40 Interesting Indonesia Facts
Indonesia is known as one of the most popular destinations all around the world. Indonesia comprises with many islands, rich culture, stable tropical climate and beautiful natural beaches. With these 40 Interesting Indonesia Facts, you will learn more about its history, geography, people, economy, and culture.
1. The name “Indonesia” is derived from two words the Latin word Indus meaning “Indian” and the Greek word nesos meaning “island.”
2. Indonesia consists of more than 17,000 islands.
3. The largest island is Sumatra, which is still part of the Sunda Island.
4. Indonesia’s formal language is Bahasa.
5. Indonesia located in a region called “The Ring of Fire”, world’s greatest earthquake belt, named because is home to over 400+ active volcanoes.
6. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world according to WHO.
7. Indonesia is the biggest shovel importer in the world.
8. Indonesia is home to animal species such as Komodo dragons, Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhinoceros, and Orangutan.
9. The biggest flower in the world, Rafflesia Arnoldi, can be found in Indonesia.
10. Indonesia banned public kissing in 2004.
11. Homo sapiens arrived in the region of Indonesia nearby 45,000 years ago.
12. The national animal of Indonesia is the Komodo dragon.
13. Papua is home to more than half the animal and plant species in Indonesia, including more than 190 mammals, 550 breeding birds, and more than 2,000 types of orchids.
14. The Indonesian people are the shortest people in the world.
15. There is a volcano in Indonesia that ejects blue colored flames.
16. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population than any other country in the world.
17. Indonesia is the only nation with no language legacy.
18. There are 400 active volcanoes in Indonesia.
19. Krakatoa, a volcano in Indonesia, is the site of the largest volcanic eruption ever recorded on August 27, 1883.
20. Indonesia discovered 200 new species of animals in 2010.
21. The Javan rhino is an animal that lives only in Indonesia.
22. Indonesia is the third worst emitter of greenhouse gases in the world because of deforestation, peat land degradation, and forest fires.
23. The first European to visit Indonesia was Marco Polo in 1292.
24. One of the longest snake ever found with a length of 10 meters was discovered in Sulawesi, Indonesia in 1912.
25. Indonesia is the only Southeast Asian country to have been a member of OPEC, although it left the cartel in 2008 due to the decline in world oil prices.
26. Indonesia has the largest Chinese population in the world consisted of Hakka Chinese, Han Chinese, Wu Chinese etc.
27. At the top of the Indonesian volcano Kelimutu, there are three lakes situated, each lake periodically changes its color because of volcanic gases.
28. Indonesia ranks fourth among the most visited countries in the world.
29. Indonesia is also known as the most populous island nation in the world.
30. Borobudur (Buddhist temple) is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Indonesia.
31. Movies in cinemas and on television, never duplicated in the local language. Movies are shown in the original with Indonesian subtitles.
32. Indonesia has the second longest coastline in the world after Canada.
33. Indonesian President Suharto was the most corrupted leader, according to the 2004 Global Corruption Report.
34. The Grasberg mine located near Puncak Jaya is the largest gold mine in the world.
35. Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world.
36. Indonesia became the first developing country to run their own satellite after launching first ‘Palapa’ in July 1976.
37. Indonesia’s national dish is Nasi Campur.
38. The largest population center in the world without a metro train system that results in some of the worst traffic jams is in Jakarta, Indonesia.
39. The word “ketchup” comes from the Indonesian word “Kecap”, which means a sweet soy sauce.
