Ceram'

Ceram' (SERANG), the largest island of the southern Moluccas, lies NE. of Amboyna, to which Dutch residency it belongs, and is divided into Great and Little Ceram by the Isthmus of Taruno. Area, 6605 sq. m.; pop. 195,000. The island is one of the least explored in the archipelago, and comparatively little is known of the interior, which is, moreover, but scantily populated, the great mass of the people, mostly native Alfuors and immigrant Malays, inhabiting the coast villages. Much of the island is very fertile. A mountain-chain runs through the country, reaching in Nusa Keli some 11,000 feet. The chief exports are sago, iron, timber, earthenware, birds of Paradise, dried fish, edible nests, &c.