Lesser Sunda Islands, Volcanic archipelago in Maritime Southeast Asia, Indonesia.
The Lesser Sunda Islands form an island chain running between Java and the Australian plate, from Bali in the west to Alor in the east. The group includes both larger inhabited landmasses such as Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, and Sumba, as well as smaller islands along the inner and outer arcs.
Greek scholars mentioned these islands in the 2nd century, naming them in maps that later guided European mariners to these waters. Portuguese traders reached the region in the early 16th century, opening trade routes for spices and sandalwood that persisted for centuries.
The population of 15.5 million residents represents multiple ethnic groups including Balinese, Sasak, Sumbawan, and Bimanese, with different religious practices across islands.
Several islands have airports that offer regular connections between each other and the mainland, while smaller islands rely mainly on ferry services. The best time to travel is during the dry season between April and October when sea conditions are calmer.
Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards on Earth, inhabit only a few of these islands and draw biologists and travelers alike. Several islands host active volcanoes whose peaks still emit smoke and occasional lava flows today.
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