Are you planning a tropical getaway to the beautiful paradise and picturesque islands of Indonesia? 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
- Diverse Cultures
- Home to the World’s Largest Flower
- Fourth Most Populous Country
- Over 700 Different Languages
- Many Active Volcanoes
- Komodo Dragons
- Home to the World’s Largest Gold Mine
- Civet Coffee
Keep reading, and we'll share 8 of the most interesting and thought-provoking facts about Indonesia.
See Related: The Best Foods to Eat When You're Sick
#1. Diverse Cultures
Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, 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.
Each island has its own customs, traditions, and history. Because of that, there are seemingly countless cultures sprinkled across its lush and watery landscapes.
Many cultural practices in the Republic of Indonesia are the same regardless of which island you step foot on. For example, Indonesian people generally are very family-oriented and rather religious. Central Java is even home to the world's largest Buddhist temple.
In fact, there are six official religions in Indonesia, and the most dominant religion is Islam.
There are many other popular cultural traditions and practices here, including the ancient customs of jamu. The jamu lifestyle is all about wellness practices, healing self-care, and community engagement. Jamu utilizes healthy living in order to treat one's mind, body, and soul in an uplifting and engaging manner.
#2. Home to the World’s Largest Flower
The Indonesian islands are a gorgeous place, full of white sand beaches, lush greenery, natural resources, and ancient architecture. This expansive archipelago is located in southeast Asia and is created by thousands of individual islands. And carefully hidden away on these beautiful islands is the world's largest flower.
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. A single Rafflesia Arnoldii can weigh up to 22 lbs (10 kg). This bright red flower only blooms once a year and only stays in bloom for a couple of days.
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. That's because, 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. Fourth Largest Population
Indonesia is home to 270 million people. 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. 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.
Bonus: 4 Magical Benefits Clove Oil Can Offer Your Skin
#4. Over 700 Different Languages
Indonesia's unique geography has allowed each island of this vast archipelago to develop its own unique culture and customs. Because of that, many various languages have sprouted up across the country over time.
This country is a true melting pot of languages, and over 700 are spoken across the country. For example, in just the Papua Province, there are 270 different dialects.
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. Many Active 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. 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. Indonesia boasts an impressive 130 active volcanoes, more than any other country in the world.
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. However, this amount of active volcanoes could spell disaster in the future in terms of natural disasters.
#6. Komodo Dragons
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 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. This giant lizard is the largest of its species and can weigh up to 300 lbs (135 kg). However, their massive bodies and immense strength aren't the only ways they kill their prey. They also have a venomous bite!
#7. Home to the World’s Largest Gold Mine
Indonesia is home to 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.
During the Dutch colonial era, bountiful copper deposits were found in the Jayawijaya Mountain glaciers. However, after the copper mine was exhausted in the mid-1980s, it was discovered that the mine had plenty of gold ore reserves.
#8. Civet Coffee
Whether or not you're a coffee person, there's something intriguing about the idea of the world's most expensive coffee. Indonesia is home to Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, which is the most expensive cup o' Joe!
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.
See Related: How To Pack Your Skincare Products For Travel
--
Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with Western skincare science, creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
