Timor-Leste

Country Timor-leste
Capital Dili
Continent East & Southeast Asia
Currency United States dollar(USD)
Languages Portuguese, Tetum, Indonesian & English

Information

Introduction

The Portuguese began to trade with the island of Timor in the early 16th century and colonized it in mid-century. Skirmishing with the Dutch in the region eventually resulted in an 1859 treaty in which Portugal ceded the western portion of the island. Imperial Japan occupied Portuguese Timor from 1942 to 1945, but Portugal resumed colonial authority after the Japanese defeat in World War II. East Timor declared itself independent from Portugal on 28 November 1975 and was invaded and occupied by Indonesian forces nine days later. It was incorporated into Indonesia in July 1976 as the province of Timor Timur (East Timor). An unsuccessful campaign of pacification followed over the next two decades, during which an estimated 100,000 to 250,000 individuals lost their lives. On 30 August 1999, in a UN-supervised popular referendum, an overwhelming majority of the people of Timor-Leste voted for independence from Indonesia. Between the referendum and the arrival of a multinational peacekeeping force in late September 1999, anti-independence Timorese militias - organized and supported by the Indonesian military - commenced a large-scale, scorched-earth campaign of retribution. The militias killed approximately 1,400 Timorese and forcibly pushed 300,000 people into western Timor as refugees. The majority of the country's infrastructure, including homes, irrigation systems, water supply systems, and schools, and nearly 100% of the country's electrical grid were destroyed. On 20 September 1999, the Australian-led peacekeeping troops of the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) deployed to the country and brought the violence to an end. On 20 May 2002, Timor-Leste was internationally recognized as an independent state. In late April 2006, internal tensions threatened the new nation's security when a military strike led to violence and a near breakdown of law and order. At Dili's request, an Australian-led International Stabilization Force (ISF) deployed to Timor-Leste in late May. In August, the UN Security Council established the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), which included an authorized police presence of over 1,600 personnel. The ISF and UNMIT restored stability, allowing for presidential and parliamentary elections in April and June 2007 in a largely peaceful atmosphere. In February 2008, a rebel group staged an unsuccessful attack against the president and prime minister. The ringleader was killed in the attack and the majority of the rebels surrendered in April 2008. Since the unsuccessful attacks the government has enjoyed one of its longest periods of post-independence stability.

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References

Timor-Leste - Wikipedia
Timor-Leste - CIA World Fact Book
Timor-Leste - BBC
Timor-Leste - Timeline - BBC

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Google News
Preparing Timor Leste to embrace Artificial Intelligence - UNESCOPreparing Timor Leste to embrace Artificial Intelligence  UNESCO

The week in charts: Timor-Leste joins list of fake registries taking in sanctioned tonnage | Ras Isa vessel queue dissipates | Container fires remain significant hazard - Lloyd's ListThe week in charts: Timor-Leste joins list of fake registries taking in sanctioned tonnage | Ras Isa vessel queue dissipates | Container fires remain significant hazard  Lloyd's List

AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Indian football team beats Timor-Leste 4-0 to register back-to-back wins - Olympics.comAFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Indian football team beats Timor-Leste 4-0 to register back-to-back wins  Olympics.com

India beats Timor Leste in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, goes top of Group B - SportstarIndia beats Timor Leste in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, goes top of Group B  Sportstar

Timor-Leste downplays Myanmar’s objection to its ASEAN membership - ucanews.comTimor-Leste downplays Myanmar’s objection to its ASEAN membership  ucanews.com

Timor-Leste Joins ASEAN - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineTimor-Leste Joins ASEAN  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine

Timor-Leste’s Opportunity to Turn its Wealth Into Economic Development - International Monetary Fund (IMF)Timor-Leste’s Opportunity to Turn its Wealth Into Economic Development  International Monetary Fund (IMF)

The 11th Seat: Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Debut and the Shifting Map of Regional Mobility - FragomenThe 11th Seat: Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Debut and the Shifting Map of Regional Mobility  Fragomen

India continue impressive run in Women's Asian Cup qualifiers with Timor-Leste win - India TodayIndia continue impressive run in Women's Asian Cup qualifiers with Timor-Leste win  India Today

India aim to extend winning run against Timor Leste in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers - Telangana TodayIndia aim to extend winning run against Timor Leste in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers  Telangana Today

