Made up collectively of 17,508 islands, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world witha population of 220 million people, 300 ethnic groups and 583 languages and dialects living in relative harmony under a democratic government.

Indonesia contains some of the world's most beautful tourist spots with warm waters and abundant flora and fauna attracting visitors from every nation.

Economy

According to the World Bank, Indonesia had a GDP of US$257 billion in 2004, ahead of its regional neighbours Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

This made it the world's 22nd largest economy. The country is experiencing accelerating economic growth of approximately 5% per year, and most economists expect this to heat up in coming years to levels of 7 to 9%.

Overall, economic forecasts for the country are bright with Indonesia being called the next 'Global Tiger' in line after China and India. The country is a major exporter of natural gas, palm oil, rubber, coffee, spices, textiles, furniture and handicrafts.

Forecast

Over the past few years, Indonesia has quietly undergone a more fundamental political transition from autocracy to democracy than perhaps any other Asian country.

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