Country | Indonesia |
Population | 2023 |
Area | 265.10 km2 (102.36 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+7 (IWST) |
Coordinates | 3.58333, 98.66667 |
Highest elevation | 2.5–37.5 m (8–123 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Medan, the capital and largest city of North Sumatra, Indonesia, is a vibrant and multicultural metropolis. Located strategically near the Strait of Malacca, Medan is a key financial center for Sumatra and a crucial gateway to western Indonesia. The city serves as a regional hub thanks to its Port of Belawan and Kualanamu International Airport.
Medan’s economy is diverse, with trading, agriculture, and processing industries playing significant roles. Approximately 60% of North Sumatra’s economy is supported by these sectors, including exports from its vast palm oil plantations, which cover about 4 million acres. The city is also recognized by the National Development Planning Agency as one of Indonesia’s four main central cities, alongside Jakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar.
As of the 2020 Census, Medan had a population of 2,435,252 within its city limits. The mid-2023 official population estimate was 2,474,166, comprising 1,231,673 males and 1,242,493 females. Including the surrounding urban areas, the population exceeds 3.4 million, making Medan the fourth-largest urban area in Indonesia. The greater Medan metropolitan area, which encompasses Binjai, Deli Serdang Regency, and part of Karo Regency, had 4,744,323 residents according to the 2020 Census, making it the largest metropolitan area outside Java.
Medan’s history is rich and diverse. The city was founded at the confluence of the Deli River and the Babura River by a Karonese man named Guru Patimpus, who initially called it Kampung Medan Putri. In 1632, it became part of the Deli Sultanate. The late 19th century saw Dutch colonial interests transforming Medan into an economic hub due to its suitability for plantations. The Dutch tobacco trade flourished here, earning Medan the nickname “Het Land Dollar” or “the land of money.” The establishment of the Deli Railway facilitated the transport of tobacco, rubber, tea, timber, palm oil, and sugar from Medan to the Port of Belawan for export, further spurring the city’s development.
Culturally, Medan is a melting pot, home to diverse ethnic groups including Batak, Javanese, Chinese, Minangkabau, and Indians, among others. This cultural diversity is reflected in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and festivals. Notable landmarks in Medan include the Maimun Palace, the Grand Mosque, and the Tjong A Fie Mansion, which showcase the city’s historical and architectural heritage.
Human resources in Medan are bolstered by numerous educational institutions, including the University of North Sumatra (USU), which is one of Indonesia’s prominent universities. The city’s infrastructure supports its economic activities, with well-developed transportation networks facilitating trade and commerce.
Medan’s role as a commercial and economic hub is significant, with a robust industrial base. The city continues to attract investment and development, contributing to its growth and prosperity. Its strategic location, coupled with its rich cultural heritage and economic dynamism, makes Medan a key city in Indonesia.
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