Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. It Consits of five major islands, Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua and about 30 small group of islands, a total more than 17.508 islands.Stretching 3.200 miles (5.120 km) from east to west, it straddles the equator between the Australia and Asia Continents. The fourth largest population in the world, Indonesians number 220 milion and are basically of Malay and Polynesian stock comprising of 480 ethnic groups and subgroups having their own traditions. Early immigrants from the Indian sub-continent China, the Arab peninsula and Persia have left their mark on culture and religion followed by influences of Portuguesem Spanish, English and Dutch trades and invanders.
The Indonesian constitution allows freedom of religion in a predominantly Moslem Country and the state's "Unity in Diversity" is a symbol of the coexistence of the many cultures unified in one nation. Those diverse cultures have given Indonesia a rich heritage of traditions and art resulting in festivies throughout the year in different parts of the country, which are also closely related to religion, particularly om the island of Bali.
Indonesian, using romanised script, is the national language and English is spoken in the main cities and tourist areas. Indonesia has two seasons, the dry season from June to October and the rainy season from November to March. There are occasional showers during the transitional periods and the general maximum temperature is 33 C (62 F) and the general minimum 21C (41 F). Humidity is high at all times. As some events are based on cosmology or traditional beliefs, dates may vary, although every effort is made to provide correct information.
Events in open air also influenced by weather conditions. Therefore, reconfirmation before is recommended.
