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

Cities

Links

News Headlines

Google News
Preparing Timor Leste to embrace Artificial Intelligence - UnescoPreparing Timor Leste to embrace Artificial Intelligence  Unesco

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

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

RAEOA and CMC Unveil Ambitious Transformation Plan: Oecusse Set to Become Timor-Leste’s Innovation and Green Energy Hub - Machine MakerRAEOA and CMC Unveil Ambitious Transformation Plan: Oecusse Set to Become Timor-Leste’s Innovation and Green Energy Hub  Machine Maker

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)

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 ASEAN Accession Is Also a Win for Multilateralism - World Politics ReviewTimor-Leste’s ASEAN Accession Is Also a Win for Multilateralism  World Politics Review

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

Asean seeks to expedite Timor-Leste's membership documents before October summit - The Edge MalaysiaAsean seeks to expedite Timor-Leste's membership documents before October summit  The Edge Malaysia

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

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

Treaty expands as Timor-Leste joins Asean - thestar.com.myTreaty expands as Timor-Leste joins Asean  thestar.com.my

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

ASEAN Aims To Finalise Timor-Leste Membership Before October Summit - BusinessToday MalaysiaASEAN Aims To Finalise Timor-Leste Membership Before October Summit  BusinessToday Malaysia

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

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

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

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)

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)

Australian lawyers honoured over historic Timor-Leste Maritime Boundary Treaty - Law Society JournalAustralian lawyers honoured over historic Timor-Leste Maritime Boundary Treaty  Law Society Journal

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

Top-tier contractor brought in to fast-track Timor-Leste offshore project - Upstream OnlineTop-tier contractor brought in to fast-track Timor-Leste offshore project  Upstream Online

Indonesia Underscores Urgency of Nuclear-Free ASEAN Region - Tempo.co EnglishIndonesia Underscores Urgency of Nuclear-Free ASEAN Region  Tempo.co English

Asean Foreign Ministers hope to finalise Timor-Leste accession papers by October - NST OnlineAsean Foreign Ministers hope to finalise Timor-Leste accession papers by October  NST Online

Myanmar's 'my way' vs Asean norms - bangkokpost.comMyanmar's 'my way' vs Asean norms  bangkokpost.com

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

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

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

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

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)

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

President Droupadi Murmu honoured with Timor-Leste’s highest civilian award; PM says, proud moment for country - News On AIR -President Droupadi Murmu honoured with Timor-Leste’s highest civilian award; PM says, proud moment for country  News On AIR -

Timor-Leste's accession to SEANWFZ treaty will expand nuclear-free region, says Tok Mat - thestar.com.myTimor-Leste's accession to SEANWFZ treaty will expand nuclear-free region, says Tok Mat  thestar.com.my

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASEAN Secretariat Supports Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Integration with Phase 2 of Capacity Building Programme - ASEAN Main PortalASEAN Secretariat Supports Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Integration with Phase 2 of Capacity Building Programme  ASEAN Main Portal

Comoros and Timor-Leste submit WTO accession instruments, accept Fisheries Subsidies Agreement - World Trade OrganizationComoros and Timor-Leste submit WTO accession instruments, accept Fisheries Subsidies Agreement  World Trade Organization

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

Timor-Leste joins the Asia Power Index - Lowy InstituteTimor-Leste joins the Asia Power Index  Lowy Institute

Investment Opportunities in Timor-Leste’s Digital Economy - ASEAN BriefingInvestment Opportunities in Timor-Leste’s Digital Economy  ASEAN Briefing

Ismaili Imamat and Timor-Leste sign cooperation protocol - the.akdnIsmaili Imamat and Timor-Leste sign cooperation protocol  the.akdn

Greater Sunrise Gas Field: Economic and Regional Impact for Timor-Leste - ASEAN BriefingGreater Sunrise Gas Field: Economic and Regional Impact for Timor-Leste  ASEAN Briefing

Timor-Leste, USA, and IOM Work Together to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness in Oé-Cusse - International Organization for MigrationTimor-Leste, USA, and IOM Work Together to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness in Oé-Cusse  International Organization for Migration

PM Modi hails President Murmu for being conferred with Timor-Leste’s highest honour - DD NewsPM Modi hails President Murmu for being conferred with Timor-Leste’s highest honour  DD News

Lautem leads the way as Timor-Leste confronts hidden childhood illnesses - World Health Organization (WHO)Lautem leads the way as Timor-Leste confronts hidden childhood illnesses  World Health Organization (WHO)

