Teetering on top of the Ring of Fire, Indonesia is located on a geological hotspot that makes its population incredibly vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tidal waves, and other natural disasters. The 13,000-island tropical archipelago was the worst-hit country by the 2004 tsunami. Of the 220,000 people who were killed, Indonesia claimed an estimated 160,000 of those deaths. Even before this tragic event, Indonesia faced social and economic turmoil, as some of its provinces fought for independence, and numerous terrorist bombings forced tens of thousands from their homes. (less info)