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

Timor-Leste is to become a full ASEAN member in October - Macao NewsTimor-Leste is to become a full ASEAN member in October  Macao News

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

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

India continue impressive run in Women's Asian Cup qualifiers with Timor-Leste win - India TodayIndia continue impressive run in Women's Asian Cup qualifiers with Timor-Leste win  India Today

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)

India in AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers: Blue Tigresses hope to continue winning form against Timor Leste - SportstarIndia in AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers: Blue Tigresses hope to continue winning form against Timor Leste  Sportstar

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

Advancing identity for digital governance - thestar.com.myAdvancing identity for digital governance  thestar.com.my

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

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

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

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

The voices of the Wawata Topu - Oceanographic MagazineThe voices of the Wawata Topu  Oceanographic Magazine

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

The Top 5 Best Crypto Exchanges in Timor-Leste in 2025 - OneSafeThe Top 5 Best Crypto Exchanges in Timor-Leste in 2025  OneSafe

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

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

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

Enhancing Humanitarian Logistics for Effective Disaster Response in Timor-Leste - ReliefWebEnhancing Humanitarian Logistics for Effective Disaster Response in Timor-Leste  ReliefWeb

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

Table-toppers India ready for penultimate AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification test against Iraq - AIFFTable-toppers India ready for penultimate AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification test against Iraq  AIFF

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

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

Timor-Leste reviews the progresses of its Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) - International Labour OrganizationTimor-Leste reviews the progresses of its Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP)  International Labour Organization

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)

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

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

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

Foreign ministers back Timor-Leste entry, push for stronger trade and energy links at Asean meet - The Straits TimesForeign ministers back Timor-Leste entry, push for stronger trade and energy links at Asean meet  The Straits Times

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

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

Thailand hails Malaysia’s role in Asean expansion with Timor-Leste’s expected entry - Selangor JournalThailand hails Malaysia’s role in Asean expansion with Timor-Leste’s expected entry  Selangor Journal

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

US aid cuts threaten clean water project in Timor-Leste - Australian Broadcasting CorporationUS aid cuts threaten clean water project in Timor-Leste  Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Thailand Hails Malaysia’s Role In ASEAN Expansion With Timor-Leste’s Expected Entry - bernamaThailand Hails Malaysia’s Role In ASEAN Expansion With Timor-Leste’s Expected Entry  bernama

India Vs Timor-Leste Live Streaming: When, Where To Watch AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Group B Qualifier Match - Outlook IndiaIndia Vs Timor-Leste Live Streaming: When, Where To Watch AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Group B Qualifier Match  Outlook India

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

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

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

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

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

Vi?t Nam 2 win, Timor-Leste trounce Australia - vietnamnews.vnVi?t Nam 2 win, Timor-Leste trounce Australia  vietnamnews.vn

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

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

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

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

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

Timor-Leste Hits Back at Myanmar Junta’s Objection to ASEAN Membership - The IrrawaddyTimor-Leste Hits Back at Myanmar Junta’s Objection to ASEAN Membership  The Irrawaddy

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

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

Myanmar Junta Opposes Timor Leste’s ASEAN Membership - The IrrawaddyMyanmar Junta Opposes Timor Leste’s ASEAN Membership  The Irrawaddy

Malaysia praised by Thailand for ASEAN leadership and Timor-Leste expansion - thesun.myMalaysia praised by Thailand for ASEAN leadership and Timor-Leste expansion  thesun.my

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

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

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

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

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, 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

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)

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

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

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

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

China's poverty eradication role model for other countries: Timor-Leste president - XinhuaChina's poverty eradication role model for other countries: Timor-Leste president  Xinhua

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

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

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

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

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

Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) - Food and Agriculture OrganizationAgreement on Port State Measures (PSMA)  Food and Agriculture Organization

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

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

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

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

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

Bringing ASEAN closer to the People: Timor-Leste’s Campaign Gains Ground - EEASBringing ASEAN closer to the People: Timor-Leste’s Campaign Gains Ground  EEAS

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