The world’s most populous island may be smaller than the UK but it has a huge population of 154 million people.
Java, an island between Sumatra and Bali, is home to more than half of Indonesia’s population.
The island is approximately 138,794 square kilometers (53,588 square miles) in area, making it the 13th largest island in the world.
It means the island alone has more people than some of the world’s most populated countries, including Russia (estimated to be 143.96 million as of 2022).
The population of Java’s capital Jakarta, which is also the capital of Indonesia, is more than 30 million.
The island averages more than 2,600 persons per square mile, most people live in the central and eastern portions of Java.
Java’s population is so insanely high due to high agricultural productitivity. The land here is very fertile due and the weather is consistent with rice culture.
Rice farming in particular has contributed to the island’s population growth, with the island being incredibly famous for its rice surpluses and rice exports since ancient times
Indonesia is the third largest producer of rice in the world and also one of the largest consumers of rice in the world.
Despite the crowded major cities, it’s also home to amazing volcanoes that are out of this world including Mount Bromo and and Mount Ijen.
There are also incredible temples and breathtaking landscapes.
It is the perfect place for backpackers on a budget as here you can eat, sleep and see the major tourist sites for £15 and even then you might still have some change.
Two star hotels on average range from £5–£14 per night and three star hotels will set you back £15–£26 per night.
While trains cost anywhere between £3-£11.
Apart from this, the island has a rich history with evidence of ancient kingdoms, such as the Tarumanagara, Sailendra, and Majapahit empires, which had significant influence in Southeast Asia.
It is also home to numerous cultural and historical sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Borobudur and Prambanan temples.
Java is the centre of government and commerce for Indonesia and is made up of four provinces: Banten, West Java, Central Java, and East Java.
