Comprising an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, a third of which are inhabited, the Republic of Indonesia has a total land area of almost two million square kilometers, stretching across three time zones from east to west, equivalent to the distance between London and the Ural Mountains in Russia.

The Indonesian archipelago has been an important trade region since at least the seventh century. Following three and a half centuries of Dutch colonialism, Indonesia secured its independence after World War II.

Indonesia's population of more than 235 million is the world's fourth largest, and represents more than 300 ethnic groups, societies and cultures, many of which predate recorded history. This rich cultural legacy combines to create one of the most fascinating and diverse countries on earth... a country that treasures its people and heritage under the national motto "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika"..."Unity in Diversity".