Indonesia

Indonesia is a diverse archipelago nation in Southeast Asia, consisting of over 17,000 islands and home to over 270 million people. Its history dates back to ancient times, with influences from Indian, Chinese, and Islamic cultures shaping its development. The Dutch began colonizing Indonesia in the 17th century, ruling until World War II when Japan occupied the islands. Indonesia declared independence in 1945, leading to a war of independence that lasted until 1949. Sukarno became the first president, followed by Suharto, whose authoritarian regime ruled for over 30 years until 1998. Since then, Indonesia has transitioned to democracy, experiencing rapid economic growth and political reform. The country faces challenges such as ethnic and religious tensions, poverty, and environmental issues.