volcano Rich Area
Indonesia boasts an impressive 130 active volcanoes, more than any other country in the world. And throughout history, we've seen the effects of these monster eruptions.
For example, in 1815, the eruption of Tambora caused the entirety of Europe to go without a summer in the year 1816. And then, in 1833, the eruption of Krakatau led to two severe tsunamis that killed around 40,000 people.
The Noisiest Neighbors In Indonesia
Because of Indonesia's growing population and high population density, many of the locals live insanely near active volcanoes and have gotten used to the frequent rumblings and grumblings of Mother Earth.
#6. You Can Find Dragons In Indonesia
Perhaps you thought dragons were only real in stories and medieval tales. Well, you thought wrong!
On Komodo Island in the Indonesian archipelago, you can find the infamous Komodo dragon, which is actually a part of the monitor lizard family. So, they are technically lizards and not dragons.
Indonesia is the only place where you can find Komodo dragons in nature, and you can often find them on the islands of Komodo and Rinca.
If You're Traveling To Indonesia, Beware!
This giant lizard is the largest of its species and grows up to 3 meters or 10 feet long and weighs up to 135 kg or 300 pounds.
However, their massive bodies and immense strength aren't the only ways they kill their prey. They also have a venomous bite and have even been known to attack humans (though instances are rare).
Be sure to keep your distance!
#7. Indonesia Is Home To The World's Largest Gold Mine
Everyone loves a little glimmer and glitter. And Indonesia houses the world's biggest gold mine.
Located in West Papua, the Grasberg Mine is known to be the largest gold reserve worldwide and is worth around $40 billion.
The Source Of Plenty Of Golden Bling
When Dutch colonists found bountiful copper deposits in the Jayawijaya Mountain glaciers in the mid-1930s, it wasn't known to be a gold-rich area. However, after the copper mine was exhausted in the mid-1980s, it was discovered that the mine had plenty of gold ore reserves to draw from.
Since then, this mine has been considered an amazingly lucrative gold producer.
And even though it sits on top of the Sudirman mountains at an elevation of 14,000 feet, it's still accessible by arranged tours.
#8. It's Where You Can Find Civet Coffee
Whether or not you're a coffee person, there's something intriguing about the idea of the world's most expensive coffee. And Indonesia is home to Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, which is the most expensive cup of Joe there is!
You'll Never Guess Where It Comes From...
What makes this coffee so unique is that it is made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by a small mammal known as a civet.
Asian Palm Civets are often fed coffee berries, and then their stomach enzymes are able to change the organic makeup of the beans, resulting in a smooth cup of coffee.
While this might not be your favorite way to take your coffee, it's interesting enough to make you want a sip!
Wrapping Up
There are so many fascinating facts about the vast country of Indonesia. However, understanding what makes this lush archipelago so unique is one way that you can feel closer to the world around you and your own way of living.
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