It consists of two main islands: Pulau Bangka and Pulau Belitung, plus hundreds of smaller islands (approximately 470 in total, of which 50 are inhabited).
Capital: Pangkalpinang (on Bangka).
Known as a historical tin producer (timah), still important.
Tourism: beautiful white beaches, unique large granite boulders (especially on Belitung, including Tanjung Tinggi – known from the film Laskar Pelangi), clear water, good diving and snorkeling spots.
Ethnic: mainly Malays, a Chinese community, and migrants from other islands.
Most inhabitants are Muslim.
Provincial status since 2000 (formerly part of Sumatra Selatan).
In short: a quiet, beautiful island province with beaches reminiscent of a tropical paradise, but not (yet) overrun by mass tourism.
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