|
Republic of Indonesia is constituting most of the Malay Archipelago. Indonesia is the worlds fourth most populous country after China, India, and
the United States. More than half the people live on Java, where Jakarta, Indonesia's capital and largest city, is located. Although the islands are home
to more than 100 ethnic groups, most Indonesians are of mixed Malay origins and practice Islam.
Several of Indonesias islands hosted powerful
trading kingdoms between the 5th and 16th centuries ad. The Dutch took control
of the islands in the early 1600s and for three centuries profited from Indonesias economy, largely at the expense of the
local population. Dutch authority over the islands peaked in the early 20th century before growing Indonesian nationalism
led to an armed struggle and the declaration of the Republic of Indonesia in 1945. The country enjoyed tremendous economic
growth in the 1980s and much of the 1990s, partly due to Indonesias abundant natural resources and increases in the manufacturing
and services sectors. As a result, Indonesias middle class grew considerably, but poverty remained widespread. Indonesia plunged
into an economic crisis in 1997 that led to significant political changes, including the resignation of President Suharto,
who had been in office for more than 30 years. Democratic elections held in 1999 and 2004 installed new governments.
For further information on Indonesia you may
download related topics below:
Indonesian Land and Resources
People of Indonesia
Indonesian Arts and Cultures
History of Indonesia
|