[UPDATED] Malaysia calls for Asean to admit Timor-Leste - NST Online[UPDATED] Malaysia calls for Asean to admit Timor-Leste  NST Online

Pope to people of Timor-Leste: Let your faith be your culture! - Vatican NewsPope to people of Timor-Leste: Let your faith be your culture!  Vatican News

Advancing Archive Preservation for Peacebuilding: Timor-Leste’s New Digitalization Efforts - UnescoAdvancing Archive Preservation for Peacebuilding: Timor-Leste’s New Digitalization Efforts  Unesco

SEANWFZ bloc urged to build ties with similar global zones - NST OnlineSEANWFZ bloc urged to build ties with similar global zones  NST Online

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

Timor Leste leader declares week of mourning for Pope Francis - The Jakarta PostTimor Leste leader declares week of mourning for Pope Francis  The Jakarta Post

Asean chief holds key sideline meetings ahead of high-level talks - The Edge MalaysiaAsean chief holds key sideline meetings ahead of high-level talks  The Edge Malaysia

President Murmu receives Timor Leste's highest civilian award - The Times of IndiaPresident Murmu receives Timor Leste's highest civilian award  The Times of India

Pygmy blue whales: Citizen scientists in Timor-Leste help research - BBCPygmy blue whales: Citizen scientists in Timor-Leste help research  BBC

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

Young people in Timor-Leste are overjoyed by Pope’s visit - Vatican NewsYoung people in Timor-Leste are overjoyed by Pope’s visit  Vatican News

Secretary-General of ASEAN and Ambassador of Timor-Leste to ASEAN engage in substantive discussion - ASEAN Main PortalSecretary-General of ASEAN and Ambassador of Timor-Leste to ASEAN engage in substantive discussion  ASEAN Main Portal

What the AI revolution could mean for information in Timor-Leste - Australian Broadcasting CorporationWhat the AI revolution could mean for information in Timor-Leste  Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Mansfield friends head to Timor-Leste - Mansfield CourierMansfield friends head to Timor-Leste  Mansfield Courier

Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Timor-Leste’s Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs - ASEAN Main PortalSecretary-General of ASEAN meets with Timor-Leste’s Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs  ASEAN Main Portal

A cable to connect Timor-Leste, but can it bridge the digital divide? - Lowy InstituteA cable to connect Timor-Leste, but can it bridge the digital divide?  Lowy Institute

Timor-Leste Celebrates 25th Anniversary of UN-backed Vote for Independence - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineTimor-Leste Celebrates 25th Anniversary of UN-backed Vote for Independence  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine

Malaysia leads call for Asean to admit Timor-Leste - NST OnlineMalaysia leads call for Asean to admit Timor-Leste  NST Online

2nd Law of the Sea Training for ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste and ASEAN Secretariat Officials convenes - ASEAN Main Portal2nd Law of the Sea Training for ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste and ASEAN Secretariat Officials convenes  ASEAN Main Portal

Rare arrest of a journalist in Timor-Leste: authorities reaffirm commitment to press freedom - Reporters sans frontičresRare arrest of a journalist in Timor-Leste: authorities reaffirm commitment to press freedom  Reporters sans frontičres

Pope Francis concludes Apostolic Visit to Timor-Leste - Vatican NewsPope Francis concludes Apostolic Visit to Timor-Leste  Vatican News

Timor-Leste’s battle to belong in Asean - The Straits TimesTimor-Leste’s battle to belong in Asean  The Straits Times

TIMOR LESTE / PEACEKEEPING - UN MediaTIMOR LESTE / PEACEKEEPING  UN Media

Cardinal Da Silva: Pope's visit to Timor-Leste was a celebration of the faith - Vatican NewsCardinal Da Silva: Pope's visit to Timor-Leste was a celebration of the faith  Vatican News

Global experts gather in Timor-Leste for critical evaluation of health systems - World Health Organization (WHO)Global experts gather in Timor-Leste for critical evaluation of health systems  World Health Organization (WHO)

Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation - ASEAN Main PortalSecretary-General of ASEAN meets with Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation  ASEAN Main Portal

An overview of the Church in Timor-Leste - Vatican NewsAn overview of the Church in Timor-Leste  Vatican News

Building a deeper understanding of Timor-Leste’s health system - World BankBuilding a deeper understanding of Timor-Leste’s health system  World Bank