East Timor Facts

East Timor, State of Southeast Asia; 14,954 km², 1.3 million residents (2019).Internationally, the Portuguese name form Timor-Leste is often used. East Timor includes the eastern part of the island of Timor as well as the Oecussi exclave (Ambeno) on the island’s western, Indonesian part and the islands of Atauru and Jaco. The capital is Dili with 192,600 residents (2011).

Country facts

• Timor Lorosa’e (tetum), Timor-Leste (Portuguese) / Democratic Republic of East Timor
• Country abbreviation: TL
• Area: 14 954 km²
• Population (2019): 1.3 million residents
• Capital: Dili
• Main languages: Portuguese, tetum
• State: Republic
• Head of State: Francisco Guterres (President)
• Head of Government: Taur Matan Ruak
• Per capita GDP (2018): USD 2,036
• GNI per capita (2018): US $ 1 820
• Currency unit: US $ 1 = 100 cents
• Currency code: USD
• Country number (telephony): 670
• Internet domain name: tel
• Time difference compared to Sweden: +8
• National Day: November 28 (Independence Day, 1975)
• Independence Day: May 20, 2002

Nature

• Land use: no information available
• Highest mountain: Tat Mai Lau (2,963 m asl)

Population

• Population density (2019): 87 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019): 2.4%; birthrate 30 ‰, deathrate 6 ‰
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (39%), 15-64 (56%), 65- (4%)
• Average life expectancy (2019): men 67 years, women 71 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 30 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast 2050: 2.8 million residents
• HDI (2017): 0.625 (place 132 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 31%
• Most populous city (2011): Dili (192,600 residents)

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (9%), industry (57%), service (34%)
• Exports (2017): US $ 17 million
• Main export products: oil, coffee, wood
• Main exporting countries: USA, Germany, Japan
• Imports (2017): US $ 681 million
• Main import products: food, fuel
• Main importing countries: Indonesia, China, Singapore
• Railway network: nothing in operation

Geography

Location and Borders

East Timor (Timor-Leste) is a small island nation located in Southeast Asia, occupying the eastern half of the island of Timor. The western part of the island belongs to Indonesia, making East Timor the only country that borders Indonesia on just one side. The island is situated in the Timor Sea, to the north of Australia, and lies between the Indonesian archipelago to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The country’s proximity to Australia and its location along major sea routes make it an important, though relatively small, part of the region’s geopolitics.

The country consists of the eastern part of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and the Oecusse enclave in western Timor, an area that is separated from the rest of the country by Indonesian territory. With an area of about 14,874 square kilometers (5,743 square miles), East Timor is one of the smallest countries in Asia, yet it is rich in natural resources and biodiversity. Its borders include a long coastline, providing access to both the Timor Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Topography and Natural Features

East Timor is characterized by rugged, mountainous terrain. The island of Timor is part of the larger Sunda Shelf, and its geography is shaped by tectonic activity that has created steep mountain ranges and fertile valleys. The central mountain range runs from the west to the east of the island, with peaks that reach over 2,900 meters (9,514 feet), such as Mount Ramelau, the highest point in the country. This mountainous landscape results in isolated communities in some areas, with most of the population living along the coastal plains where the land is more suitable for agriculture.

The country is known for its biodiversity, with tropical forests, diverse ecosystems, and marine life. The northern coast, which faces the Timor Sea, is home to coral reefs and clear waters that support rich marine life, making it a popular area for fishing and eco-tourism. The rugged mountains in the central and eastern regions are home to many endemic species of flora and fauna, with the country being part of the Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine regions in the world.

East Timor is also home to several rivers, including the Loes, Comoro, and Kobalima rivers, which originate in the mountains and flow toward the sea, providing important water sources for agriculture and communities.

Climate and Seasonal Variation

East Timor experiences a tropical climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically lasts from December to April, during which the country receives heavy rainfall, especially in the mountainous regions. During this time, flash floods and landslides are common due to the steep terrain. The dry season runs from May to November, with lower rainfall, particularly in the coastal areas, and more moderate temperatures.

