Interesting Facts About Indonesia

Indonesia, a country that barely gained its independence in 1949, is unfortunately a place that is remembered for its complex political structure. However, when we put all these temporary negativities aside, we come across a place like heaven. Moreover, the geography of Indonesia is a paradise not only for people but also for nature, because there are countless plants and animals living in the region.

Indonesia, the largest island country in the world, has been the target of many colonialists as well as local people throughout its history. These bad times have actually made a great contribution to the culture of the country. Moreover, a large part of this culture is still preserved today and introduced to the public through touristic activities. Let’s not go too far and take a closer look at interesting facts about Indonesia, many of which you will hear for the first time.

Interesting facts about Indonesia:

• Indonesia consists of thousands of islands.
• The youngest population in the world lives in Indonesia.
• Hundreds of different languages ​​and dialects are spoken in the country.
• Indonesia is the last home of endangered animals.
• Every point of the islands is in danger of earthquakes and volcanoes.
• If you go to Indonesia, you can meet the descendants of the bounty hunters.
• It is the first developing country to operate its own domestic satellite system.
• Indonesia still practices a primitive capital punishment.
• You must have encountered the capital of the country on Instagram.

Indonesia consists of thousands of islands:

With a surface area of ​​1,904,569 square meters at the intersection of the Indian and Pacific oceans, Indonesia is the world’s 14th largest country but the world’s largest island country. Because this country is made up of islands. Indonesia, which is also the most populous Muslim country in the world with a population of 270 million, consists of 17,504 islands. Of course, some of these islands are submerged from time to time due to changes in sea level. The island of Java, the capital of the country, is the most populated island in the world, home to more than half of the population.

The youngest population in the world lives in Indonesia:

Indonesia is a very populous country with a population of 270 million. Interestingly, 165 million of the country’s population, or more than half of its population, are young people under the age of 30. Only 8 percent of the country’s population is over the age of 60. Although family planning studies have been carried out recently, it cannot be said that it does not work very well. If it continues like this, the Indonesian population will soon surpass the population of the US, which is a much larger country.

Hundreds of different languages ​​and dialects are spoken in the country:

We have said that Indonesia has a very rich cultural diversity. We understand this best from the diversity of languages ​​and dialects spoken in the country. Although the official language of the country is Bahasa Indonesia, it is known that there are more than 700 languages ​​and dialects spoken on the islands. Interestingly, 270 of these languages ​​and dialects are spoken only in the state of Papua.

Indonesia is the last home of endangered animals:

Interestingly, Indonesia accounts for only 1 percent of the world’s land area, but 10 percent of all known plant species in the world, 12 percent of all mammals and 17 percent of all birds live here. Moreover, these are not ordinary, endangered animals. The last examples of numerous species such as the Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhinoceros, komodo dragon, orangutan, anoa, and wild peacock are found in this geography. The world’s largest flower, which can reach 9 meters in length and 10 kilograms in weight, called the corpse lily due to its terrible smell, is also found in these lands.

Every point of the islands is in danger of earthquakes and volcanoes:

Unfortunately, we often hear the name of Indonesia with tsunami disasters. Actually, this is normal because this is the world’s largest seismic belt, called the Pacific Ring of Fire, stretching from Chile to Southeast Asia. At the same time, there are 130 active volcanoes in the country. In Indonesia, which is the most active seismic area in the world, at least four earthquakes, small and large, occur every day. These tremors also bring tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

Of course, the biggest reason why tsunamis are so effective is that the country consists of islands. However, interestingly, the world’s highest island peak at 4884 meters is also located here. As an effect of volcanoes, the world’s largest volcanic lake is also located here. Lake Toba is exactly 500 meters deep, 100 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide. It is estimated that this lake was formed by a volcanic eruption that took place 70,000 years ago and destroyed all life.

If you go to Indonesia you can meet the descendants of the bounty hunters:

At the center of Lake Toba is an island called Pulau Samosir. This place is frequented by tourists, but what makes it attractive is not its geographical features, but its history; because here lives a tribe called the Bataklar, who used to be bounty hunters. If you go to the island today, you can meet the grandchildren of the tribe that once hunted bounties and visit the ancient ruins. More interestingly, you can even spot one of these people’s ancestral heads, which he still keeps as a trophy.

Indonesia is home to the world’s largest buddhist temple:

Yes, Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, but Buddhism, the previous religion of the society, still has its influence. Borobudur Temple, thought to have been built in the 9th century, is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. There are 1460 reliefs and 504 Buddha statues of different sizes on the walls of the temple. Borobudur Temple has not only architectural but also religious significance. People of the Buddhist faith come to this temple for pilgrimage.

It is the first developing country to operate its own domestic satellite system:

Indonesia is a strange country. While some of them are struggling with hunger, some of them are staring into space. Developing countries generally use satellites operated by sovereign state companies, with Indonesia being the first to change this. With the Palapa communications satellite system launched on July 8, 1976 by the Indosat company, which was established by the USA but then transferred to local authorities, Indonesia became the world’s first developing country to operate its own satellite system.

Indonesia still practices a primitive capital punishment:

Although it is discussed, the death penalty is still applied in many countries, especially in the USA, Indonesia is one of them. The death penalty is mostly used for crimes such as drug trafficking and murder. The execution of this punishment is carried out with a very primitive method. Criminals who have been sentenced to death in Indonesia since 1964 are blindfolded and shot in front of a firing squad.

You must have encountered the capital of the country on Instagram:

Indonesia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and we can tell by just looking at social media. Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is the 8th most shared Asian city on Instagram. Of course, the 9 million population living in the city has an effect on this, but we cannot ignore the countless tourists who visit the city every year.

We tried to get to know this extraordinary country better by mentioning some interesting information about Indonesia, which is the largest island country in the world and has unique geographical features, some of which you have heard for the first time. You can share your thoughts about Indonesia in the comments.