Indonesia is an archipelago nation comprised of over 18,000 counted islands. Spanning just over 1.9 million square kilometres (735,358 sq. mi), it is the largest and most diverse archipelago on the planet. Many of the islands remain uninhabited, with most of the population living on the larger islands of Java, Kalimantan (Borneo), Irian Jaya (Papua), Sumatra and Sulawesi. These larger islands are quite mountainous, with some peaks exceeding 12,000ft (3657m). The highest elevations are found on Irian Jaya in the east, with the highest peak, Puncak Jaya, reaching 16,502ft (5030m).
Puncak Jaya was not always the highest peak in Indonesia. It was previously exceeded by Mount Tambora, an active stratovolcano whose eruption in 1815 was the largest in recorded history. Situated along the Ring of Fire, Indonesia has approximately 400 volcanoes, with at least 90 remaining active in some way. In addition to its mountainous landscape, many of the Indonesian islands are covered with thick tropical rainforests that give way to coastal plains.
Indonesia has a number of significant rivers such as the Digul, Hari, Barito, Kapuas, Kampar, Musi and Kayan. There are also a number of relatively small inland lakes.
Capital city: Jakarta
Highest Point: Puncak Jaya (16,024ft / 4884m)
Lowest Point: Indian Ocean (0ft / 0m)
Land Area: 699,450 sq. mi (1,811,569 sq. km)
Water Area: 35,907 sq. mi (93,000 sq. km)
Total Area: 735,358 sq. mi (1,904,569 sq. km)
Coastline: 33,999 miles (54,716 km)
Bordering countries (3) Timor-Leste, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea
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