Introduction

The enchanting and beautiful land of Parahyangan or Sunda stretches is known for its fertile and soils and the Sundanese for their warmth of heart and spirit. The region is primarily mountainous, with rich green valley's hugging lofty volcanic peaks. The Sundanese people of this region are soft-spoken and colorful, with a rich and fascinating history.

The history of West Java is a story of trade, spices, and the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms. West Java was the first contact point for the Dutch and earlier it was one of the first regions to come into contact with Indian traders and their culture.

The powerful and ancient kingdoms of Tarumanegara, Pajajaran, Banten and Cirebon have all risen, ruled and fallen in this province and provide fascinating studies for students of archaeology and history. West Java was one of the first contact points in Indonesia for Indian traders and their cultural influences, and it was here that the Dutch and British first set foot in Indonesia at Banten.

West Java Province is noticeable more mountainous than the rest of the island.
West Java, known as Priangan or Parahyangan - the Adobe of the Gods of Sundanese lore - is a vast stretch of upland that until recently was inhabited by the Sundanese.

Demographics and language

According to the 2005 Socio-Economic Survey, West Java's population is 39,960,869, making it the most populous province in Indonesia. It has an area of 34,736 km2; aside from the province of Jakarta, it is the most densely populated province in the country with an average of 1,150 people per km2.

In addition to Indonesian, the official national language, the other widely-spoken language in the province is Sundanese. In some areas near the southern borders with Central Java, Javanese is also spoken. The main language spoken in Cirebon and nearby areas (Majalengka, Indramayu, Sumber) is Cirebonese, a dialect of Javanese. Indonesian is widely spoken as a second language, except in some remote rural areas.

Geographical Site

Between 5050' - 7050' South Latitude and between 104°48'-108°48' East Meridian

Borders
North - Java Sea and Special Territory of Jakarta
South - Indian Ocean
East - Province of Central Java
West - Sunda Strait