East anD SOUTHEAST ASIA INDONESIA

Indonesia is an extraordinary nation that exists in 17,508 bits. There are that many islands in the 3,000 mile-long Indonesian archipelago and on those islands live nearly 240 million people who are members of over 300 ethnic groups. Indonesia is the most populous nation in Southeast Asia, the world's fourth most populous nation, and, with approximately 85% of Indonesians practicing Islam, the world's most populous majority-Muslim nation (though its government remains consciously secular). Despite the many logistical nightmares inherent in keeping such a multifaceted nation afloat, Indonesia is publicly proud of its diversity. What's Indonesia's national motto?: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika! That means "Unity in Diversity," or "many, yet one."    

Has Indonesia lived up to this motto? There has been no shortage of political and ethnic turmoil in Indonesia over the years. (That is a very generous way to say it. Surely those who endured Indonesia's brutal occupation of East Timor would take a more abrupt tone.) Not an expert in Indonesian history? All Around This World's Indonesia overview page briefly introduces you to Sukarno's “guided democracy” and Suharto the “good saver."