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

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

Timor-Leste Drops Plan To Buy SUVs For MPs After Public Uproar - Outlook IndiaTimor-Leste Drops Plan To Buy SUVs For MPs After Public Uproar  Outlook India

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

Timor-Leste: Public anger over free luxury SUVs, pensions for lawmakers - WIONTimor-Leste: Public anger over free luxury SUVs, pensions for lawmakers  WION

Timor Leste drops plan to buy SUVs for lawmakers - The Jakarta PostTimor Leste drops plan to buy SUVs for lawmakers  The Jakarta Post

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?  ??????

'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

Vi?t Nam, Timor-Leste agree to deepen bilateral ties - vietnamnews.vnVi?t Nam, Timor-Leste agree to deepen bilateral ties  vietnamnews.vn

Offshore drilling facility required for Timor-Leste wells - Upstream OnlineOffshore drilling facility required for Timor-Leste wells  Upstream Online

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

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

Bernama Holds Special Interview With Timor-Leste President - bernamaBernama Holds Special Interview With Timor-Leste President  bernama

Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Accession amid Global Power Rivalries: Navigating the Opportunities and Challenges Ahead - The National Bureau of Asian ResearchTimor-Leste’s ASEAN Accession amid Global Power Rivalries: Navigating the Opportunities and Challenges Ahead  The National Bureau of Asian Research

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

Timor-Leste wants to learn from Vi?t Nam - vietnamnews.vnTimor-Leste wants to learn from Vi?t Nam  vietnamnews.vn

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)

Transforming Research Ecosystem in Timor-Leste - UNESCOTransforming Research Ecosystem in Timor-Leste  UNESCO

Timor-Leste to scrap MP pensions and SUVs after protests - CNATimor-Leste to scrap MP pensions and SUVs after protests  CNA

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

Police clash with protesters in Timor-Leste as new car plan sparks anger - Australian Broadcasting CorporationPolice clash with protesters in Timor-Leste as new car plan sparks anger  Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Concern is growing over the establishment of scam centres in Timor-Leste - Macao NewsConcern is growing over the establishment of scam centres in Timor-Leste  Macao News

Timor-Leste Protests Force Government to Scrap Controversial Plans - Azat TVTimor-Leste Protests Force Government to Scrap Controversial Plans  Azat TV

Timor-Leste becoming new hotspot for scam centres, UN warns - sigma.worldTimor-Leste becoming new hotspot for scam centres, UN warns  sigma.world

Bernama On Eight-day Mission To Timor-Leste As Country Nears ASEAN Entry - bernamaBernama On Eight-day Mission To Timor-Leste As Country Nears ASEAN Entry  bernama

RFPs: Women’s Economic Empowerment Innovation Grants Program (Timor-Leste) - fundsforNGOsRFPs: Women’s Economic Empowerment Innovation Grants Program (Timor-Leste)  fundsforNGOs

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

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

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

NA Chairman meets with leaders of Cambodia, Timor-Leste on AIPA-46 sidelines - vietnamnews.vnNA Chairman meets with leaders of Cambodia, Timor-Leste on AIPA-46 sidelines  vietnamnews.vn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

Timor-Leste: Students Protest Planned Purchase of Cars for Parliament Members - Tempo.co EnglishTimor-Leste: Students Protest Planned Purchase of Cars for Parliament Members  Tempo.co English

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 axes plan to buy SUVs for MPs - The Straits TimesTimor-Leste axes plan to buy SUVs for MPs  The Straits Times

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

Timor-Leste protests over plan to buy dozens of cars for lawmakers - nhk.or.jpTimor-Leste protests over plan to buy dozens of cars for lawmakers  nhk.or.jp

Timor-Leste Cancels Parliament's $4.2 Million SUV Plan After Public Pressure - Tempo.co EnglishTimor-Leste Cancels Parliament's $4.2 Million SUV Plan After Public Pressure  Tempo.co English

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)

PM calls for stronger multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam, Timor-Leste - Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)PM calls for stronger multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam, Timor-Leste  Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)

