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

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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

Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Minister of the Interior of Timor-Leste - ASEAN Main PortalSecretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Minister of the Interior of Timor-Leste  ASEAN Main Portal

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

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?  ??????

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)

'Heightened activity' on Timor-Leste's next offshore project - Upstream Online'Heightened activity' on Timor-Leste's next offshore project  Upstream Online

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

Under the shadow of Matebian - Nation ThailandUnder the shadow of Matebian  Nation Thailand

UN report says scam centers are spreading in East Timor - ABC NewsUN report says scam centers are spreading in East Timor  ABC News

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

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs receives diplomats of ASEAN countries, Timor-Leste - Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs receives diplomats of ASEAN countries, Timor-Leste  Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

‘They raped us one by one’: East Timor’s forgotten women of war - The Telegraph‘They raped us one by one’: East Timor’s forgotten women of war  The Telegraph

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

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

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: 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

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

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

Off-road with the Salesians in Timor-Leste - The Catholic WeeklyOff-road with the Salesians in Timor-Leste  The Catholic Weekly

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

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

Growing Hope in Timor-Leste: Santina’s Journey to a Healthier, Stronger Future - cwsglobal.Growing Hope in Timor-Leste: Santina’s Journey to a Healthier, Stronger Future  cwsglobal.

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)

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

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

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

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

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

Crime syndicates may be setting up scam centre in East Timor, UN agency says - CNACrime syndicates may be setting up scam centre in East Timor, UN agency says  CNA

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

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

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

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

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

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

Australia on cusp of Asian Cup qualification as A-Leagues young guns star again - A-LeaguesAustralia on cusp of Asian Cup qualification as A-Leagues young guns star again  A-Leagues

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’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

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

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

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

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

Timor-Leste Counters Malnutrition With Innovation - Catholic Relief Services | CRSTimor-Leste Counters Malnutrition With Innovation  Catholic Relief Services | CRS

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

Timor-Leste mission uncovers green economy and sustainable mining opportunities - The National TribuneTimor-Leste mission uncovers green economy and sustainable mining opportunities  The National Tribune

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

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

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

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

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

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 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)

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

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

Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong Visits Timor-Leste and Holds Diplomatic Consultations - fmprc.gov.cnVice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong Visits Timor-Leste and Holds Diplomatic Consultations  fmprc.gov.cn

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

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

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

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

Women’s Experiences of Climate Change Impacts in Timor-Leste - Oxfam AotearoaWomen’s Experiences of Climate Change Impacts in Timor-Leste  Oxfam Aotearoa

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

Charles Darwin University TAFE launches transnational training in Timor-Leste - Charles Darwin UniversityCharles Darwin University TAFE launches transnational training in Timor-Leste  Charles Darwin University

Timor-Leste Defence Force visits USINDOPACOM for Bilateral Defense Discussions - pacom.milTimor-Leste Defence Force visits USINDOPACOM for Bilateral Defense Discussions  pacom.mil

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

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

Help Children in Timor-Leste - unicef usaHelp Children in Timor-Leste  unicef usa

Mátria: Women, Resistance, and the Fight for Timor-Leste’s Independence - UN Sustainable Development GroupMátria: Women, Resistance, and the Fight for Timor-Leste’s Independence  UN Sustainable Development Group

The 'secrets' of effective training: journalists supporting their own in Timor-Leste - Australian Broadcasting CorporationThe 'secrets' of effective training: journalists supporting their own in Timor-Leste  Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Enabling Child-Centric Innovation in Timor-Leste - UnicefEnabling Child-Centric Innovation in Timor-Leste  Unicef

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

The Role of Nature-Based Solutions for Healthy Communities in Timor-Leste - UNSW SydneyThe Role of Nature-Based Solutions for Healthy Communities in Timor-Leste  UNSW Sydney

Timor-Leste: A Young Nation Forged in Resilience Celebrates its Independence - Nation ThailandTimor-Leste: A Young Nation Forged in Resilience Celebrates its Independence  Nation Thailand

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

Timor-Leste’s Accession As A Permanent ASEAN Member Draws Closer - bernamaTimor-Leste’s Accession As A Permanent ASEAN Member Draws Closer  bernama

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

Timor-Leste's membership divides Asean - bangkokpost.comTimor-Leste's membership divides Asean  bangkokpost.com

Building a deeper understanding of Timor-Leste’s health system - World BankBuilding a deeper understanding of Timor-Leste’s health system  World Bank

East Timor has a historic opportunity to break ASEAN deadlock on Myanmar - Al JazeeraEast Timor has a historic opportunity to break ASEAN deadlock on Myanmar  Al Jazeera

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

Policy Brief - UnicefPolicy Brief  Unicef

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

Weaving Resilience: Strengthening Communities in Timor-Leste - Catholic Relief Services | CRSWeaving Resilience: Strengthening Communities in Timor-Leste  Catholic Relief Services | CRS

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