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

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News Headlines

Google News
1st Statistical Bulletin on Social Protection in Timor-Leste, 2017–2024 - International Labour Organization1st Statistical Bulletin on Social Protection in Timor-Leste, 2017–2024  International Labour Organization

India ease past Timor-Leste in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers - AIFFIndia ease past Timor-Leste in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers  AIFF

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

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

Thawatchai in no mood to treat Timor Leste lightly - bangkokpost.comThawatchai in no mood to treat Timor Leste lightly  bangkokpost.com

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

Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession: A milestone moment despite deepening dilemmas - bne IntelliNewsTimor-Leste’s ASEAN accession: A milestone moment despite deepening dilemmas  bne IntelliNews

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

ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup™ 2025: Thrillers and Fightbacks Light Up Group Stage as Timor Leste and Cambodia Salvage Draws - Football TribeASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup™ 2025: Thrillers and Fightbacks Light Up Group Stage as Timor Leste and Cambodia Salvage Draws  Football Tribe

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)

U23 Championship 2025 Group C match: Myanmar vs. Timor-Leste - XinhuaU23 Championship 2025 Group C match: Myanmar vs. Timor-Leste  Xinhua

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

Timor Tales : 25 Years on from Interfet - Asia Media CentreTimor Tales : 25 Years on from Interfet  Asia Media Centre

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

PM Lawrence Wong at the Official Lunch Hosted in Honour of Timor-Leste's PM Xanana Gusmão - Prime Minister's Office SingaporePM Lawrence Wong at the Official Lunch Hosted in Honour of Timor-Leste's PM Xanana Gusmão  Prime Minister's Office Singapore

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

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

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

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

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

How Figo, Canavaro starred for the world's 195th-ranked nation - ESPNHow Figo, Canavaro starred for the world's 195th-ranked nation  ESPN

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

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

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

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

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)

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

Late Alexandro strike earns Timor-Leste point in eight goal thriller at ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup™ 2025 as Laos hold Cambodia to draw - aseanfootball.orgLate Alexandro strike earns Timor-Leste point in eight goal thriller at ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup™ 2025 as Laos hold Cambodia to draw  aseanfootball.org

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

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 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

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

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

With Vietnam, Thailand yet to get started, ASEAN U-23 Championship underdogs seize chance to shine - ESPN SingaporeWith Vietnam, Thailand yet to get started, ASEAN U-23 Championship underdogs seize chance to shine  ESPN Singapore

Timor Leste seen joining Asean - The Manila TimesTimor Leste seen joining Asean  The Manila Times

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 moves towards Just Transition for all and green economy - International Labour OrganizationTimor-Leste moves towards Just Transition for all and green economy  International Labour Organization

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

UN Timor-Leste News (December 2024) - ReliefWebUN Timor-Leste News (December 2024)  ReliefWeb

Singapore boosts support for Timor-Leste as it prepares to join Asean - The Straits TimesSingapore boosts support for Timor-Leste as it prepares to join Asean  The Straits Times

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

A seed of contention turns seed of abundance in Timor-Leste - Food and Agriculture OrganizationA seed of contention turns seed of abundance in Timor-Leste  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

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

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

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

Myanmar’s Opposition to Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership - fulcrum.sgMyanmar’s Opposition to Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership  fulcrum.sg

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 - Humanitarian Logistics Preparedness Inception Workshop Report, November 2024 - ReliefWebTimor-Leste - Humanitarian Logistics Preparedness Inception Workshop Report, November 2024  ReliefWeb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Has Dollarization Served Timor-Leste So Far? - International Monetary Fund (IMF)How Has Dollarization Served Timor-Leste So Far?  International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Timor-Leste - General DebateTimor-Leste  General Debate

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

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

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

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

Transformative Education for Sustaining Peace: Training for Teacher Trainers in Timor-Leste - UNESCOTransformative Education for Sustaining Peace: Training for Teacher Trainers in Timor-Leste  UNESCO

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

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: building capacity of health professionals and fostering partnerships to ensure access to controlled medicines for palliative care - United Nations Office on Drugs and CrimeTimor-Leste: building capacity of health professionals and fostering partnerships to ensure access to controlled medicines for palliative care  United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. DROUPADI MURMU AT THE BANQUET HOSTED BY PRESIDENT OF TIMOR-LESTE JOSÉ RAMOS-HORTA - President of IndiaADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. DROUPADI MURMU AT THE BANQUET HOSTED BY PRESIDENT OF TIMOR-LESTE JOSÉ RAMOS-HORTA  President of India

Singapore boosts support for Timor-Leste as it prepares to join Asean - The Business TimesSingapore boosts support for Timor-Leste as it prepares to join Asean  The Business Times

Promoting economic inclusion of small-scale farmers through home-grown school feeding in Timor-Leste - Food and Agriculture OrganizationPromoting economic inclusion of small-scale farmers through home-grown school feeding in Timor-Leste  Food and Agriculture Organization

Advancing Archive Preservation for Peacebuilding: Timor-Leste’s New Digitalization Efforts - UNESCOAdvancing Archive Preservation for Peacebuilding: Timor-Leste’s New Digitalization Efforts  UNESCO

Singapore Strengthens Ties with Timor-Leste at Official State Luncheon - IndiplomacySingapore Strengthens Ties with Timor-Leste at Official State Luncheon  Indiplomacy

Timor-Leste’s Path to ASEAN: Prime Minister Gusmão Delivers Lecture in Singapore - IndiplomacyTimor-Leste’s Path to ASEAN: Prime Minister Gusmão Delivers Lecture in Singapore  Indiplomacy

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

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

Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Accession Is Also a Win for Multilateralism - Yahoo NewsTimor-Leste’s ASEAN Accession Is Also a Win for Multilateralism  Yahoo News

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

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

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

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

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

What Timor-Leste’s China ties really mean for ASEAN - ThinkChinaWhat Timor-Leste’s China ties really mean for ASEAN  ThinkChina

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

Is Timor Leste ready for Malaysian tourists? We went there to find out - CILISOSIs Timor Leste ready for Malaysian tourists? We went there to find out  CILISOS

ASEAN’s new developmental divide - Lowy InstituteASEAN’s new developmental divide  Lowy Institute

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

Timor-Leste strengthens commitment for children as SRSG concludes mission in the country - UnicefTimor-Leste strengthens commitment for children as SRSG concludes mission in the country  Unicef

Singapore unveils upgraded Stars package to fast-track Timor-Leste’s Asean membership - Malay MailSingapore unveils upgraded Stars package to fast-track Timor-Leste’s Asean membership  Malay Mail

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)