CELEBES

isl., Dutch E.. Indies E.), separated from Borneo by Strait of Maca ar; curious shape, compared with that of scorpion; great length of coast line; inhabitants belong to MalayoPolynesian group, Bugis in S.; traversed by volcanic range; has many lakes; proximity to sea makes climate endurable; wealthiest of Dutch E. Indies; cap. Menado (pop. 760,700); no railways; much virgin soil; exports nutmeg, mace, copra, rattans, waxes, gums and resins, ores and hides, dry and salt fish, béchede-mer, mother-of-pearl, and tortoiseshell. Founded by Portuguese, 1525; expelled by Dutch, 1660; last of native rajahs crushed, 1908; private slave trading and head-hunting have retarded progre . Area, 76,360 sq. m.; pop. 2,329,000.