FAST FACT

Country

Bali is one of the thousands of islands that togethar constitute the Republic of Indonesia. Because of its unique features, Bali has become a primary destination for tourists from all over the world, who have chosen to travel to the Asian tropics.

Geographical
The province of Bali is situated between 8°03'40"-8°50'48" of the south latitude, and 114°25'53"- 115°42'40" of the east meridian. The west border is marked by Bali Strait, separating the island from Java Island and Java Sea while Lombok Strait lies along the eastern part of Bali, separating the island from Lombok island. Then the Indonesian Ocean and Java Sea each lies on the south and north of Bali. The mountain that stretches out from west to east uniquely divides the island into two. Two volcanoes stood tall as landmarks of Bali among the mountain range, namely Mount Batur (1,171m) and Mount Agung (3,140m).

Area
The island of Bali is approximately 153 km wide and 112 km north to south (95 by 69 miles, respectively), with a surface area of 5,632 km_^²

Population
Based on 2000 survey on Bali's population, the island had 3,146,999 citizens.

Capital
Denpasar.

People
Balinese (89%), Javanese (7%), Baliaga (1%), Madurese (1%).

Language
Balinese and Indonesian are the most widely spoken languages in Bali, and like most Indonesians, the vast majority of Balinese people are bilingual or trilingual. There are several indigenous Balinese languages, but most Balinese can also use the most widely spoken option: modern common Balinese. English is a common third language and the primary foreign language of many Balinese.

Religion
Unlike most of Muslim-majority Indonesia, about 93.18% of Bali's population adheres to Balinese Hinduism, formed as a combination of existing local beliefs and Hindu influences from mainland Southeast Asia and South Asia. Minority religions include Islam (4.79%), Christianity (1.38%), and Buddhism (0.64%). These official statistical figures do not include immigrants from other parts of Indonesia.

Government
Bali has eight districts collectively called Kabupatens, which comprise of Badung, Bangli, Buleleng, Gianyar, Jembrana, Karangasem, Klungkung, and Tabanan. Among all these districts, Badung is the most famous and highly populated one, with Despansar as its capital.

Climate
Bali has a climate that is tropical all year. The average temperature hovers around 30 degrees Celsius year-round. There are dry and wet seasons - dry from April to September and wet from October to March - but it can rain at any time of year and even during the wet season rain is likely to pass quickly. In general May to August are the best months in Bali. At that time of year the climate is likely to be cooler and the rains lightest.

Major Holidays
Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi, Saraswati, Pagerwesi

Economic Profile
Tourism is the economy's largest industry, agriculture is still the island's biggest employer[citation needed], most notably rice cultivation. Crops grown in smaller amounts include fruit, vegetables and other cash and subsistence crops.[citation needed] A significant number of Balinese are also fishermen. Bali is also famous for its artisans who produce batik and ikat cloth and clothing, wooden carvings, stone carvings and silverware.

Distance to Bali
From	km	miles
London, United Kingdom	12,486	7,759
Paris, France	12,387	7,697
Rome, Italy	11,690	7,264
Stockholm, Sweden	11,223	6,975
Berlin, Germany	11,553	7,179
Madrid, Spain	13,055	8,112
New York, USA	16,320	10.140
Los Angeles, USA	13,879	8,624
Vancouver, Canada	12,989	8,071

Currency
The unit of currency is Rupiah indicated as Rp. USD1 is roughly equivalent to Rp. 9,100,-. Foreign currency can be converted at banks and money changers.

Banking Hours
Most states: Mon - Fri: 8.00am to 5.00pm. Sat & Sun: Closed (Selected banks and branches are open on Sat).

Post Offices
Open from 8.00am to 5.00pm daily except the Saturday Open from 8.00am to 1.00pm, Sundays and public holidays.

Time
Six hours ahead of GMT and 15 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time.

Electricity
Voltage is 220 - 240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second.
Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets.

Weights and Measures
Indonesia follows the metric system in weights and measures.

Telephones
Local calls can be made from public phones using coins or pre-paid cards. International calls can be made from public phones with card phone facilities or at any Telkom office.

Accommodation
Bali has a wide range of accommodation at competitive rates. Five-star, medium range, budget hotels, youth hostels, beach chalets and timeshare apartments are just some of the types of accommodation available. Privately operated motor-homes are also available for rent.