NORTH SULAWESI

North Sulawesi (Indonesian: Sulawesi Utara) is a province of Indonesia. It is on the island of Sulawesi, and borders the province of Gorontalo to the west (originally a part of North Sulawesi until 2001 when it became its own province). The islands of Sangihe and Talaud form the northern part of the province, which border the Philippines.

The capital and largest city in North Sulawesi is Manado. With a population of about 2 million (As of 2006), the region is predominantly Christian (70%) with Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist minorities, which is an exception in this predominantly Muslim country. The largest ethnic group is Minahasan.

Administrative areas

North Sulawesi is divided into nine regencies (Indonesian: kabupaten) and four cities (Indonesian: kotamadya).

Regencies (seat):

1. Bolaang Mongondow (Kotamobagu)
2. Minahasa (Tondano)
3. North Bolaang Mongondow (Boroko)
4. North Minahasa (Airmadidi)
5. Sangihe Islands (Tahuna)
6. Sitaro Islands (Ondong)
7. South Minahasa (Amurang)
8. Southeast Minahasa (Ratahan)
9. Talaud Islands (Melonguane)

Cities:

1. Bitung
2. Kotamobagu
3. Manado
4. Tomohon

Places of Interest

One of the most well-known tourism spots in North Sulawesi is the Bunaken Marine Park. Home to a vast collection of marine life, Bunaken is about 30 minutes away by boat from the capital of Manado. In 2009, North Sulawesi hosts the Sail Bunaken event which features the parade of ships and sailboats, including the USS George Washington.

Source : Wikipedia