Indonesia: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Indonesia 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Indonesia: 80
  • Happiness Score Indonesia:5.568

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Indonesia. ID.

    Indonesia is a diverse country with a population of over 270 million people, making it the fourth most populous country in the world. It has a unitary presidential republic political structure and is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music and dance, batik textiles, and diverse cuisine. Indonesia is also a major player in the global economy, with its large and growing manufacturing and service sectors, as well as significant natural resources such as oil, gas, and coal.

  • Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands, making it the largest archipelago in the world.
  • It is home to the world’s largest Muslim population.
  • The country has a high level of biodiversity, with a wide range of unique plant and animal species, including the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan.
  • Comprehensive Overview of Indonesia

    Early History

    The Indonesian archipelago has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of early human migration and settlements dating back tens of thousands of years. The area witnessed the rise of various ancient civilizations, including the Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms of Mataram, Srivijaya, and Majapahit, which left behind impressive cultural and architectural legacies.

    Kingdoms and Empires

    Throughout its history, Indonesia has been home to numerous powerful kingdoms and empires. The Srivijaya maritime empire controlled the Strait of Malacca trade route from the 7th to the 13th century, while the Majapahit empire dominated much of the archipelago in the 13th to 15th centuries. The influence of these kingdoms left a lasting cultural and religious imprint on the region.

    Colonial Period

    The Dutch East India Company established a presence in Indonesia in the early 17th century, gradually expanding their control over the archipelago. By the 19th century, the Dutch had consolidated their rule, forming the Dutch East Indies. The colonial period was marked by economic exploitation, resistance movements, and the introduction of new administrative systems.

    Independence and Modern Era

    Indonesia declared its independence in 1945 after years of struggle against Dutch colonial rule. The country faced challenges, including an armed conflict with the Dutch, internal conflicts, and the 32-year authoritarian rule of President Suharto. Since the fall of Suharto in 1998, Indonesia has transitioned to a vibrant democracy, with regular elections and a decentralized government structure.

    Current Political Situation

    Indonesia is a presidential, constitutional republic with a directly elected president and a bicameral legislature. The current president is Joko Widodo, who was re-elected in 2019. Indonesia has a multi-party system, with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Golkar Party being among the largest political parties.

    International Relations

    Indonesia plays an active role in regional and global affairs. It is a founding member of ASEAN and has strengthened its ties with neighboring countries through initiatives like the ASEAN Economic Community. Indonesia also maintains close relations with major powers like the United States, China, and Japan, while engaging in multilateral forums like the G20 and the United Nations.

    Human Development and Economy

    Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and a member of the G20. Its main industries include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and services. Despite steady economic growth, Indonesia still faces challenges in reducing poverty and income inequality. The country has made progress in improving education and healthcare but lags behind in some human development indicators.

    Cultural Highlights

    Indonesia is a diverse nation with over 300 ethnic groups and 700 languages. The predominant religion is Islam, but Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity also have significant followings. Indonesian culture is a rich tapestry of traditions, arts, and cuisine, with influences from various civilizations that have shaped the archipelago over centuries.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    Indonesia faces challenges such as corruption, poverty, environmental degradation, and infrastructure deficiencies. However, its young population, growing middle class, and abundant natural resources present opportunities for sustainable development, economic growth, and enhanced regional and global influence.

Main facts

Location

Indonesia is a vast archipelagic country located in Southeast Asia, situated between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It stretches along the equator, spanning more than 17,000 islands, including the major islands of Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Borneo (shared with Malaysia and Brunei), and New Guinea (shared with Papua New Guinea). Indonesia is surrounded by the South China Sea, the Java Sea, the Celebes Sea, and the Arafura Sea.

Map References

Indonesia is located in the Southeast Asia region and is part of the Malay Archipelago.

