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.

[+] Geography

[+] People

[+] Government

Video

Map


View Larger Map

References

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

Cities

Links

News Headlines

Google News
IT’S MATCH DAY ?????? The Philippine Men’s National Football Team will face Timor-Leste again, this time on home soil for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Kickoff time is 7 p.m. at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. (??: PFF) | via Paige - facebook.comIT’S MATCH DAY ?????? The Philippine Men’s National Football Team will face Timor-Leste again, this time on home soil for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Kickoff time is 7 p.m. at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. (??: PFF) | via Paige  facebook.com

Timor Leste to join ASEAN as 11th member on Oct. 26, says Malaysian premier - Anadolu AjansiTimor Leste to join ASEAN as 11th member on Oct. 26, says Malaysian premier  Anadolu Ajansi

Qualifiers - Group A: Timor-Leste 1-4 Philippines - AFC websiteQualifiers - Group A: Timor-Leste 1-4 Philippines  AFC website

Timor-Leste - Welcome to the United NationsTimor-Leste  Welcome to the United Nations

Is Organized Crime Infiltrating Timor-Leste’s Government? - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineIs Organized Crime Infiltrating Timor-Leste’s Government?  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine

Timor-Leste slated to join ASEAN - Indo-Pacific Defense FORUMTimor-Leste slated to join ASEAN  Indo-Pacific Defense FORUM

Timor-Leste certified malaria-free by WHO - World Health Organization (WHO)Timor-Leste certified malaria-free by WHO  World Health Organization (WHO)

Timor-Leste finally joins the Asean fold - bangkokpost.comTimor-Leste finally joins the Asean fold  bangkokpost.com

Self-Determination and Governance —What Should We Learn from Timor-Leste's Independence? - ??????Self-Determination and Governance —What Should We Learn from Timor-Leste's Independence?  ??????

Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste: 2025 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste - International Monetary FundDemocratic Republic of Timor-Leste: 2025 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste  International Monetary Fund

Timor-Leste scraps plan to buy MPs free cars after protests - BBCTimor-Leste scraps plan to buy MPs free cars after protests  BBC

Criminal foreign direct investment threatens Timor-Leste as organized crime targets vulnerable jurisdictions - United Nations Office on Drugs and CrimeCriminal foreign direct investment threatens Timor-Leste as organized crime targets vulnerable jurisdictions  United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Peace in pixels: Digitizing Timor-Leste’s history - United Nations VolunteersPeace in pixels: Digitizing Timor-Leste’s history  United Nations Volunteers

Timor-Leste on the verge of a historic milestone - Báo Tuyên Quang di?n t?Timor-Leste on the verge of a historic milestone  Báo Tuyên Quang di?n t?

Anwar confirms Timor-Leste to officially join Asean as full member on October 26 - Malay MailAnwar confirms Timor-Leste to officially join Asean as full member on October 26  Malay Mail

Preparing Timor Leste to embrace Artificial Intelligence - unesco.orgPreparing Timor Leste to embrace Artificial Intelligence  unesco.org

Advancing gender equality and cybersecurity for peace in Timor-Leste - UN Women Asia and the PacificAdvancing gender equality and cybersecurity for peace in Timor-Leste  UN Women Asia and the Pacific

Can Timor-Leste Transition from an ASEAN Observer to a Regional Contributor? - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineCan Timor-Leste Transition from an ASEAN Observer to a Regional Contributor?  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine

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)

Timor-Leste’s Protests Fit Into a Regional Trend - Foreign PolicyTimor-Leste’s Protests Fit Into a Regional Trend  Foreign Policy

Timor-Leste’s Strategic Path in ASEAN: Turning Accession into Impact - The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR)Timor-Leste’s Strategic Path in ASEAN: Turning Accession into Impact  The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR)

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

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

2025 News items - Timor-Leste kicks off negotiations to join Government Procurement Agreement - World Trade Organization2025 News items - Timor-Leste kicks off negotiations to join Government Procurement Agreement  World Trade Organization

PMNFT out to boost AFC Asian Cup qualification bid vs Timor Leste in Clark - OneSports.PHPMNFT out to boost AFC Asian Cup qualification bid vs Timor Leste in Clark  OneSports.PH

Blog: Early money for early action in Timor-Leste? - IFRC-Climate CentreBlog: Early money for early action in Timor-Leste?  IFRC-Climate Centre

The path to peace and democracy: the case of Timor-Leste - FrontiersThe path to peace and democracy: the case of Timor-Leste  Frontiers