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

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

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

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

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

East Timor lawmakers agree to scrap lawmaker pension allowances that sparked student protests - The Straits TimesEast Timor lawmakers agree to scrap lawmaker pension allowances that sparked student protests  The Straits Times

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

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

Timor-Leste police fire tear gas at protest over plan to buy cars for MPs - CNATimor-Leste police fire tear gas at protest over plan to buy cars for MPs  CNA

Chiquito's story - Caritas AustraliaChiquito's story  Caritas Australia

ASEAN’s Energy Security Ambitions Must Factor In Timor Leste - BusinessToday MalaysiaASEAN’s Energy Security Ambitions Must Factor In Timor Leste  BusinessToday Malaysia

Fausto Belo Ximenes obituary | Timor-Leste - The GuardianFausto Belo Ximenes obituary | Timor-Leste  The Guardian

What Can Timor-Leste Bring to ASEAN? - fulcrum.sgWhat Can Timor-Leste Bring to ASEAN?  fulcrum.sg

Timor-Leste president talks about nation's ASEAN entry, political stability - CNATimor-Leste president talks about nation's ASEAN entry, political stability  CNA

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 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’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

Japan-Timor-Leste Summit Meeting - Prime Minister's Office of JapanJapan-Timor-Leste Summit Meeting  Prime Minister's Office of Japan

Ambassador: Timor-Leste a launchpad to Indonesian, northern Australian markets for Malaysia - The Edge MalaysiaAmbassador: Timor-Leste a launchpad to Indonesian, northern Australian markets for Malaysia  The Edge Malaysia

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

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

Growing Hope in Timor-Leste: Santina’s Journey to a Healthier, Stronger Future - CWS GlobalGrowing Hope in Timor-Leste: Santina’s Journey to a Healthier, Stronger Future  CWS Global

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

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

East Timor ends MP pension allowances after protest... - National Indigenous TimesEast Timor ends MP pension allowances after protest...  National Indigenous Times

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

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

Japan- Timor-Leste Summit Meeting - mofa.go.jpJapan- Timor-Leste Summit Meeting  mofa.go.jp

‘We shouldn’t bring to ASEAN an additional burden’: Timor-Leste president on joining the bloc - CNA‘We shouldn’t bring to ASEAN an additional burden’: Timor-Leste president on joining the bloc  CNA

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

MANDIRI CUP™ 2025 – REPORT: MYANMAR 4-4 TIMOR LESTE - ASEAN United FCMANDIRI CUP™ 2025 – REPORT: MYANMAR 4-4 TIMOR LESTE  ASEAN United FC

Chaos Demonstration In Timor Leste Rejects 56 Official Cars Of Parliamentary Members, Ramos Horta: Don't Use Violence - VOI.IDChaos Demonstration In Timor Leste Rejects 56 Official Cars Of Parliamentary Members, Ramos Horta: Don't Use Violence  VOI.ID

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 and navigating the ASEAN Way - Lowy InstituteTimor-Leste and navigating the ASEAN Way  Lowy Institute

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

UNODC Warns of Rising Gambling Scams and Organized Crime in Timor-Leste - newsnet5.comUNODC Warns of Rising Gambling Scams and Organized Crime in Timor-Leste  newsnet5.com

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

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

Timor-Leste's Jose Ramos-Horta speaks to CNA about ASEAN entry, political stability, border issues - CNATimor-Leste's Jose Ramos-Horta speaks to CNA about ASEAN entry, political stability, border issues  CNA

What can Timor-Leste bring to ASEAN? - ThinkChinaWhat can Timor-Leste bring to ASEAN?  ThinkChina

Collaborative Training Prepares Timor-Leste Youth to Succeed in the Labour Market - EEASCollaborative Training Prepares Timor-Leste Youth to Succeed in the Labour Market  EEAS

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)

Timor-Leste police fire tear gas on second day of car purchase protests - The Straits TimesTimor-Leste police fire tear gas on second day of car purchase protests  The Straits Times

Estrella launches geophysics on high-grade Timor-Leste manganese hits - The West AustralianEstrella launches geophysics on high-grade Timor-Leste manganese hits  The West Australian

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

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

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

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

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