The temperatures in East Timor remain relatively consistent throughout the year, with average highs ranging from 30°C to 33°C (86°F to 91°F) in the lowlands, while the cooler mountain regions can experience temperatures as low as 15°C (59°F) at night. Humidity levels are high, particularly during the wet season, but the dry season offers slightly more comfortable conditions for both locals and visitors.

The climate is an important factor in East Timor’s agricultural activities. The wet season supports the cultivation of crops like rice, corn, and vegetables, while the dry season is important for harvesting and preparing for the next planting cycle. Climate change poses a growing concern, as rising sea levels and more erratic weather patterns could affect food production and infrastructure.

People

Population and Demographics

East Timor has a population of approximately 1.3 million people. It is one of the least populous countries in Asia, with a relatively low population density given its small land area. The population is predominantly rural, with many people living in small villages scattered along the coast or in remote mountain areas. The capital city, Dili, is the largest urban area in the country and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of East Timor. The urban population in Dili and other cities has been growing in recent years as the country undergoes development and modernization.

The population is relatively young, with a median age of around 20 years, which presents both opportunities and challenges for the country. A large proportion of the population is under the age of 30, which contributes to a dynamic workforce but also places pressure on education, employment, and healthcare systems. East Timor’s birth rate is high, and the country faces challenges associated with youth unemployment and the need for social services that cater to an expanding population.

Ethnically, the population of East Timor is primarily of Austronesian and Papuan descent. The majority of the people are ethnic Tetum, the country’s largest ethnic group, and the Tetum language is one of the official languages. The country’s other ethnic groups include Mambai, Makassai, and others, with these groups generally living in distinct regions across the island.

Languages

The official languages of East Timor are Tetum and Portuguese, both of which are used in government, education, and public life. Tetum is the most widely spoken language, with more than half of the population using it as a first language. It is part of the Austronesian language family and is commonly spoken in daily life, especially in rural areas and in communications among various ethnic groups.

Portuguese, a legacy of the colonial period when East Timor was a Portuguese territory, is also an official language. It was reintroduced after East Timor gained independence in 2002 and is used primarily in formal government and legal contexts, as well as in education. While Portuguese proficiency is relatively limited among the general population, especially in rural areas, the government continues to promote its use in schools and public institutions.

In addition to Tetum and Portuguese, East Timor is home to several indigenous languages, with nearly 30 distinct languages spoken across the country. These languages are primarily used in specific regions by particular ethnic groups. Bahasa Indonesia, once widely spoken during Indonesia’s occupation of East Timor, remains a common second language for many people, especially in urban areas and among the older generations who lived through the occupation period.

Religion

East Timor is predominantly Roman Catholic, with about 97% of the population identifying as Catholic. Catholicism was introduced during the Portuguese colonial era, and it has maintained a significant role in the cultural and social life of the country. The Catholic Church is an important institution in East Timor, providing services in education, health care, and community development. Catholic holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, are widely celebrated, and Catholicism is integral to family life, community events, and national identity.

A small minority of the population practices Protestantism, particularly among certain ethnic groups, though they represent a small fraction of the total population. There are also small communities of Muslims and animists in the country. Religious tolerance is generally observed, and the country’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Despite this, Catholicism remains dominant, and religious practices influence many aspects of life in East Timor.

Economy

Overview

East Timor is a developing country with an economy that relies heavily on agriculture, oil, and gas exports. The country’s economy is characterized by a mix of traditional agriculture and modern industries, although the development of infrastructure and human capital remains a challenge. After gaining independence from Indonesia in 2002, East Timor faced significant challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure and institutions. However, in recent years, the country has seen steady economic growth, primarily driven by oil and gas revenues, as well as investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism.

The economy remains largely dependent on the oil and gas sector, which accounts for the majority of government revenue. However, the government has recognized the need to diversify the economy to reduce its dependence on oil and gas, and efforts are being made to develop agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism as alternative sources of income. Despite progress, East Timor remains one of the poorest countries in Asia, with high levels of poverty, unemployment, and inequality, particularly in rural areas.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture is a critical sector in East Timor, employing a significant portion of the population, especially in rural areas. The country’s main agricultural products include rice, maize, cassava, yams, and sweet potatoes, with rice being the staple food of the population. Coffee is one of the most important cash crops, and East Timor is known for producing high-quality Arabica coffee, which is exported to international markets. Cocoa, coconuts, and tropical fruits like bananas, papayas, and pineapples are also grown.