Tatoli! A Survey of the Timorese People – 2025 Results - The Asia FoundationTatoli! A Survey of the Timorese People – 2025 Results  The Asia Foundation

Transforming Research Ecosystem in Timor-Leste - unesco.orgTransforming Research Ecosystem in Timor-Leste  unesco.org

Timor-Leste: on the cusp of digital transformation despite challenges - Devpolicy Blog from the Development Policy CentreTimor-Leste: on the cusp of digital transformation despite challenges  Devpolicy Blog from the Development Policy Centre

Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Minister of Commerce and Industry of Timor Leste - ASEAN Main PortalSecretary-General of ASEAN meets with Minister of Commerce and Industry of Timor Leste  ASEAN Main Portal

Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste - ASEAN Main PortalSecretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste  ASEAN Main Portal

Is Indonesia’s Mentorship the Key to Timor-Leste’s Entry into ASEAN? - Fair ObserverIs Indonesia’s Mentorship the Key to Timor-Leste’s Entry into ASEAN?  Fair Observer

Timor-Leste is ready for ASEAN, but is ASEAN ready for what comes next? - Lowy InstituteTimor-Leste is ready for ASEAN, but is ASEAN ready for what comes next?  Lowy Institute

Bjorn Kristensen lifts PMNT past Timor-Leste in Asian qualifiers - SPIN.ph: Sports Interactive Network PhilippinesBjorn Kristensen lifts PMNT past Timor-Leste in Asian qualifiers  SPIN.ph: Sports Interactive Network Philippines

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

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

ADB President Supports Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Entry, Pledges to Expand Development Cooperation - Asian Development BankADB President Supports Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Entry, Pledges to Expand Development Cooperation  Asian Development Bank

Timor-Leste Anticipatory Action Road Map 2025–2029 - ReliefWebTimor-Leste Anticipatory Action Road Map 2025–2029  ReliefWeb

Timor-Leste’s Opportunity to Turn its Wealth into Economic Development - International Monetary FundTimor-Leste’s Opportunity to Turn its Wealth into Economic Development  International Monetary Fund

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

From Dili to Darwin: Timor-Leste workers filling NT workforce shortages - Australian Broadcasting CorporationFrom Dili to Darwin: Timor-Leste workers filling NT workforce shortages  Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Signing of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for Solar and Battery Hybrid IPP Project in Timor-Leste - itochu.co.jpSigning of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for Solar and Battery Hybrid IPP Project in Timor-Leste  itochu.co.jp

Finder Energy Fast-Tracks Timor-Leste Oil Field Development - TipRanksFinder Energy Fast-Tracks Timor-Leste Oil Field Development  TipRanks

Philippines climbs to top of Asian Cup Qualis Group A after comeback win over Timor-Leste - Tiebreaker TimesPhilippines climbs to top of Asian Cup Qualis Group A after comeback win over Timor-Leste  Tiebreaker Times

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)

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

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

Growing Hope in Timor-Leste: Santina’s Journey to a Healthier, Stronger Future - CWSGrowing Hope in Timor-Leste: Santina’s Journey to a Healthier, Stronger Future  CWS

Growing Roots of Resilience: How Farmers Are Restoring Land in Timor-Leste - UNDPGrowing Roots of Resilience: How Farmers Are Restoring Land in Timor-Leste  UNDP

What Can Timor-Leste Bring to ASEAN? - fulcrum.sgWhat Can Timor-Leste Bring to ASEAN?  fulcrum.sg

President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste delivers a Policy Speech at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat - ASEAN Main PortalPresident of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste delivers a Policy Speech at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat  ASEAN Main Portal

Time immemorial: Traditions in Timor Leste - Oceanographic MagazineTime immemorial: Traditions in Timor Leste  Oceanographic Magazine

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

Anwar: Timor-Leste to be made full member of Asean on Oct 26 - The StarAnwar: Timor-Leste to be made full member of Asean on Oct 26  The Star

The Little Known Noir of Timor-Leste - CrimeReadsThe Little Known Noir of Timor-Leste  CrimeReads

The Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR), Ambassador of Timor-Leste to ASEAN and Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community (DSG APSC) undertake a Working Visit to Australia - ASEAN Main PortalThe Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR), Ambassador of Timor-Leste to ASEAN and Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community (DSG APSC) undertake a Working Visit to Australia  ASEAN Main Portal

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

Bjorn Kristensen lead PH rout of Timor-Leste in Asian Cup qualifiers - Inquirer.netBjorn Kristensen lead PH rout of Timor-Leste in Asian Cup qualifiers  Inquirer.net

Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta delivers policy speech at ASEAN Headquarters - ASEAN Main PortalTimor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta delivers policy speech at ASEAN Headquarters  ASEAN Main Portal