Indonesia and Timor-Leste’s joint capacity building workshop on malaria and lymphatic filariasis elimination - World Health Organization (WHO)Indonesia and Timor-Leste’s joint capacity building workshop on malaria and lymphatic filariasis elimination  World Health Organization (WHO)

Indian woman footballer Soumya undergoes surgery after nasal bone fracture in Timor-Leste match - The Economic TimesIndian woman footballer Soumya undergoes surgery after nasal bone fracture in Timor-Leste match  The Economic Times

India ease past Timor-Leste in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers - The News MillIndia ease past Timor-Leste in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers  The News Mill

Southeast Asian nation Timor-Leste opens embassy in India - India NarrativeSoutheast Asian nation Timor-Leste opens embassy in India  India Narrative

Dominant India thrash Timor-Leste 4-0 - Ahmedabad MirrorDominant India thrash Timor-Leste 4-0  Ahmedabad Mirror

India vs Timor Leste LIVE streaming info: Where to watch AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifier between IND and TLS ? - SportstarIndia vs Timor Leste LIVE streaming info: Where to watch AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifier between IND and TLS ?  Sportstar

Timor-Leste joins rapidly growing market of fake registries taking in sanctioned tonnage - Lloyd's ListTimor-Leste joins rapidly growing market of fake registries taking in sanctioned tonnage  Lloyd's List

Elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem in Timor-Leste - World Health Organization (WHO)Elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem in Timor-Leste  World Health Organization (WHO)

Table-toppers India ready to try 'a few things' in clash against Iraq - The HinduTable-toppers India ready to try 'a few things' in clash against Iraq  The Hindu

India in AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers: Blue Tigresses hope to continue winning form against Timor Leste - SportstarIndia in AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers: Blue Tigresses hope to continue winning form against Timor Leste  Sportstar

India Go Up Against Resilient Timor Leste In AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers - News18India Go Up Against Resilient Timor Leste In AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers  News18

India vs Timor Leste: Crispin Chettri warns of tough challenge in AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers - FirstpostIndia vs Timor Leste: Crispin Chettri warns of tough challenge in AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers  Firstpost

India thrash Timor-Leste 4-0 in AFC Women’s qualifier - News Arena IndiaIndia thrash Timor-Leste 4-0 in AFC Women’s qualifier  News Arena India

BNCTL sharpens national mandate and regional focus as Timor-Leste prepares for ASEAN integration - The Asian BankerBNCTL sharpens national mandate and regional focus as Timor-Leste prepares for ASEAN integration  The Asian Banker

Timor-Leste Hits Back at Myanmar Junta’s Objection to ASEAN Membership - The IrrawaddyTimor-Leste Hits Back at Myanmar Junta’s Objection to ASEAN Membership  The Irrawaddy

2024 News items - DG Okonjo-Iweala welcomes Timor-Leste as 166th WTO member - World Trade Organization2024 News items - DG Okonjo-Iweala welcomes Timor-Leste as 166th WTO member  World Trade Organization

Digital 2025: Timor-Leste - DataReportal – Global Digital InsightsDigital 2025: Timor-Leste  DataReportal – Global Digital Insights

The emergence of Timor-Leste in Southeast Asia - orfonline.orgThe emergence of Timor-Leste in Southeast Asia  orfonline.org

Timor-Leste: eTrade Readiness Assessment | - UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)Timor-Leste: eTrade Readiness Assessment |  UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Investment Opportunities in Timor-Leste’s Fintech Industry: An Emerging Frontier - ASEAN BriefingInvestment Opportunities in Timor-Leste’s Fintech Industry: An Emerging Frontier  ASEAN Briefing

Cardinal of Timor-Leste visits Melbourne - Melbourne CatholicCardinal of Timor-Leste visits Melbourne  Melbourne Catholic

Discover the Best Places to Visit in Timor-Leste, the Hidden Gem of Southeast Asia - AirtelDiscover the Best Places to Visit in Timor-Leste, the Hidden Gem of Southeast Asia  Airtel

Blog: Early money for early action in Timor-Leste? - Red Cross Red Crescent Climate CentreBlog: Early money for early action in Timor-Leste?  Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre

Six Rabies Cases Confirmed in Timor-Leste - Vax-Before-TravelSix Rabies Cases Confirmed in Timor-Leste  Vax-Before-Travel

Empowering Timor-Leste’s young artisans through coconut fiber products and coconut charcoal/briquettes - International Labour OrganizationEmpowering Timor-Leste’s young artisans through coconut fiber products and coconut charcoal/briquettes  International Labour Organization

EU and OACPS reaffirm commitment to Global Sustainable Development for the FfD4 - EEASEU and OACPS reaffirm commitment to Global Sustainable Development for the FfD4  EEAS

Transforming Public Spending for a More Prosperous Timor-Leste - World BankTransforming Public Spending for a More Prosperous Timor-Leste  World Bank

Table-toppers India ready for penultimate AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification test against Iraq - AIFFTable-toppers India ready for penultimate AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification test against Iraq  AIFF

Timor-Leste Economic Outlook Remains Optimistic for 2025–2026 — ADB - Asian Development BankTimor-Leste Economic Outlook Remains Optimistic for 2025–2026 — ADB  Asian Development Bank

Uncertainty clouds Timor-Leste’s admission to ASEAN - East Asia ForumUncertainty clouds Timor-Leste’s admission to ASEAN  East Asia Forum

Transformative Education Forum: Advancing Quality Education for Sustainable Peace in Timor-Leste - UNESCOTransformative Education Forum: Advancing Quality Education for Sustainable Peace in Timor-Leste  UNESCO

Securing a Safer Future for Timor-Leste: UN Partnership in Action - United Nations Sustainable Development GroupSecuring a Safer Future for Timor-Leste: UN Partnership in Action  United Nations Sustainable Development Group

Joining up data to inform budget negotiations in Timor-Leste's education sector - ODI: Think changeJoining up data to inform budget negotiations in Timor-Leste's education sector  ODI: Think change

Timor-Leste National Day - U.S. Department of State (.gov)Timor-Leste National Day  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

Timor-Leste’s financial cliff draws closer in 2025 - East Asia ForumTimor-Leste’s financial cliff draws closer in 2025  East Asia Forum

ADB to Improve Climate Resilience and Rural Livelihoods in Timor-Leste - Asian Development BankADB to Improve Climate Resilience and Rural Livelihoods in Timor-Leste  Asian Development Bank

Indonesia and Timor-Leste intensify cross-border collaboration to eliminate malaria and lymphatic filariasis - World Health Organization (WHO)Indonesia and Timor-Leste intensify cross-border collaboration to eliminate malaria and lymphatic filariasis  World Health Organization (WHO)

The Top 5 Best Crypto Exchanges in Timor-Leste in 2025 - OneSafeThe Top 5 Best Crypto Exchanges in Timor-Leste in 2025  OneSafe

RAEOA and CMC Ignite a New Chapter: Oecusse to Lead Timor-Leste’s Modernization - Voice of AlexandriaRAEOA and CMC Ignite a New Chapter: Oecusse to Lead Timor-Leste’s Modernization  Voice of Alexandria

After years of conflict, Timor-Leste turns peacemaker - UN NewsAfter years of conflict, Timor-Leste turns peacemaker  UN News

Myanmar Junta Opposes Timor Leste’s ASEAN Membership - The IrrawaddyMyanmar Junta Opposes Timor Leste’s ASEAN Membership  The Irrawaddy

Timor-Leste sets stage for new costed national immunization strategy 2026-2030 - World Health Organization (WHO)Timor-Leste sets stage for new costed national immunization strategy 2026-2030  World Health Organization (WHO)

Timor-Leste to become ASEANs 11th member by 2025-end - ANTARA NewsTimor-Leste to become ASEANs 11th member by 2025-end  ANTARA News

Timor-Leste: A Young Nation Forged in Resilience Celebrates its Independence - Nation ThailandTimor-Leste: A Young Nation Forged in Resilience Celebrates its Independence  Nation Thailand

Three Luther College students to empower youth in Timor-Leste and Bangladesh through Projects for Peace grants - Luther CollegeThree Luther College students to empower youth in Timor-Leste and Bangladesh through Projects for Peace grants  Luther College

Thailand backs Timor-Leste - bangkokpost.comThailand backs Timor-Leste  bangkokpost.com

