Background:

The world's largest archipelago, Indonesia achieved independence from the Netherlands in 1949.  The archipelago of 17,000 islands (6,000 inhabited) straddles the Equator between the Indian and Pacific Ocean.  Indonesia is perhaps the most diverse artistically inspired country in the world.  Bali, the single Hindu island in the archipelago, has long been recognized for its beauty and talented artisans who have built thousands of temples on this small island.  Batik is produced throughout Indonesia. Other craft forms include Javanese puppet plays, music, wood carving, painting, and dance. 

• Industries: gas, textiles, apparel, mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood, rubber, food, tourism
• Imports: machinery, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs
• Exports: oil and gas, electrical appliances, plywood, textiles, rubber

Geography:

• Area: total:1,919,440 sq km: water: 93,000 sq km, land: 1,826,440 sq km
• Borders: East Timor, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea
• Climate: tropical; hot, humid
• Terrain: coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountains

• Population: 231,328,092
• Ethnic Groups: Javanese 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, coastal Malays 7.5%, other 26%
• Religions: Muslim 88%, Protestant 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%, Buddhist 1%, other 1%

• Indonesian Culture
• Indonesian Tourism Board
• Travel, Art and History
• Bali Resource Site