WHO are they? Most Balinese live in very close knit villages with strong family, social,
religious and economic interrelationships. Much of the village's interactions are centered
on Hindu worship in the temples and agricultural cooperatives in the surrounding fields.
The Balinese' main livelihood is rice farming. The Balinese are known throughout the
world for their artistic abilities. Many Balinese villages specialize in one particular form
of art. Their artistic talents can be seen in the variety of their paintings, carvings,
sculpting, dancing, and weavings.
WHERE do they live? The island of Bali is probably better known than the country of
Indonesia. The word "Bali" brings to mind visions of a tropical paradise. Its beauty,
friendly people, exquisite art and unique dance have made Bali a favorite destination for
millions of tourists from around the world. On this "Island of the gods" reside the
Balinese. However, many Balinese can also be found on the nearby island of Lombok,
as well as in Lampung, Sulawesi, South Kalimantan, Sumbawa and Papua.
HOW many? 3,519,000
WHAT do they worship? Hinduism is the primary religion of the Balinese. Even
though Hinduism has greatly affected the culture, the Balinese have managed to
maintain their original culture, so that Balinese Hinduism differs from Indian Hinduism.
Balinese Hindus believe that there is one god that can be explained by the Trimurti, a
concept of three aspects of God: Brahma, the creator; Vishnu, the protector; and Shiva,
the destroyer. Both individual families and larger assemblies use this shrine to offer
food and flowers to their gods.