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Indonesia

Indonesia is a sovereign country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, made up of thousands of islands between the Indian and Pacific oceans.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Indonesia is a sovereign country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, made up of thousands of islands between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It is the world's largest archipelagic state and has one of the largest populations and economies in Southeast Asia.

Geography

Indonesia is an archipelago of roughly 17,000 islands, making it the world's largest archipelagic state. Major islands include Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, and Papua. Its territory crosses the equator and spans both Asia and Oceania.

Government and administration

Indonesia is a presidential republic with an elected legislature. It is divided into 38 provinces, some of which have special autonomy arrangements.

Population and languages

Indonesia has a population of about 275 million (2025 estimate), making it the fourth-most populous country in the world and the most populous in Southeast Asia. It is ethnically diverse, with hundreds of local languages spoken alongside the official language, Indonesian. Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country.

Economy

Indonesia has one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia and is a major emerging market. Its economic importance is tied to its size, population, and strategic maritime location.

Key facts

  • Indonesia is the world's largest archipelagic state with roughly 17,000 islands.
  • It is the fourth-most populous country and the most populous in Southeast Asia.
  • Indonesia is a presidential republic with an elected legislature.
  • Jakarta is the capital and largest city.
  • Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country.
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Canadian context

Indonesia matters to Canadian readers through trade, travel, climate, and Indo-Pacific geopolitics; Canada and Indonesia also interact in regional diplomacy and development cooperation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Indonesia?
The capital of Indonesia is Jakarta.
How many islands does Indonesia have?
Indonesia is commonly described as having about 17,000 islands, though counts vary by source.
What is Indonesia’s official language?
The official language is Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia).
Is Indonesia a Muslim-majority country?
Yes. Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country.
What kind of government does Indonesia have?
Indonesia is a presidential republic with an elected legislature.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Indonesia
    Supports: General description, location, population ranking, archipelagic nature
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesia
    Supports: Official name, capital, area, provinces, government type
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-14921238
    Supports: Capital, area, population, languages, Muslim population, diversity
  4. The World Factbook — https://www.theworldfactbook.org/country/indonesia.html
    Supports: Population estimate, area, location, demographic and political overview
  5. Kids World Travel Guide — https://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/indonesia-facts.html
    Supports: Official name, capital, government, language, currency, independence date
  6. USINDO — https://www.usindo.org/information-on-u-s-and-indonesia/about-indonesia/
    Supports: Population, archipelago, Muslim-majority status, economy, strategic location
  7. Government of Singapore — https://www.eyeonasia.gov.sg/asean-countries/know/overview-of-asean-countries/indonesia-a-country-profile/
    Supports: Official name, capital, provinces, population, language, currency