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Sulawesi
Overview
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Geography
Previously known as Celebes, Indonesia's fourth largest island, Sulawesi, lies in the middle of the Malay archipelago between Kalimantan and Maluku. It shares a common border with the Philippines to the north. Covering 189,216 square kilometers, Sulawesi is the most mountainous of Indonesia's islands, boasting a string of volcanoes, some of which are still active. In addition to its forests and coastal areas, the island is home to a striking diversity of plant and animal life. In fact, of the 127 mammal species found on the island, 79 are not found anywhere else in the world, and 19 of the species are endangered. Sulawesi is comprised of five separate provinces: South Sulawesi (capital Makassar), North Sulawesi (capital Menado), Gorontalo (capital: Gorontalo), Central Sulawesi, (capital Palu) and Southeast Sulawesi, (capital Kendari). South Sulawesi is the largest province in Sulawesi while North Sulawesi is the smallest.
Sulawesi is comprised of four separate peninsula provinces: South Sulawesi (capital Ujungpandang), North Sulawesi (capital Menado), Central Sulawesi, (capital Palu) and Southeast Sulawesi, (capital Kendari). South Sulawesi is the largest province in Sulawesi while North Sulawesi is the smallest.
Population
As of 1990, Sulawesi's inhabitants numbered 12,521,000. South Sulawesi has the highest population concentration of the Sulawesian provinces with 7 million. Sulawesi is home to a number of ethnic groups including Bugis, Makasarese and Mandarese of the southern coasts, the Toraja of the highlands, and the Minahasans of the north.
Approximately 80% of Sulawesi's population practices Islam, 17% practice Christianity, and a small group practice traditional religions. The majority of Christians are located in the north, as well as in the district of Poso, Central Sulawesi. The Muslim population dominates the central, southeast, and southern provinces.
Economy
Sulawesi’s primary agricultural staples include coconuts, clove, nutmeg, soybeans, coffee, rice, cocoa, and cattle. Fisheries are also an abundant resource and Sulawesi is beginning to expand its coastal shrimp and fish ponds. Sulawesi’s economy also relies on an increasing tourism industry.
History
Originally known as Celebes, the island’s first contact with European traders occurred in the 16th century, when the Spanish and Portuguese broached the region and brought Christianity. It was the Dutch, however, who made Christianity predominant in North and Central Sulawesi.
In 1960, under Sukarno, Sulawesi was divided into the North and South provinces. Four years later, two more provinces were created as Central Sulawesi was separated from North Sulawesi, and Southeast Sulawesi was separated from South Sulawesi.
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