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Java

geography Maturity 5-7 Next article →

Java is a huge island in Southeast Asia. It is part of the country of Indonesia.

Java blank map
Java blank map

To the north, the Java Sea sits near the coast. To the south, the wide Indian Ocean begins. The island is the 13th largest in the whole world. It is also the most crowded island on Earth. Over 156 million people live there as of mid-2024. This is about 56% of all people in Indonesia. The capital city, Jakarta, sits on the northwest coast.

Jakarta
Jakarta

Many mountains form a long spine across the island. This spine runs from east to west.

Sumbing, Java
Sumbing, Java

Most of these mountains were made by volcanic eruptions. There are 112 volcanoes in total on the island. Out of these, 35 are active volcanoes. Mount Semeru is the highest peak in Java. Mount Merapi is the most active volcano there. These volcanoes make the soil very rich for farming. Farmers use the land to grow lots of rice. They also grow coffee on the Ijen Plateau.

Cymbidium dayanum Orchi 04
Cymbidium dayanum Orchi 04

Java has a very long and interesting history. Many famous events in Indonesia happened on this island. It was once the center of strong Hindu-Buddhist empires. Later, it was home to Islamic sultanates. The island was also a key part of the Dutch East Indies. During the 1930s and 1940s, Java was the center of the struggle for independence. People have lived here for a very long time. Scientists found fossils called "Java Man" near the Solo River.

Pithecanthropus erectus-PeterMaas Naturalis
Pithecanthropus erectus-PeterMaas Naturalis

These fossils are about 1.3 million years old.

Nature on the island is very diverse and colorful. You can find tropical rainforests and coastal mangrove forests.

Java-1934 -2
Java-1934 -2

There are also rocky cliffs along the southern coast. Many special animals live in these wild places. The Javan rhino is one of the rarest animals left. There are also over 450 types of birds. Some birds, like the Javan green magpie, live only here. Many people work hard to protect these animals in national parks. These parks help keep the island's wildlife safe.

Life on Java is full of different cultures and languages. Four main languages are spoken by the people. These are Javanese, Sundanese, Madurese, and Betawi. Most people also speak Indonesian, which is the official language.

Java languages
Java languages

People have many different religious beliefs and traditions. The island is divided into four provinces and two special regions. One special region is Yogyakarta. Another special region is the city of Jakarta.

Coat of arms of Jakarta
Coat of arms of Jakarta

This mix of people makes Java a very important place.

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🖼️ Images & Media (33)
File:Bromo yang menakjubkan.jpg
Bromo yang menakjubkan.jpg
File:COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM De weg van Buitenzorg naar de Preanger Regentschappen TMnr 3728-429c.jpg
COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM De weg van...
File:Cymbidium dayanum Orchi 04.jpg
Cymbidium dayanum Orchi 04.jpg
File:Java-1934 -2.jpg
Java-1934 -2.jpg
File:Pithecanthropus_erectus-PeterMaas_Naturalis.jpg
Pithecanthropus_erectus-PeterMaas_Naturalis.jpg
File:Ngandong 14. Homo erectus.jpg
Ngandong 14. Homo erectus.jpg
File:Sumbing, Java.jpg
Sumbing, Java.jpg
File:Borobudur-Temple-Park Indonesia Stupas-of-Borobudur-04.jpg
Borobudur-Temple-Park Indonesia...
File:COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Soendanese theepluksters TMnr 10011963.jpg
COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Soendanese...
File:The Allied Occupation of Java, 1945 SE4857.jpg
The Allied Occupation of Java, 1945 SE4857.jpg
File:Java blank map.svg
Java blank map.svg
File:Coat of arms of Banten.svg
Coat of arms of Banten.svg

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