Bali - geographic and economy

Bali is one of the Lesser Sunda Islands and belongs to Indonesia. It inhabits more than 3.5 million people and is famous for its tourist sites, an interesting and special wildlife and for its arts and handicraft.

Bali is located between Lombok (east) and Java (west) and its capital is Denpasar. Its population consists of 88 % Balinese, 7 % Javanese and a small amount of Baliaga and Madurese. Its main practised religion is Balinese Hinduism, smaller groups adhere to Islam, Christianity and Buddhism. The official language is Indonesian, but most people are bilingual and speak Balinese as well. Bali is, for tourist reasons, the wealthiest part of Indonesia: tourism produces a large output since 30 years. But the biggest employer is agriculture: it includes crops as fruits, vegetables or coffee arabica and rice cultivations. There is also a significant number of fishers. As mentioned earlier, Bali is also famous for its artisans who produce batik and itak clothing and cloth as well as stone and wooden carvings. They are mainly manufactured as gifts for the tourists.