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

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India to play Thailand, Mongolia, Timor Leste, Iraq in AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers - The HinduIndia to play Thailand, Mongolia, Timor Leste, Iraq in AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers  The Hindu

India to play Thailand, Mongolia, Timor Leste, Iraq in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers - DD NewsIndia to play Thailand, Mongolia, Timor Leste, Iraq in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers  DD News

Building Legacies, from One Island Nation to Another - International Finance Corporation (IFC)Building Legacies, from One Island Nation to Another  International Finance Corporation (IFC)

India’s women’s football team to face Thailand, Mongolia, Iraq and Timor Leste in AFC Asian Cup 2026 Qual - Times of IndiaIndia’s women’s football team to face Thailand, Mongolia, Iraq and Timor Leste in AFC Asian Cup 2026 Qual  Times of India

SPE Timor-Leste Student Chapter Hosts Presidential Keynote and Distinguished Lecturer Extravaganza - Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)SPE Timor-Leste Student Chapter Hosts Presidential Keynote and Distinguished Lecturer Extravaganza  Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)

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)

India drawn with Thailand, Mongolia, Timor Leste, and Iraq in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers - Pune Times MirrorIndia drawn with Thailand, Mongolia, Timor Leste, and Iraq in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers  Pune Times Mirror

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

India to play Thailand, Mongolia, Timor Leste, Iraq in AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers - The Assam TribuneIndia to play Thailand, Mongolia, Timor Leste, Iraq in AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers  The Assam Tribune

AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers: India drawn with Thailand, Mongolia, Timor Leste and Iraq - Olympics.comAFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers: India drawn with Thailand, Mongolia, Timor Leste and Iraq  Olympics.com

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

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

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

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

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)

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers draw: India paired with Thailand, Mongolia, Timor Leste and Iraq - SportstarAFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers draw: India paired with Thailand, Mongolia, Timor Leste and Iraq  Sportstar

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

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

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

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

India Drawn in Group B for AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Set to Battle Thailand, Mongolia, Timor Leste, Iraq - myKhelIndia Drawn in Group B for AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Set to Battle Thailand, Mongolia, Timor Leste, Iraq  myKhel

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

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

Timor-Leste Bestows Top Civilian Honor on President Murmu - Drishti IASTimor-Leste Bestows Top Civilian Honor on President Murmu  Drishti IAS

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)

Timor-Leste stakes Asean bid over fugitive ex-lawmaker - Inquirer.netTimor-Leste stakes Asean bid over fugitive ex-lawmaker  Inquirer.net

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

A seed of contention turns seed of abundance in Timor-Leste - fao.orgA seed of contention turns seed of abundance in Timor-Leste  fao.org

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

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

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

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

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

Timor-Leste strengthens commitment to homegrown school feeding to enhance nutrition for children and improve lives for local farmers - fao.orgTimor-Leste strengthens commitment to homegrown school feeding to enhance nutrition for children and improve lives for local farmers  fao.org

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

Timor-Leste’s proposed cyber law sparks concerns - ucanews.comTimor-Leste’s proposed cyber law sparks concerns  ucanews.com

Asian Impact 87: Enhancing MSME Development in Timor-Leste - Asian Development BankAsian Impact 87: Enhancing MSME Development in Timor-Leste  Asian Development Bank

PH decries Timor-Leste’s rejection of Teves extradition request - Inquirer.netPH decries Timor-Leste’s rejection of Teves extradition request  Inquirer.net

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 Closer Look at Child Labour in Timor-Leste—Challenges and Progress Towards Ending the Practice - Welcome to the United NationsA Closer Look at Child Labour in Timor-Leste—Challenges and Progress Towards Ending the Practice  Welcome to the United Nations

Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste: Selected Issues - International Monetary FundDemocratic Republic of Timor-Leste: Selected Issues  International Monetary Fund

PH dismayed by Timor Leste's move to deny Arnie Teves extradition - GMA NetworkPH dismayed by Timor Leste's move to deny Arnie Teves extradition  GMA Network

Timor-Leste - General DebateTimor-Leste  General Debate

Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report - International Monetary FundDemocratic Republic of Timor-Leste: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report  International Monetary Fund

Mátria: Women, Resistance, and the Fight for Timor-Leste’s Independence - UN Women Asia and the PacificMátria: Women, Resistance, and the Fight for Timor-Leste’s Independence  UN Women Asia and the Pacific

Agroforestry policy dialogue in Timor-Leste - CIFOR-ICRAF Forests NewsAgroforestry policy dialogue in Timor-Leste  CIFOR-ICRAF Forests News

Murmu: India to open embassy in Timor-Leste, lauds diaspora - The Indian ExpressMurmu: India to open embassy in Timor-Leste, lauds diaspora  The Indian Express

Secretary-General of ASEAN welcomes Attachment Officers from CLMV and Timor-Leste to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat - ASEAN Main PortalSecretary-General of ASEAN welcomes Attachment Officers from CLMV and Timor-Leste to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat  ASEAN Main Portal

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing - fao.orgIllegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing  fao.org

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

Strengthening Delhi-Dili relations: Timor Leste announces intention to open embassy in India - ANI NewsStrengthening Delhi-Dili relations: Timor Leste announces intention to open embassy in India  ANI News