Timor-Leste certified malaria-free by WHO - World Health Organization (WHO)Timor-Leste certified malaria-free by WHO  World Health Organization (WHO)

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

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

Transformative Education Forum: Advancing Quality Education for Sustainable Peace in Timor-Leste - unesco.orgTransformative Education Forum: Advancing Quality Education for Sustainable Peace in Timor-Leste  unesco.org

Han Zheng Meets with President of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste Maria Fernanda Lay - fmprc.gov.cnHan Zheng Meets with President of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste Maria Fernanda Lay  fmprc.gov.cn

European Union and Partners Launch EARTH Project to Strengthen Climate-Resilient Agroforestry - EEASEuropean Union and Partners Launch EARTH Project to Strengthen Climate-Resilient Agroforestry  EEAS

Building Palliative Care from the Ground Up in Timor-Leste: - eHospiceBuilding Palliative Care from the Ground Up in Timor-Leste:  eHospice

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

Anwar Visits Timor-Leste, Strengthens Support For ASEAN Membership Aspiration - ASEAN - BERNAMAAnwar Visits Timor-Leste, Strengthens Support For ASEAN Membership Aspiration  ASEAN - BERNAMA

Timor-Leste and navigating the ASEAN Way - Lowy InstituteTimor-Leste and navigating the ASEAN Way  Lowy Institute

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

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

Timor-Leste: Building a Shared Future with ASEAN - MalaysiakiniTimor-Leste: Building a Shared Future with ASEAN  Malaysiakini

Timor-Leste and China: Navigating the fine line of power and progress - ThinkChinaTimor-Leste and China: Navigating the fine line of power and progress  ThinkChina

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

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

Timor-Leste to become Asean’s 11th member in October, formalised at KL summit - vietnamnews.vnTimor-Leste to become Asean’s 11th member in October, formalised at KL summit  vietnamnews.vn

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

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

Border Clash Highlights Decades-Old Rift Between Indonesian and Timor-Leste Communities - Jakarta GlobeBorder Clash Highlights Decades-Old Rift Between Indonesian and Timor-Leste Communities  Jakarta Globe

'Stop thieves': Timor-Leste protesters vow to keep rallying over MP car plan - Australian Broadcasting Corporation'Stop thieves': Timor-Leste protesters vow to keep rallying over MP car plan  Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Spearguns, sarongs and subsistence in Timor Leste - Oceanographic MagazineSpearguns, sarongs and subsistence in Timor Leste  Oceanographic Magazine

President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste holds Interface with Secretary-General of ASEAN and the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN - ASEAN Main PortalPresident of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste holds Interface with Secretary-General of ASEAN and the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN  ASEAN Main Portal

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

VIDEO: Workers from Timor Leste happy to do the jobs Aussies won't - Australian Broadcasting CorporationVIDEO: Workers from Timor Leste happy to do the jobs Aussies won't  Australian Broadcasting Corporation

25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste - DVA25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste  DVA

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

Timor-Leste to be made full Asean member on Oct 26: Anwar - MalaysiakiniTimor-Leste to be made full Asean member on Oct 26: Anwar  Malaysiakini

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

After years of conflict, Timor-Leste turns peacemaker - Department of Political and Peacebuilding AffairsAfter years of conflict, Timor-Leste turns peacemaker  Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs

Qualifiers - Group F: Timor Leste 1-7 Uzbekistan; Palestine 1-2 Kyrgyz Republic - AFC websiteQualifiers - Group F: Timor Leste 1-7 Uzbekistan; Palestine 1-2 Kyrgyz Republic  AFC website

PM Anwar Arrives In Timor-Leste To Strengthen Ties, Support ASEAN Bid - ASEAN - BERNAMAPM Anwar Arrives In Timor-Leste To Strengthen Ties, Support ASEAN Bid  ASEAN - BERNAMA

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)

Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to ASEAN - ASEAN Main PortalSecretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to ASEAN  ASEAN Main Portal

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

Timor-Leste to become ASEAN bloc's 11th member in October - CNATimor-Leste to become ASEAN bloc's 11th member in October  CNA

From despair to hope - UnicefFrom despair to hope  Unicef

Timor-Leste Advances Post-WTO Accession Commitments through National Workshop on the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) 2012 - EEASTimor-Leste Advances Post-WTO Accession Commitments through National Workshop on the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) 2012  EEAS

Building military resilience and interoperability together in Timor-Leste - New Zealand Defence ForceBuilding military resilience and interoperability together in Timor-Leste  New Zealand Defence Force