Sumbawa

Sumbawa, island, southern Indonesia, in the Sunda Islands of the Malay Archipelago, near Flores and Sumba islands. Sumbawa is traversed by several mountain ranges, the northernmost of which is volcanic. A violent eruption in 1815 of Tambora (3,000 m/ 9,000 ft), the principal volcano, caused extensive loss of life. The soil of Sumbawa is fertile, and farming and livestock raising are important industries. Among the chief crops are rice and corn. Valuable stands of timber, including teak and sappanwood, are situated on the island. Horses, buffalo, and teak are exported from Raba, a seaport on the northeastern coast. Area, 15,300 sq km (5,900 sq mi).