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

Philippines ‘disappointed’ with Timor-Leste on Teves case - Philstar.comPhilippines ‘disappointed’ with Timor-Leste on Teves case  Philstar.com

World Food Safety Day/ Codex Trust Fund advocacy workshop in Timor-Leste | CODEXALIMENTARIUS - fao.orgWorld Food Safety Day/ Codex Trust Fund advocacy workshop in Timor-Leste | CODEXALIMENTARIUS  fao.org

Dili-Delhi connect: India to open embassy in Timor-Leste - Times of IndiaDili-Delhi connect: India to open embassy in Timor-Leste  Times of India

ADB Forecasts 3.1% Economic Growth for Timor-Leste in 2024 - Asian Development BankADB Forecasts 3.1% Economic Growth for Timor-Leste in 2024  Asian Development Bank

HPV screen-and-treat service launches in Timor-Leste with University support - The University of SydneyHPV screen-and-treat service launches in Timor-Leste with University support  The University of Sydney

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

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

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 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

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

President Droupadi Murmu concludes three-nation tour to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste - The HinduPresident Droupadi Murmu concludes three-nation tour to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste  The Hindu

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

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

Guterres highlights Timor-Leste’s ‘growing international influence’ - UN NewsGuterres highlights Timor-Leste’s ‘growing international influence’  UN News

Ismaili Imamat and Timor-Leste sign cooperation protocol - Aga Khan Development NetworkIsmaili Imamat and Timor-Leste sign cooperation protocol  Aga Khan Development Network

2024 News items - Aid for Trade session addresses Comoros’ and Timor-Leste’s post-accession strategies - World Trade Organization2024 News items - Aid for Trade session addresses Comoros’ and Timor-Leste’s post-accession strategies  World Trade Organization

??Timor-Leste is expected to join ASEAN in May - Macao News??Timor-Leste is expected to join ASEAN in May  Macao News

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

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

I spent 3 nights in Asia's least visited country. It also turned out to be the most expensive. - Business InsiderI spent 3 nights in Asia's least visited country. It also turned out to be the most expensive.  Business Insider

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

Timor-Leste: Twenty-Five Years After Independence - Council on Foreign RelationsTimor-Leste: Twenty-Five Years After Independence  Council on Foreign Relations

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

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

Bilateral meeting with H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste - fao.orgBilateral meeting with H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste  fao.org

Australia Holds the Key to a Fair Deal for Timor-Leste - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineAustralia Holds the Key to a Fair Deal for Timor-Leste  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine

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

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

Day Two in Timor-Leste: A country ‘at the centre of the Gospel’ - Vatican NewsDay Two in Timor-Leste: A country ‘at the centre of the Gospel’  Vatican News

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

How a new trade information portal is empowering Timor-Leste’s entrepreneurs - World Bank BlogsHow a new trade information portal is empowering Timor-Leste’s entrepreneurs  World Bank Blogs

Record TB detections, decline in deaths by 55% in Timor-Leste: Global TB report - World Health Organization (WHO)Record TB detections, decline in deaths by 55% in Timor-Leste: Global TB report  World Health Organization (WHO)

Timor-Leste Counters Malnutrition With Innovation - Catholic Relief ServicesTimor-Leste Counters Malnutrition With Innovation  Catholic Relief Services

Women's Safety Audit Report. Perception of Timor-Leste's Public Spaces - UN Women Asia and the PacificWomen's Safety Audit Report. Perception of Timor-Leste's Public Spaces  UN Women Asia and the Pacific

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

Refusal to extradite Teves can affect Timor-Leste’s bid to join Asean - Inquirer.netRefusal to extradite Teves can affect Timor-Leste’s bid to join Asean  Inquirer.net

Timor-Leste Assistance Overview, November 2024 - ReliefWebTimor-Leste Assistance Overview, November 2024  ReliefWeb

Struggle for independence has made Catholic faith stronger in Timor-Leste - Vatican NewsStruggle for independence has made Catholic faith stronger in Timor-Leste  Vatican News

Talk to Me! IRI’s Civic Education Programming in Timor-Leste - iri.orgTalk to Me! IRI’s Civic Education Programming in Timor-Leste  iri.org

UNICEF hands over 85 water tanks to mitigate El Niño induced water shortage in Timor-Leste - UnicefUNICEF hands over 85 water tanks to mitigate El Niño induced water shortage in Timor-Leste  Unicef

Timor-Leste’s 25-year-long path to freedom and democracy - UN NewsTimor-Leste’s 25-year-long path to freedom and democracy  UN News

President Ramos-Horta: Pope’s visit was ‘incredible’ moment for Timor-Leste - Vatican NewsPresident Ramos-Horta: Pope’s visit was ‘incredible’ moment for Timor-Leste  Vatican News

Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister set to embark on official visit to Cambodia - Khmer TimesTimor-Leste’s Foreign Minister set to embark on official visit to Cambodia  Khmer Times

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

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

'Unbreakable bond between faith and culture' - Cardinal Da Silva on Pope in Timor-Leste - Vatican News'Unbreakable bond between faith and culture' - Cardinal Da Silva on Pope in Timor-Leste  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