The province of ACEH (NAD) covers 60.000 sq.km and is populated by 4.200.000 inhabitants., divided on several ethnic groups: The Acehnese in Northern and western coastal areas, Melayu Tamiang in the eastern coastal area, the Gayo in the central highlands, the Alas in the southeastern highlands, the Pesisir in the south western coastal area and a few minor groups on Pulau Simeulue and Pulau Banyak. App. 10 different languages are spoken in Aceh. North eastern Inland dominated by Bukit Barisan mountain range. Highest peaks are Leuser: 3,466m, Ucop Molu: 3.187m and Abong-Abong: 3.015m.

The regency of Sabang (mayoralty) has 26.000 inhabitants on an area of 153 sq.km. The town Sabang with its app. 10.000 inhabitants was founded by the Dutch for its excellent harbor and good water supply. Between the world wars it was even more important than Singapore. The Forest Reserve on the northwestern point covers 1.300 hectares. The Marine Reserve covers 2.600 hectares.

Pulo Aceh consists of five major islands, of which Pulau Nasi and Pulau Breueh are the inhabited ones. The others are Pulau Batee, Pulau Bunta and Pulau Kreusik respectively. It covers 241 sq.km and forms a sub-regency in the regency of Aceh Besar. There is no town, but several villages. Some parts were severely damaged by tsunami. Malaria is common in Pulau Aceh; use prophylactics.