Facts and stats about Indonesia

Indonesia is the biggest archipelago in the globe made up of five main islands and 30 other small atolls. It is nestled between the Indian and Pacific Oceans and connects the Australian and Asian Continents. The strategic position has shaped the socio-economic, cultural and political aspects of Indonesia. It used to be a Dutch colony and only attained its independence from the Netherlands in 1949. The Indonesian Government has to cope with vital issues such as human rights violations by the armed forces; implementation of reforms required by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the banking industry; bring about a transition from 40 years of authoritarianism to democracy; addressing separatist problems (Aceh and Irian Jaya); and, dealing with accusations of corruption and cronyism. International observers believe that Indonesia is a nation with many problems particularly majority of its citizens subsisting on below $2 every day. Malnutrition and child mortality rates are quite high. A big number of urban residents live in illegal settlements along the canals.