The floating emerald islands of the Indonesian archipelago have, for centuries, been a magnet to a diverse range of people. Chinese and Indian traders, European colonisers, proselytising missionaries, wayward adventurers, mining companies, intrepid travellers and package tourists have all, at one time or another, been attracted by its sandalwood and spices breezes, its Bali Hai lifestyle and its magnificent beaches, mountains and volcanoes.

But another frequent visitor to Indonesia is the war correspondent covering the latest uprising, coup, terrorist attack or riot. The myth of a paradisical country blessed with natural resources is often put to the test by deep racial divides, religious warring, high-handed autocracy, government corruption, economic mismanagment and natural disasters. The latest round of sectarian violence and military muscle-flexing has made Indonesia a problematic destination for most western travellers.

Full name : Republic of Indonesia
Capital : Jakarta (pop 9.3 million)
Area : 1,904,570 sq km
Population : 245 million
People : There are 365 ethnic and tribal groups. The principal ones are Acehnese, Bataks, Minangkabaus (Sumatra); Javanese, Sundanese (Java); Balinese (Bali); Sasaks (Lombok); and Dani (Irian Jaya)
Language : Bahasa Indonesia (plus 583 dialects), English
Religion : 87% Muslim, 9% Christian, 2% Hindu, Buddhist
Government : Military-ruled republic, presidential system
President : Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

GDP : US$869.7 billion
GDP per head : US$3,600
Growth rate : 5.6%
Inflation rate : 10.5%
Major industries : Oil, gas, textiles, timber, coffee, rubber, coal, tin, copper, rice, pepper, palm oil
Trading partners : Japan, USA, Singapore