US aid cuts threaten clean water project in Timor-Leste - Australian Broadcasting CorporationUS aid cuts threaten clean water project in Timor-Leste  Australian Broadcasting Corporation

ASEAN’s geostrategic future depends on Timor-Leste and PNG - The Jakarta PostASEAN’s geostrategic future depends on Timor-Leste and PNG  The Jakarta Post

Timor-Leste looks to ASEAN for membership and modernisation - East Asia ForumTimor-Leste looks to ASEAN for membership and modernisation  East Asia Forum

Timor-Leste to sign Bangkok Treaty, expanding nuclear weapon-free zone - NST OnlineTimor-Leste to sign Bangkok Treaty, expanding nuclear weapon-free zone  NST Online

The ASEAN Coordinating Council Working Group convenes to discuss Timor-Leste's Progress in the ASEAN Membership Process - ASEAN Main PortalThe ASEAN Coordinating Council Working Group convenes to discuss Timor-Leste's Progress in the ASEAN Membership Process  ASEAN Main Portal

Timor-Leste strengthens commitment to homegrown school feeding to enhance nutrition for children and improve lives for local farmers - Food and Agriculture OrganizationTimor-Leste strengthens commitment to homegrown school feeding to enhance nutrition for children and improve lives for local farmers  Food and Agriculture Organization

UNESCO and UNICEF strengthening multilingual education for a sustainable future in Timor-Leste - UNESCOUNESCO and UNICEF strengthening multilingual education for a sustainable future in Timor-Leste  UNESCO

Could US Defense Cuts Affect Timor-Leste? - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineCould US Defense Cuts Affect Timor-Leste?  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine

Timor-Leste Aims to Nominate Nino Konis Santana National Park as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve - UNESCOTimor-Leste Aims to Nominate Nino Konis Santana National Park as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve  UNESCO

Investment Opportunities in Timor-Leste’s Tourism Industry - ASEAN BriefingInvestment Opportunities in Timor-Leste’s Tourism Industry  ASEAN Briefing

Timor-Leste Could Gain ASEAN Membership Later This Year, Malaysian FM Says - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineTimor-Leste Could Gain ASEAN Membership Later This Year, Malaysian FM Says  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine

Timor-Leste keen to learn from Cambodia’s SEZ success - Khmer TimesTimor-Leste keen to learn from Cambodia’s SEZ success  Khmer Times

Project breakthrough imminent on Timor-Leste offshore discoveries - Upstream OnlineProject breakthrough imminent on Timor-Leste offshore discoveries  Upstream Online

India to open embassy in Timor-Leste; President Murmu lauds contribution of diaspora - The Economic TimesIndia to open embassy in Timor-Leste; President Murmu lauds contribution of diaspora  The Economic Times

WHO Support to Strengthen National Blood Transfusion Services in Timor-Leste - World Health Organization (WHO)WHO Support to Strengthen National Blood Transfusion Services in Timor-Leste  World Health Organization (WHO)

Preparing for climate chaos in Timor-Leste, one of the world’s most vulnerable nations - UN NewsPreparing for climate chaos in Timor-Leste, one of the world’s most vulnerable nations  UN News

India Vs Timor-Leste Live Streaming: When, Where To Watch AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Group B Qualifier Match - Outlook IndiaIndia Vs Timor-Leste Live Streaming: When, Where To Watch AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Group B Qualifier Match  Outlook India

Timor-Leste | Flood - Simplified Early Action Protocol (sEAP ?: sEAP2024TL01 | Operation ?: MDRTL001) - ReliefWebTimor-Leste | Flood - Simplified Early Action Protocol (sEAP ?: sEAP2024TL01 | Operation ?: MDRTL001)  ReliefWeb

Oecusse To Spearhead Timor-Leste’s Modernisation In Bold CMC-RAEOA Initiative - bernamaOecusse To Spearhead Timor-Leste’s Modernisation In Bold CMC-RAEOA Initiative  bernama

President Droupadi Murmu holds extensive discussions with her Timor Leste counterpart on enhancing ties - The HinduPresident Droupadi Murmu holds extensive discussions with her Timor Leste counterpart on enhancing ties  The Hindu

