IndonesiaIndonesia is a beautiful country with astonishing simplicity, but what really makes it up? In this essay you will learn everything from Indonesian government to etiquette, history to clothing, land to traditions and everything in between. At the beginning of the 17th century, the Dutch began to colonize the country of Indonesia. After the surrender of Japan, Indonesia declared its independence on August 7, 1945 and on December 27, 1949 it was recognized as independent by the Netherlands. After decades of restrictions, free and fair legislative elections were held in 1999 (CIA). Indonesia is now the world's third most populous democracy, the world's largest state surrounded by water, and is also home to the world's largest Muslim population. Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia and is surrounded by the Indian Ocean as well as the Indian Ocean. Pacific Ocean. Indonesia has a total area of ​​1,904,569 square kilometers and is less than three times the size of Texas (CIA). The climate is hot and humid; however, more temperate in the highlands. Some natural hazards include severe droughts, occasional floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires and the risk of volcanic eruptions. Indonesia has the largest number of volcanoes in the world. Approximately 76 volcanoes are historically active and considerable volcanic activity occurs in Java, West Sumatra, on the islands of Halmahera, Sangihe and Sulawesi. The total population of Indonesia is 248,845,008 people with a population growth rate of 103% per year. This population is made up of many diverse ethnic groups, such as the Javanese, who make up the majority of the population. Sundanese, Madurese, Minangkabau, Betawi, Bugis, Banten and Banjar are others...... middle of paper ......4 Indian Ocean Tsunami. " Do Something. Np, nd Web. February 23, 2013. Indian Ocean tsunami >. “Clothing in Indonesia.” Kidcyber, December 2011. Web, February 23, 2013. www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/tripIndcloth. htm> "Indonesia: Government". Edge Np, nd Web, February 23, 2013. globaledge.msu.edu/countries/indonesia/government> “Indonesia Timeline, nd Web, February 23, 2013. destination/indonesia/ history-timeline>. “Timeline and facts of Indonesian history”, Np, February 23, 2013. “Traditions of Indonesia Wikimedia Foundation”, February 14, 2013. Web.. 2013. .