About
Sulawesi, historically known as Celebes, is one of Indonesia’s most distinctive and diverse islands. Its orchid-like shape and central location in the Indonesian archipelago make it both geographically and culturally unique.
Key Facts
- Location: Indonesia, part of the Greater Sunda Islands
- Area: ~174,416 km² (11th largest island in the world)
- Highest Point: Mount Latimojong (3,478 m)
- Population: ~20.5 million (2023 estimate)
- Largest City: Makassar (South Sulawesi, ~1.4 million people)
- Provinces: North Sulawesi, Gorontalo, Central Sulawesi, West Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi
Cultural Highlights
- Tana Toraja (South Sulawesi): Famous for elaborate funeral rituals, cliff-side burial sites, and traditional tongkonan houses. The Toraja culture blends ancient animistic traditions with Christianity.
- Ethnic Diversity: Home to groups like the Makassarese, Buginese, Minahasan, Torajan, Bajau (sea nomads), and many more. Each has distinct languages, traditions, and cuisines.
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