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

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

Organised crime may be infiltrating Timor-Leste’s government. One minister is sounding the alarm - The ConversationOrganised crime may be infiltrating Timor-Leste’s government. One minister is sounding the alarm  The Conversation

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

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

Timor-Leste: Parliament scraps plans on cars and lifetime pensions after student protests mobilised - Civicus MonitorTimor-Leste: Parliament scraps plans on cars and lifetime pensions after student protests mobilised  Civicus Monitor

Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affair and Minister for Rural Development and Community Housing of Timor-Leste - ASEAN Main PortalSecretary-General of ASEAN meets with Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affair and Minister for Rural Development and Community Housing of Timor-Leste  ASEAN Main Portal

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

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

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

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

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?  ??????

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

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

BMKG Launches Tsunami Early Warning System in Timor-Leste, Strengthening Regional Resilience Against Earthquake and Tsunami Threats - Independent ObserverBMKG Launches Tsunami Early Warning System in Timor-Leste, Strengthening Regional Resilience Against Earthquake and Tsunami Threats  Independent Observer

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)

The Gen Z Movement Comes to Timor-Leste - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineThe Gen Z Movement Comes to Timor-Leste  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine

Malaysia’s Anwar Winds up Visit to Timor-Leste as ASEAN Membership Looms - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineMalaysia’s Anwar Winds up Visit to Timor-Leste as ASEAN Membership Looms  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine

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

Empowering Rural Communities: Training on Community Employment Scheme (CES) - UNDPEmpowering Rural Communities: Training on Community Employment Scheme (CES)  UNDP

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

Isle of Man Keeps Watchful Eye on Timor-Leste’s Gambling Halt - iGamingToday.comIsle of Man Keeps Watchful Eye on Timor-Leste’s Gambling Halt  iGamingToday.com

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

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

Bjorn Kristensen powers PH team to 4-1 victory over Timor-Leste in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers - TrendrodBjorn Kristensen powers PH team to 4-1 victory over Timor-Leste in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers  Trendrod

Isle of Man learning from Timor-Leste gambling licensing suspension - Gambling InsiderIsle of Man learning from Timor-Leste gambling licensing suspension  Gambling Insider

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

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

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

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

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

Kristensen’s four-goal explosion powers Philippines past Timor-Leste in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers - Manila StandardKristensen’s four-goal explosion powers Philippines past Timor-Leste in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers  Manila Standard

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

ASEAN to Ink Digital Economy Pact in 2026, Timor-Leste to Need More Time - Jakarta GlobeASEAN to Ink Digital Economy Pact in 2026, Timor-Leste to Need More Time  Jakarta Globe

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

Kristensen scores 4 in PMNFT win vs Timor Leste, now ACQ scoring leader - dugout.phKristensen scores 4 in PMNFT win vs Timor Leste, now ACQ scoring leader  dugout.ph

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Secretary-General of ASEAN to Welcome President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat - ASEAN Main PortalSecretary-General of ASEAN to Welcome President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat  ASEAN Main Portal

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

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

Kristensen’s four-goal masterclass vs Timor Leste lifts Philippines to top of Asian Cup qualis table - Tiebreaker TimesKristensen’s four-goal masterclass vs Timor Leste lifts Philippines to top of Asian Cup qualis table  Tiebreaker Times

Building bonds in Timor-Leste - defence.gov.auBuilding bonds in Timor-Leste  defence.gov.au

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

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

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

Visit three open gardens and support people of Timor-Leste - Wangaratta ChronicleVisit three open gardens and support people of Timor-Leste  Wangaratta Chronicle

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

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

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

BMKG Establishes Tsunami Early Warning System in Timor-Leste - RRI.co.idBMKG Establishes Tsunami Early Warning System in Timor-Leste  RRI.co.id

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

'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

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

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

ASEAN Must Be A Bridge Builder Amid Global Rivalries -- Ramos-Horta - bernamaASEAN Must Be A Bridge Builder Amid Global Rivalries -- Ramos-Horta  bernama

Bjorn Kristensen scores four goals for PH vs Timor-Leste in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers - GMA NetworkBjorn Kristensen scores four goals for PH vs Timor-Leste in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers  GMA Network

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

Bjorn Kristensen scores four Philippine goals vs Timor Leste in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers - OneSports.PHBjorn Kristensen scores four Philippine goals vs Timor Leste in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers  OneSports.PH

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

Understanding Timor-Leste: A deep dive into community and culture - NUS - National University of SingaporeUnderstanding Timor-Leste: A deep dive into community and culture  NUS - National University of Singapore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A historical high level EP Visit to Timor-Leste one month ahead of the ASEAN accession. - EEASA historical high level EP Visit to Timor-Leste one month ahead of the ASEAN accession.  EEAS

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

Opinion Piece by Ms. Patrizia DiGiovanni, UNICEF Country Representative - UnicefOpinion Piece by Ms. Patrizia DiGiovanni, UNICEF Country Representative  Unicef

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)