North Sumatra

North Sumatra (Sumatera Utara) is a province located in the northern part of the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is the fourth most populous province in the country, with a population of over 13 million people. The capital of North Sumatra is Medan, which is also the largest city in the province.

Geography

North Sumatra is bordered by the Malacca Strait to the north, Riau province to the east, West Sumatra province to the south, and the Indian Ocean to the west. The province covers an area of approximately 72,981 square kilometers, making it the fifth largest province in Indonesia.

History

The history of North Sumatra is closely tied to the Kingdom of Srivijaya, a maritime empire that flourished from the 7th to the 13th century. The region was later controlled by the Aceh Sultanate until the arrival of the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. North Sumatra became a part of the Dutch East Indies and remained under Dutch control until Indonesia's independence in 1945.

Economy

The economy of North Sumatra is diverse, with key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and tourism. The province is a major producer of palm oil, rubber, and tobacco in Indonesia. In addition, North Sumatra is home to several large manufacturing plants and has significant mineral resources, including gold, silver, copper, and coal.

Culture

The culture of North Sumatra is a blend of indigenous traditions and influences from Malay, Indian, and Dutch cultures. The province is known for its traditional Batak music and dance, as well as its rich culinary tradition, which includes dishes such as soto Medan, rendang, and gulai.

See also

• List of provinces of Indonesia
• History of Indonesia
• Culture of Indonesia