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Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia (Indonesian: Republik Indonesia), is a nation of about 17,500 islands in South East Asia, and the world's largest archipelagic state. With a population of over 200 million, it is the world's fourth most populous country and the most populous Muslim-majority nation. Indonesia is a liberal democracy, with an elected parliament and president. The nation's capital city is Jakarta. The country shares land borders with Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Malaysia and by sea Indonesia neighbours Singapore, The Philippines and Australia.
The Indonesian archipelago, home of the Spice Islands, has been an important trade destination since at least the time of the Srivijaya Kingdom with whom seventh century Chinese sailors traded. Indonesia's history has been influenced by numerous foreign powers that were drawn to the archipelago by its wealth of natural resources; these have included Indians, under whose influence Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms flourished beginning in the early centuries CE, Muslim traders who spread Islam from the thirteenth century, and Europeans who fought for monopolization of the spice trade during the European Age of Exploration. A Dutch colonial presence existed in Indonesia for over three centuries; however, Indonesian independence was declared in 1945, which received official international recognition four years later. Indonesia's post-independence history has been turbulent with elements of separatism and corruption, periods of rapid economic growth and decline, natural disasters, and a democratization process since 1998.
Indonesia is a unitary state consisting of numerous distinct ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups spread across its numerous islands that have not always been united. However, a history of colonialism and rebellion against it, a national language, and a Muslim-majority population have helped to define Indonesia as a state and nation. Indonesia's national motto, "Bhinneka tunggal ika" ("Unity in diversity", derived from Old Javanese), reflects the amalgamation of a myriad cultures, languages, and ethnic groups that shape every aspect of the country. Sectarian tensions and separatism, however, have threatened political stability in some regions, leading to violent confrontations. With its massive population, parts of Indonesia are among the most densely populated in the world, yet despite such pressures, it has vast areas of wilderness that support the world's second highest level of biodiversity. The country is richly endowed with natural resources, yet poverty and immense inequality of wealth are defining features of contemporary Indonesia.
Indonesia has around three hundred ethnic groups, each with cultural differences that have shifted over the centuries. Modern-day Indonesian culture is a fusion of this diversity. Indonesia has also imported cultural aspects from Arabic, Chinese, Malay and European sources.
Traditional Javanese and Balinese dances, for example, contain aspects of Hindu culture and mythology as does the Javanese and Balinese wayang kulit ("shadow puppet") shows, depicting mythological events. Cloth such as batik, ikat and songket are created across Indonesia with different areas having different styles and specializations. The most dominant influences on Indonesian architecture have traditionally been Indian; however, Chinese, Arab, and European architectural influences have been significant. Pencak Silat is a unique martial art originating from the archipelago.
A selection of Indonesian food including Soto Ayam (chicken noodle soup), sate kerang (shellfish sate), telor pindang (preserved eggs), perkedel (fritter), and es teh manis (ice tea).Derived from centuries of exchange with Chinese, European, Middle Eastern and Indian influences, Indonesia has developed its own distinctive cuisine, which varies across its regions. Rice is the staple food of most Indonesian dishes and is served with several side dishes of meat and/or vegetables. In comparison to the infused flavors of Vietnamese and Thai food, flavors in Indonesia are kept relatively separate, simple and substantial. Spices, notably chili, and coconut milk are fundamental ingredients, as are fish and chicken, although red meat tends to be expensive.
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