Gorontalo is a province of Indonesia on the northern part of Sulawesi island. Gorontalo province was established in December 2000 after splitting from North Sulawesi province. The capital is the city with the same name, Gorontalo.

Geography

Gorontalo province lies on the northern Sulawesi arm, known as the Minahassa Peninsula. The province has an elongated shape area , stretching from west to east almost horizontally on a map, with the total area of 12,215.44 km² (4,716.41 sq mi). To the north and the south of the province are Sulawesi  Sea and Gulf of Tomini, respectively. Prior 2000, Gorontalo province was part of North Sulawesi province on the eastern border. The western border of the province is Central Sulawesi province.

Topography of the province is relatively low (0-40^o), with the elevation ranges between 0-2,400 m (7,874.02 ft) above the sea level. Its coastline length is more than 590 km (366.61 mi). Counting the Exclusive Economic Zone to the north where Philippines is at the border, the total sea area of the province is more than 50,500 km² (19,498.16 sq mi). There are some small islands around the north and the south of the province, 67 of which have been identification and are named.

History

Pre-Independence

In 1525, three small rock forts were built overlooking the waters of Lake Limboto with Portuguese assistance. Still in place today, the Fort Otonaha complex has commanding views.

The Spanish also entered the area in limited numbers via the Philippines during the mid-1500s. They introduced corn, tomatoes, chilli peppers, horses, and the afternoon siesta to Gorontalo, all of which are an integral part life today.

The Dutch under the aegis of the United East India Company (VOC) worked to wrest control of the lucrative spice trade away from the Sultanate of Ternate and push out all other European competitors. Gradually, the Dutch gained political control here and ended the power of the local kings.

Independence 

The people of Gorontalo achieved independence from Dutch rule in 1942. This was partly through the efforts of the guerrilla/freedom fighter and local hero Nani Wartabone, who forced out the occupying Japanese during World War II.

Since the city escaped Allied bombing during the war, a number of Dutch-era buildings are still standing. Although many are in poor repair, Gorontalo City has a distinctive colonial appearance.

Post Independence of Indonesia

After Indonesia proclaimed its independence, Gorontalo became part of North Sulawesi province

Become Province 

Gorontalo secede from North Sulawesi province in 2000

Administration

The governor and vice-governor, who are elected directly by the people, head the provincial administration. The province is divided into five regencies (Indonesian: kabupaten) and only one city (Indonesian: kota). When it was established in 2000, there were only two regencies and one city in the province.