Despite its potential, East Timor’s agricultural sector faces challenges such as limited access to modern farming techniques, inadequate infrastructure, and vulnerability to natural disasters, such as droughts and floods, which can impact crop yields. Efforts to improve irrigation, promote sustainable farming practices, and develop rural infrastructure are ongoing, but the sector still requires significant investment and attention.

The country’s oil and gas sector is by far its largest contributor to national revenue. East Timor is home to offshore oil fields in the Timor Sea, which provide significant exports, particularly through the Bayu-Undan oil and gas fields. Revenues from the petroleum sector have funded much of the country’s development in recent years. However, the government has been working to ensure that these resources are managed sustainably, as oil reserves are finite, and there is a growing emphasis on diversifying the economy.

Industry and Services

The services sector in East Timor is developing, with tourism and telecommunications showing growth potential. East Timor’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and natural beauty, including pristine beaches, coral reefs, and mountainous landscapes, have made it an emerging destination for eco-tourism. Tourism is still in the early stages of development, and the government is investing in infrastructure, such as roads, airports, and hotels, to support this growing sector.

The country’s manufacturing sector remains small, but it includes some food processing, textiles, and the production of handicrafts. However, the country’s manufacturing capacity is limited, and East Timor imports many finished goods. The government is focused on fostering industrial growth through investments in education, infrastructure, and foreign direct investment.

The financial services sector is also growing, with improvements in banking, microfinance, and credit availability for businesses and individuals. The government has worked to improve the regulatory environment to encourage investment, but challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where financial inclusion is limited.

Government

Political System

East Timor is a semi-presidential representative democratic republic, with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The president is elected by direct popular vote for a five-year term and has important ceremonial, political, and constitutional responsibilities, including overseeing the armed forces and the judiciary. The president also has the power to veto laws and appoint the prime minister, although the prime minister must have the support of the majority in the National Parliament.

The National Parliament of East Timor is unicameral, with 65 members elected for five-year terms through proportional representation. The parliament is responsible for making laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the actions of the government. The prime minister, who is appointed by the president but must be confirmed by parliament, heads the executive branch, which is responsible for implementing policies and managing government affairs.

East Timor has a multi-party political system, with the two main parties being the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin) and the Social Democratic Party (PD). Fretilin, a left-wing political party, has historically been the dominant political force in the country, although there are other smaller parties, such as the Democratic Party (PDT), that also participate in governance.

Legal System

East Timor’s legal system is based on civil law, with influences from Portuguese law due to its colonial history under Portuguese rule. The country’s constitution, adopted in 2002, guarantees fundamental rights, freedoms, and the rule of law. The judiciary is independent, with the highest court being the Court of Appeals. The legal system is designed to ensure that justice is administered fairly, but challenges remain regarding access to justice, particularly in rural areas, and the capacity of the legal system to handle all cases efficiently.

The country has been working to strengthen its legal institutions and improve the legal framework for business, property rights, and human rights. While the legal infrastructure is still developing, East Timor is committed to building a robust system of governance that ensures transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual rights.

Foreign Relations

East Timor maintains active diplomatic relations with several countries and international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. The country is also a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum, the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), and the Pacific Islands Forum.

The country has sought to develop strong relationships with its neighbors in Southeast Asia and Oceania, particularly Indonesia, Australia, and Malaysia. Relations with Indonesia, its western neighbor, are crucial given the shared history and the border between the two countries. The relationship with Australia is particularly important due to shared economic and security interests, particularly concerning offshore oil and gas resources in the Timor Sea.

East Timor has also actively participated in peacekeeping missions and international humanitarian efforts, emphasizing its commitment to regional stability and global cooperation. The government has focused on maintaining peaceful relations with neighboring countries while promoting national development and international partnerships.

Map of East Timor