The province of Bali consists of the island of Bali itself, and smaller islands such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. The provincial capital is Denpasar, on the southern promontory of the main island. Most of Bali consists of a cluster of high volcanoes. The principal mountains are Gunung Agung, Gunung Batukau, and Gunung Batur. It is the sacred mountain of the whole island.
Volcanic ash makes the island's soil rich and fertile.
The main agricultural product is rice. Balinese craftworkers make wooden, horn, bone, and ivory carvings, and shadow play puppets. Balinese paintings use both traditional and modern forms. They often have Hindu themes. The Balinese also show their artistic talents in dance-dramas and in literature, traditionally written on narrow strips of palm leaf.