Nusa Tenggara Timur (Indonesia)

East Nusa Tenggara (Indonesian: Nusa Tenggara Timur) is the southernmost province of Indonesia. It comprises the eastern portion of the Lesser Sunda Islands, facing the Indian Ocean in the south and the Flores Sea in the north. It consists of more than 500 islands, with the largest ones being Sumba, Flores, and the western part of Timor; the latter shares a land border with the separate nation of East Timor. The province is subdivided into twenty-one regencies and the regency-level city of Kupang, which is the capital and largest city. Archaeological research shows that Liang Bua cave in East Nusa Tenggara has been inhabited by humans since about 190,000 years ago. The site was home to early humans, including Homo floresiensis, who were found in the cave's archaeological layers. East Nusa Tenggara is known for its natural beauty such as Komodo National Park, Labuan Bajo, Lake Kelimutu, and exotic beaches. The province is rich in culture, with diverse tribes, languages, and traditions such as ikat weaving and the Pasola ceremony in Sumba. East Nusa Tenggara also has a strong missionary history, seen from the majority Catholic population and one of two Indonesian provinces where Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion, alongside South Papua. In addition, its marine ecosystem is very rich, making it a popular destination for divers.