Geography of Indonesia

Summary

Explore Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, home to over 270 million people. Learn about its tropical climate, natural hazards like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and its growing economy. Discover the diverse landscape, with high mountain ranges and active volcanoes, and how Indonesia’s population is set to rise. The country’s economy, driven by agriculture, industry, and services, has seen significant growth, though challenges like corruption remain. From the bustling city of Jakarta to the island paradises, Indonesia offers a dynamic blend of culture, nature, and economic development.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world with 273 million inhabitants.
• 🌍 Java, the largest island, is home to more than half of Indonesia's population.
• 🏙 Jakarta, the capital city, is the largest metropolitan area in Southeast Asia with 36 million people.
• 🌴 Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago with around 15,000 islands.
• 🌞 The country experiences a tropical climate due to its location along the equator, with year-round warm temperatures and abundant rainfall.
• ⛰ Indonesia has many mountain ranges, with the highest peak, Pungkang Jaya, reaching 4,884 meters.
• 🌋 Indonesia is located along tectonic plate boundaries, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• 💥 Indonesia experiences frequent earthquakes, including a magnitude 9.2 earthquake in 2004, which triggered a devastating tsunami.
• 📉 Indonesia's economy saw significant growth between 2001-2011, but in 2020, it fell back to a lower-middle-income country status due to a decline in GDP per capita.
• 🌾 Agriculture is vital to Indonesia's economy, with 29% of the workforce employed in this sector, although it contributes only 13% to total income.

Q & A

What is the population of Indonesia, and where does it rank globally?

Indonesia has a population of 273 million, making it the fourth most populous country in the world.

Which island in Indonesia is home to more than half of the country's population?

The island of Java is home to more than half of Indonesia's population.

What is the estimated population of Jakarta's metropolitan area?

The metropolitan area of Jakarta has an estimated population of 36 million, making it the biggest city in Southeast Asia.

How many islands make up Indonesia, and what makes it unique?

Indonesia consists of around 15,000 islands, making it the largest archipelago in the world.

What causes Indonesia's tropical climate?

Indonesia's tropical climate is primarily due to its location along the equator, with warm sea water maintaining fairly constant temperatures year-round.

What are the typical temperatures like in Indonesia's mountains?

In the mountains of Indonesia, temperatures are lower compared to the lowlands, due to their higher altitudes.

How often does Indonesia experience earthquakes, and what was the most famous earthquake in recent history?

On average, Indonesia experiences a magnitude 7 earthquake each year, with numerous smaller ones daily. The most famous earthquake was the 2004 earthquake with a magnitude of 9.2, which caused a devastating tsunami.

How many active volcanoes does Indonesia have, and what are some of the most catastrophic eruptions in history?

Indonesia has between 100 and 150 active volcanoes. The eruptions of Tambora in 1815 and Krakatoa in 1883 are among the most catastrophic, killing over 100,000 people.

What is the trend of Indonesia's GDP per capita from 2001 to 2019, and what caused a drop in 2020?

From 2001 to 2011, Indonesia's GDP per capita rose from 750 to 3,600 USD. By 2019, it reached 4,100 USD. However, in 2020, it decreased to 3,800 USD, which changed its status back to a lower-middle-income country.

What are Indonesia's main exports, and where are most of them directed?

Indonesia's main exports include mineral products like coal (22%) and animal and vegetable byproducts like palm oil (12%). Around 70% of these exports are directed to Asia, with only 12% going to North America and 11% to Europe.

What is a major challenge to Indonesia's economic growth, and how does it impact the country?

Corruption is a major constraint to Indonesia's economic growth. In 2020, Indonesia scored 37 out of 100 on the corruption index, ranking it 102nd out of 180 countries.

How is Indonesia's population expected to change in the next 50 years?

Indonesia's population is expected to grow from 270 million to nearly 340 million in the next 50 years, primarily due to a high birth rate.

What cultural factor contributes to the high birth rate in some regions of Indonesia?

Child marriages are very common in some regions, which partly contribute to the high birth rate in Indonesia, with one in nine women married before the age of 18.

What will be the future demographic trend in Indonesia's population pyramid?

In the future, the younger age groups in Indonesia will become smaller, while the elderly population will grow.