The Republic of Indonesia is the largest archipelagic country in the world with more than 17,500 islands strung across the equator, dotting the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean between Asia and Australia. Although Indonesia is also the country with the largest Muslim population, it's not an Islamic nation, but a democratic one with the president directly elected by the people every five years.
Indonesia declared independence in 1945 after three-and-a-half centuries of Dutch occupation. Since then this nation has experienced tremendous growth in all sectors, boosted by its wealth in natural resources and the diversity of its people. One of the best known aspects of Indonesia has got to be the island of Bali — known for its beautiful landscape and shoreline, as well as for its arts and culture — which attracts millions of foreign tourists annually.
Jakarta is not only the nation's capital, but also the largest metropolitan in Indonesia. As of 2011, the country's total population is 245 million people — a kaleisdoscope of people who represent Indonesia's numerous ethnic, racial and language backgrounds. They are the embodiment of Indonesia's motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika”, which means “Unity in Diversity”.