West Sumatra
Encyclopedia : W : WE : WES : West Sumatra
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| Motto: Tuah Sakato (Minangkabau, "United Prosperity") | |
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| Capital | Padang |
| Government - Governor - Vice governor | Gamawan Fauzi Marlis Rahman |
| Area - % Maritime | 42,297.30 km² 2.59% |
| Population - Total (2000) - Density | 4,248,931 99/km² |
| Ethnic groups | Minangkabau (88%), Mentawai (1.5%) |
| Language | Minangkabau, Indonesian, Mentawai |
| Religion | Islam (98%), Christian (1.6%), Hindu (0.0032%), Buddhism (0.26%) |
| Time zone | WIB (UTC+7) |
| Coordinates - Latitude - Longitude | 0°54'N to 3°30'S 98°36'E to 101°53'E |
| Elevation - Highest point - Lowest point | 2,912 m (Mount Talakmau) 0 m |
| Web site | [www.sumbarprov.go.id] |
West Sumatra (Indonesian: Sumatra Barat, abbreviated to Sumbar) is a province of Indonesia. It lies on the west coast of the island Sumatra, and borders the provinces of North Sumatra (Sumatera Utara) to the north, Riau and Jambi to the east, and Bengkulu to the southeast. It includes the Mentawai Islands off the coast. The capital of the province is Padang.
Geography
West Sumatra lies in the middle of the western coast of Sumatra, and has an area of 42,297.30 km². Geographic features include plains, mountainous volcanic highlands formed by the Barisan mountain range that runs from north-west to south-east, and an offshore island archipelago called the Mentawai Islands. The West Sumatran coastline faces the Indian Ocean and stretches 375 km from North Sumatra province in the north-west to Bengkulu in the south-east. The lakes of West Sumatra include: Maninjau (99.5 km²), Singkarak (130.1 km²), Diatas (31.5 km²), Dibawah (14.0 km²), Talang (5.0 km²). The rivers of West Sumatra include: Kuranji, Anai, Ombilin, Suliki, Arau. The mountains & volcanoes of West Sumatra include: Marapi (2,891 m), Sago (2,271 m), Singgalang (2,877 m), Talakmau (2,912 m), Talang (2,572 m), Tandikat (2,438 m).Flora and fauna
The province includes large areas of dense tropical forest, which is home to a host of species including: Rafflesia arnoldii (world's largest flower), Sumatran Tiger, Siamang, Malayan tapir, Sumatran Serow, Rusa Deer, Malayan Sun Bear, Clouded Leopard, and many birds and butterflies.The province includes two National Parks: Siberut National Park and Kerinci Seblat National Park, as well as a number of nature reserves: Rimbo Panti Nature Reserve, Batang Palupuh Nature Reserve, Lembah Anai Nature Reserve, Lembah Harau Nature Reserve, Bung Hatta Grand Forest Park, Beringin Sakti Nature Reserve.
- For more details on this topic, see .
Transport
The province is served by the newly-opened Minangkabau International Airport, 23 km north-west of Padang in Ketaping, Padang Pariaman regency.Significant roads include the Trans-Sumatran Highway which runs through the province and heads north-west towards Medan and south-east towards Jakarta, the road between Padang and Bukittinggi, and the road between Bukittinggi and Pekanbaru. The provincial government plans to upgrade the later two roads over the next few years to improve traffic flows [link].
Regular bus services run between Padang and Bukittinggi, and other major cities of Sumatra. Other public transport options within the province include oplet, taxi and horse cart (bendi).
The Teluk Bayur port in Padang is the largest and busiest on the western coast of Sumatra. It is used for exporting goods from West Sumatra as well as from some areas of the neighboring provinces.
Administrative areas
West Sumatera consists of the following cities :
While the regencies are:- Agam
- Dharmasraya
- Mentawai Islands (Kepulauan Mentawai)
- Limapuluh Koto
- Padang Pariaman
- Pasaman
- Pasaman Barat
- Pesisir Selatan
- Sawahlunto Sijunjung
- Solok
- Solok Selatan
- Tanah Datar
Culture
The Minangkabau people of Sumatra, Indonesia inhabit the area of West Sumatra province. They are predominantly Muslim, and they have a reputation throughout Indonesia as traders. They are generally polite and welcome tourists and other travellers.Tourism
The prime tourist attractions of West Sumatra are the natural environment, and the culture and history of the Minangkabau and Mentawai people.Natural attractions of the mainland include the tropical forests, mountains, volcanos, lakes, valleys, rivers & waterfalls in the highlands, the fauna and flora, and the beaches around Padang. Many areas are protected as part of National Parks and Reserves.
The city of Bukittinggi is a popular central location in the highlands from which to explore the culture and history of the Minangkabau people, including architecture, crafts, dances, music and food. There are a number of museums and cultural centers.
The Mentawai Islands are a popular destination for surfers and those looking to experience the culture and more primitive lifestyle of the Mentawai people.
References
See also
- Minangkabau ethnic group
- Mentawai ethnic group
External links
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Cities: Bukittinggi | Padang | Padang Panjang | Pariaman | Payakumbuh | Sawahlunto | Solok Regencies: Agam | Dharmasraya | Limapuluh Koto | Mentawai Islands (Kepulauan Mentawai) | Padang Pariaman | Pasaman | Pasaman Barat | Pesisir Selatan | Sawahlunto Sijunjung | Tanah Datar | Solok | Solok Selatan | |
| See also: Provinces of Indonesia | |
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