Area – Comparative

With a total area of approximately 1,904,569 square kilometers (735,358 square miles), Indonesia is slightly less than three times the size of the U.S. state of Texas.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Indonesia shares land borders with three countries:

Coastline

Indonesia has a coastline stretching over 92,000 kilometers (57,000 miles), making it the second-longest coastline in the world after Canada. The archipelago’s strategic location along major maritime trade routes has contributed to its historical significance.

Maritime Claims

Indonesia claims the following maritime zones:

  • Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
  • Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
  • Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate

Indonesia has a tropical, hot, and humid climate, with rainfall occurring throughout the year. The western islands experience a wet season from October to April, while the eastern regions have a dry season from May to September. Temperatures are generally warm, ranging from 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F).

Terrain

Indonesia’s diverse terrain includes coastal lowlands, vast interior valleys, and scattered high mountain ranges. The major mountain ranges are the Barisan mountains on Sumatra, the Muller and Jayawijaya ranges on New Guinea, and various volcanic peaks on Java and other islands.

Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Indonesia is Puncak Jaya (also known as Carstensz Pyramid) on the island of New Guinea, reaching 4,884 meters (16,024 feet) above sea level. The lowest point is the Java Sea at 0 meters.

Natural Resources

Indonesia is rich in natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, tin, copper, gold, nickel, bauxite, coal, and agricultural resources such as rubber, palm oil, coffee, tea, and spices.

Major Bodies of Water

Indonesia’s major bodies of water include:

Natural Hazards

Indonesia is prone to several natural hazards, including:

  • Earthquakes and volcanic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire
  • Tsunamis, particularly in coastal areas
  • Flooding and landslides, especially during the rainy season
  • Occasional droughts and forest fires

Geography – Notes

Indonesia’s unique geography as an archipelagic nation has shaped its culture, economy, and history. The country’s strategic location along major maritime trade routes has made it a significant player in regional and global affairs. However, its diverse terrain and natural hazards also pose challenges for development and infrastructure. Environmental issues, such as deforestation, urbanization, and pollution, are ongoing concerns in managing Indonesia’s rich natural resources sustainably.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 49.90%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 563,325. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 31.50%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  -0.789275113.921327.
  • Capital: The capital of Indonesia is  Jakarta
  • Major Cities:
    • Jakarta – Population: 10,562,088
    • Surabaya – Population: 2,843,144
    • Bandung – Population: 2,394,873
    • Medan – Population: 2,097,610
    • Semarang – Population: 1,555,984
  • Population: 270,203,917
  • Area(Km2): 1904569
  • Population Density( P/Km²):151. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:62
  • Official Language(s):Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia, 100%.
  • Currency: IDR

Main Economic Indicators

Indonesia has a market-based economy in which the government plays a significant role. It is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and is classified as a newly industrialized country. Key economic challenges include reducing high unemployment, alleviating poverty, and addressing infrastructure deficiencies. Notable economic policies include tax reforms, efforts to improve the investment climate, and programs to accelerate infrastructure development.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 1.6% (Source: Statistics Indonesia)
2020: 1.7% (Source: Statistics Indonesia)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: BBB (Stable)
Moody’s: Baa2 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BBB (Positive)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 12.7%
Industry: 39.7%
Services: 43.6%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Palm oil, rice, rubber, poultry, coffee, cocoa, tea, cassava, peanuts, beef

Industrial Products: Petroleum and natural gas, textiles, automotive, electrical appliances, apparel, footwear, mining, cement, medical instruments and appliances, handicrafts, chemical fertilizers, plywood, rubber

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 137.6 million (2021 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 4th in the world

Current Account Balance

2021: -$4.37 billion (0.3% of GDP)
2020: -$4.73 billion (-0.4% of GDP)
Comparative Ranking: 163rd in the world (2021 est.)

