The country that was previously known as the Dutch East Indies is Indonesia.

Indonesia, formerly referred to as the Dutch East Indies, is a Southeast Asian nation consisting of thousands of volcanic islands. This archipelago is located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, making it a strategic hub for trade and commerce throughout history.

The Dutch East Indies was a colony of the Netherlands for over 300 years, from the early 17th century until Indonesia's independence in 1945. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) initially established trading posts across the archipelago to monopolize the spice trade. Eventually, the Dutch expanded their control over the region, establishing a colonial administration and exploiting its resources.

During their colonization, the Dutch East Indies experienced significant economic development, primarily driven by their exploitation of natural resources such as oil, rubber, and tin. The Dutch introduced modern infrastructure, including railways, roads, and ports, which had a lasting impact on the country's development.

However, the Dutch rule was not without its challenges. Indonesian nationalist movements emerged, seeking independence from Dutch colonial rule. The most prominent figure of this movement was Sukarno, who later became Indonesia's first president.

Following World War II, Indonesia declared its independence in 1945, which led to a violent struggle for sovereignty. After several years of fighting, the Dutch finally recognized Indonesia's independence in 1949, marking the end of the Dutch East Indies era.

Today, Indonesia is a diverse and vibrant country with a rich cultural heritage. It is the world's fourth-most populous nation and the largest Muslim-majority country. Indonesia's economy is driven by a mix of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, services, and tourism.

As the Dutch East Indies, Indonesia played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of Southeast Asia. Its colonial past, struggle for independence, and subsequent development make it a fascinating country to explore and understand.

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