Indonesia

Indonesia is an independent republic consisting of more than 17,500 islands spread over 3,400 miles along the Equator. The main islands are Java, Sumatra, Bali, Kalimantan (Borneo), Sulawesi (Celebes), Papua, Halmahera, and Seram. The capital city of Jakarta is located on the north coast of western Java, the most populated island. The country has approximately 251million people representing more than 300 ethnic groups.

Indonesia's geographic location on the "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin. As well as its topography make the country prone to natural disasters, especially seismic upheaval. Indonesia is a developing country with a growing economy and many infrastructural shortcomings, especially in rural areas. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Indonesia for additional information on U.S.- Indonesiarelations.