Timor-Leste’s SEANWFZ inclusion to widen geographical scope - The Malaysian ReserveTimor-Leste’s SEANWFZ inclusion to widen geographical scope  The Malaysian Reserve

2024 - Humanitarian Simulation Exercise (SimEx) Technical Report, Timor-Leste - UN World Food Programme2024 - Humanitarian Simulation Exercise (SimEx) Technical Report, Timor-Leste  UN World Food Programme

National Guard Bureau chief sees promising partnership in Timor-Leste - pacom.milNational Guard Bureau chief sees promising partnership in Timor-Leste  pacom.mil

Timor-Leste’s Accession To Bolster ASEAN’s regional Reach, Strategic Partnerships - bernamaTimor-Leste’s Accession To Bolster ASEAN’s regional Reach, Strategic Partnerships  bernama

Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste: Selected Issues - International Monetary Fund (IMF)Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste: Selected Issues  International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Timor-Leste Counters Malnutrition With Innovation - Catholic Relief Services | CRSTimor-Leste Counters Malnutrition With Innovation  Catholic Relief Services | CRS

Swiss set up firm with Timor-Leste govt to develop 250-kilometer natural gas pipeline - Offshore-Energy.bizSwiss set up firm with Timor-Leste govt to develop 250-kilometer natural gas pipeline  Offshore-Energy.biz

Timor-Leste cardinal celebrates Mass in Melbourne - CathNewsTimor-Leste cardinal celebrates Mass in Melbourne  CathNews

Timor-Leste inches closer to full ASEAN membership - Macao NewsTimor-Leste inches closer to full ASEAN membership  Macao News

Giving children in Timor-Leste the best start in life - UnicefGiving children in Timor-Leste the best start in life  Unicef

Developing the Kuda Tasi and Jahal discoveries offshore Timor-Leste - GeoExproDeveloping the Kuda Tasi and Jahal discoveries offshore Timor-Leste  GeoExpro

Unpacking the local impacts of foreign interests in Timor-Leste - Devpolicy Blog from the Development Policy CentreUnpacking the local impacts of foreign interests in Timor-Leste  Devpolicy Blog from the Development Policy Centre

Using bicycles to catch up with airplanes: the fight for Timor-Leste's independence and a corruption-free future - United Nations Office on Drugs and CrimeUsing bicycles to catch up with airplanes: the fight for Timor-Leste's independence and a corruption-free future  United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Timor-Leste - General DebateTimor-Leste  General Debate

Mátria: Women, Resistance, and the Fight for Timor-Leste’s Independence - United Nations Sustainable Development GroupMátria: Women, Resistance, and the Fight for Timor-Leste’s Independence  United Nations Sustainable Development Group

WFP Timor-Leste Country Brief, April - May 2025 - ReliefWebWFP Timor-Leste Country Brief, April - May 2025  ReliefWeb

58th AMM: SEANWFZ Committee Meets Ahead Commission Meeting - bernama58th AMM: SEANWFZ Committee Meets Ahead Commission Meeting  bernama

AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers: India go top of Group B after big wins over Timor-Leste and Mongolia - SportyTraderAFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers: India go top of Group B after big wins over Timor-Leste and Mongolia  SportyTrader

Tales from Timor Leste - Asia Media CentreTales from Timor Leste  Asia Media Centre

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing - Food and Agriculture OrganizationIllegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing  Food and Agriculture Organization

Investment Incentives and Tax Holidays in Timor-Leste - ASEAN BriefingInvestment Incentives and Tax Holidays in Timor-Leste  ASEAN Briefing

Timor-Leste and Oman latest safe havens for sanctioned vessels - Lloyd's ListTimor-Leste and Oman latest safe havens for sanctioned vessels  Lloyd's List

Delhi-Dili connect | India to soon open embassy in Timor-Leste, says MEA Secretary - The HinduDelhi-Dili connect | India to soon open embassy in Timor-Leste, says MEA Secretary  The Hindu

Timor-Leste National Police Launch New Gender Strategy to Promote Women’s Participation and Enhance Gender-Responsive Policing Services, and to Celebrate National Women’s Day - UN Women Asia and the PacificTimor-Leste National Police Launch New Gender Strategy to Promote Women’s Participation and Enhance Gender-Responsive Policing Services, and to Celebrate National Women’s Day  UN Women Asia and the Pacific