MALAY ARCHIPELAGO

(20° N. to 10° S., 95° to 150° E.), islands between S. E. Asia and N. Australia. One of greatest strata of volcanic rocks in the world pa es through the archipelago, which is cro ed by two curving lines of active and extinct volcanoes, the region being subject to frequent earthquakes. The Western islands, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and a number of groups of smaller islands, have a close physical resemblance to Asia, which points to the conclusion that at a comparatively recent geological period they formed part of that continent; while the Eastern islands, from Celebes outwards, exhibit an equally close resemblance to Australia. The contrast between Asiatic and Australian flora and fauna is nowhere so sudden as in the adjacent islands of Bali and Lombock, which are only 15 miles apart. Dutch East Indies include Java and Madura, Sumatra, Celebes, parts of Borneo and New Guinea, Rian Linga bock; total area, c. 736,400 sq. miles. European knowledge of M. A. dates from 1509, when Sumatra was reached by Portuguese explorer, Lopez de Sequeira. During XVI. cent. Portugal Spain established spheres of influence here; later on, Dutch and English lialso appeared upon the scene; former gradually extended their territories and became principal power in archipelago by 1674. For a few years in early XIX cent. British seized several of the islands, but Dutch regained chief control in 1816, and now hold practically whole arch i Administration is conducted by governor-general, who is appointed by Crown, and a isted by an advisory and legislative council. There is complete a liberty, and education is controlled by government. Principal products are rice, cr, cotton, arachis, sugar-cane, tobacco, indigo, coffee, tea, cinchona. Minerals found are coal, tin petroleum. Inhabitants are of Malay and Papuan stocks; foreign inhabitants include Europe ans, Chinese, Arabs, and other Orientals. Pop. c. 46,000,000. See Map East Inp1a Isuanps.