Tanimbar

The Tanimbar Islands, sometimes spelled Tanimbars, are an Indonesian archipelago in the eastern Maluku region. They form part of Maluku Province and consist of about sixty islands, with Yamdena being the largest. The group is known for its coastal mangroves, tropical forests, and coral reefs, and experiences a hot, humid tropical climate year-round.

Geographically, the islands lie in the eastern Indonesian archipelago and are characterized by low-lying terrain with extensive shorelines and scattered hills. The surrounding seas support small-scale fisheries, and the maritime environment contributes to the local economy and cultural life. The inhabitants primarily speak Tanimbar languages, a branch of the Malayo-Polynesian family, and Islam and Christianity are the main religions practiced across communities.

Historically, the Tanimbar Islands were settled by indigenous peoples well before European contact. They became part of the Dutch East Indies and later Indonesia. Traditional customs and adat (customary law) continue to influence social organization, crafts, and ceremonies, even as modern administrative structures integrate the islands into a broader Indonesian framework.

Economically, communities rely on small-scale farming, fishing, copra production, and root crops such as sago. Transportation within the archipelago is mainly by boat, with regional air links connecting Yamdena and other islands to larger centers in Indonesia.

Biodiversity is notable on the Tanimbar Islands. The archipelago hosts numerous bird and marine species, including the Goffin's cockatoo (Cacatua goffiniana), as well as endemic and near-endemic flora and fauna. Conservation concerns center on habitat loss from logging and development, highlighting the need for sustainable practices in the region.