Indonesia

Indonesia comprises 17 508 islands in southeast Asia, making it the world’s largest archipelago state. Having secured its independence from Japan after World War II, the Republic of Indonesia came to share its land borders with Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Malaysia. Other neighbouring countries include Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, and the Indian territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Prominent natural resources include petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, copper, coal, gold and silver.

Key facts about Indonesia

Full name:

Republic of Indonesia

Capital:

Jakarta

Population:

237 512 355 (July 2008 est.)

Area:

1 919 440 sq km

Monetary unit:

Indonesian rupiah (IDR)

Main exports:

Oil, gas, electrical appliances, plywood, textiles, rubber

Government:

Republic

Mineral regime

Mining is an exceptionally important industry in Indonesia. Some Indonesians are involved in small-scale forms of mineral extraction, such as traditional diamond mining. Kalimantan, in the Indonesian territory on the Island of Borneo, is the oldest known diamond producing area after India. Indonesia’s mining industry is heavily regulated at the central, provincial, regional and municipal levels.