Indonesia

Indonesia

Located in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is the largest archipelagic nation (i.e., one consisting entirely of island groups), the fourth most-populous nation (211.7 million in 2002, according to the World Bank), the third largest electoral democracy, and the most populous predominantly Muslim nation (Muslims make up approximately 88% of the population) in the world. There are 400 volcanoes across the country, about 100 of which are deemed to be currently active.

The single fact linking the very diverse territories that make up Indonesia is that they were all part of the Netherlands' East Indies colony. Nationalism began to grow on an Indies-wide basis in the second quarter of the twentieth century, and out of these religiously, ethnically, and linguistically diverse areas, a single nation was born. Independence was proclaimed at the end of World War II, on August 17, 1945, by Sukarno (also Soekarno; 1901–1970)—who, like many Indonesians, used only one name—however, the Indonesians were forced to fight against and negotiate with the Dutch for four years before independence was finally secured in December 1949.

From 1945 to 1959, Indonesia was led by President Sukarno, in conjunction with various prime ministers arising out of Indonesia's parliament. The first nationwide elections were held only in 1955, and a nominated parliament operated prior to the elections.

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