Exports and Imports

Exports (2021): $232.8 billion
Key Export Partners: China, United States, Japan, Singapore, India
Main Export Commodities: Coal, palm oil, natural gas, machinery, rubber, jewelry, vehicles, electrical equipment

Imports (2021): $196.6 billion
Key Import Partners: China, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, United States
Main Import Commodities: Machinery, refined petroleum, electrical equipment, iron and steel, plastics, vehicles

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves (December 2022): $137.2 billion
Gold Reserves (December 2022): 96.1 metric tons

  • GDP (Current US$):$1,119,190,780,753. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 10.20%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 30.10%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.63. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.48. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 4.69%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Indonesian(s)
Adjective: Indonesian

2. Ethnic Groups

– Javanese (40.1%)
– Sundanese (15.5%)
– Malay (3.7%)
– Batak (3.6%)
– Madurese (3.3%)
– Betawi (2.9%)
– Minangkabau (2.7%)
– Buginese (2.7%)
– Bantenese (2.1%)
– Others (23.4%)

3. Religions

– Islam (87.2%)
– Protestant (7%)
– Catholic (2.9%)
– Hindu (1.7%)
– Other (0.9%)
– Unspecified (0.4%)

4. Age Structure

– 0-14 years: 24.22%
– 15-64 years: 67.67%
– 65 years and over: 8.11%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total: 48.1
Youth: 36.4
Elderly: 11.7

6. Median Age

Total: 31.4 years
Males: 30.9 years
Females: 32 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

– Obesity rate: 6.9%
– Alcohol consumption: 0.8 liters per capita per year
– Tobacco use: 67.4% of adult males, 2.8% of adult females

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 71.5. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 94.10%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:18.07. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:10. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 2.31. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 78.8%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 151,509,724. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):48.30%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Indonesia’s military consists of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), with three main branches: the Army (TNI-AD), Navy (TNI-AL), and Air Force (TNI-AU). The TNI also includes the Indonesian Marine Corps (Korps Marinir) under the Navy. There are special forces units like the Army’s elite Kopassus (Special Forces Command) and the Detachment 88 anti-terrorism unit. The Indonesian National Police (Polri) is responsible for internal security and law enforcement.

Military Expenditures

Indonesia’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 0.8%
  • 2021: 0.7%
  • 2020: 0.8%
  • 2019: 0.8%
  • 2018: 0.8%

Indonesia ranks 22nd globally in terms of military expenditure.

Personnel Strengths

The total active-duty military personnel in Indonesia is 395,500, with the following breakdown:

  • Army: 280,000
  • Navy: 65,000
  • Air Force: 30,000
  • Marine Corps: 20,500

Additionally, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) has a strength of 430,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Indonesia’s military hardware includes domestically produced and imported equipment, such as:

  • Main Battle Tanks: Leopard 2, AMX-13
  • Armored Personnel Carriers: Anoa, Marder
  • Artillery: G5 howitzers, Astros II MLRS
  • Combat Aircraft: F-16 Fighting Falcon, Su-27/30 Flanker, KAI T-50 Golden Eagle
  • Naval Vessels: Sigma-class corvettes, Chang Bogo-class submarines

Indonesia is pursuing military modernization programs, including the acquisition of new fighter jets, submarines, and surface combatants.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service in Indonesia is voluntary, with the age range for enlistment being 18-23 years. There is currently no mandatory military service obligation.

Military Deployments

Indonesia has the following major overseas military deployments:

  • UN Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL): 1,044 personnel
  • UN Interim Force in Abyei (UNISFA): 686 personnel
  • UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA): 628 personnel

Indonesia also contributes personnel to other UN missions and regional security operations.

Strategic Military Notes

Indonesia’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining territorial integrity and sovereignty, particularly in the strategic Malacca Strait and surrounding maritime regions. The military plays a role in counter-terrorism, disaster relief, and regional security efforts. Indonesia is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and participates in multilateral security dialogues and exercises. The country has defense partnerships with major powers like the United States, Russia, and China.

  • Armed Forces Size: 395000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.43
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 67.50%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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