What countries border Timor-Leste?
What is the current weather in Timor-Leste?
What is Timor-Leste famous for?
What is the capital of Timor-Leste?
Capital | Dili |
Government Type | semi-presidential republic |
Currency | US dollar (USD) |
Total Area |
5,743 Square Miles 14,874 Square Kilometers |
Location | Southeastern Asia, northwest of Australia in the Lesser Sunda Islands at the eastern end of the Indonesian archipelago; note - Timor-Leste includes the eastern half of the island of Timor, the Oecussi (Ambeno) region on the northwest portion of the island of Timor, and the islands of Pulau Atauro and Pulau Jaco |
Language |
Tetum (official), Portuguese (official), Indonesian, English note: there are about 16 indigenous languages; Tetum, Galole, Mambae, and Kemak are spoken by significant numbers of people |
GDP - real growth rate | 4.3% |
GDP - per capita (PPP) | $5,800.00 (USD) |
What is the population of Timor-Leste?
Ethnic Groups | Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian), Papuan, small Chinese minority |
Languages | Portuguese and Tetum, the local language, are both official languages. Bahasa-Indonesia and English are also used in commercial and government spheres. English is often used in academic and non-government spheres. In school, it is still debated whether to focus on written Tetum, or Portuguese. |
Nationality Noun | Timorese |
Population | 1,383,723 |
Population Growth Rate | 2.47% |
Population in Major Urban Areas | DILI (capital) 180,000 |
Urban Population | 28.300000 |
What type of government does Timor-Leste have?
Executive Branch |
chief of state: President José RAMOS-HORTA (since 20 May 2022); note - the president is commander in chief of the military and can veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and call national elections head of government: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO (since 1 July 2023) cabinet: Council of Ministers; ministers proposed to the prime minister by the coalition in the Parliament and sworn in by the President of the Republic elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); last election held on 19 March 2022 with a runoff on 19 April 2022 (next to be held in April 2027); following parliamentary elections, the president appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as the prime minister election results: 2022: José RAMOS-HORTA elected president in second round - RAMOS-HORTA (CNRT) 62.1%, Francisco GUTERRES (FRETILIN) 37.9% 2017: Francisco GUTERRES elected president; Francisco GUTERRES (FRETILIN) 57.1%, António da CONCEICAO (PD) 32.5%, other 10.4% |
Suffrage | 17 years of age; universal |
Citizenship |
citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Timor-Leste dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years |
National Holiday | Restoration of Independence Day, 20 May (2002); Proclamation of Independence Day, 28 November (1975) |
Constitution |
history: drafted 2001, approved 22 March 2002, entered into force 20 May 2002 amendments: proposed by Parliament and parliamentary groups; consideration of amendments requires at least four-fifths majority approval by Parliament; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by Parliament and promulgation by the president of the republic; passage of amendments to the republican form of government and the flag requires approval in a referendum |
Independence | 20 May 2002 (from Indonesia); note - 28 November 1975 was the date independence was proclaimed from Portugal; 20 May 2002 was the date of international recognition of Timor-Leste's independence from Indonesia |
What environmental issues does Timor-Leste have?
Climate | tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons |
Border Countries | Indonesia 228 km |
Environment - Current Issues | widespread use of slash and burn agriculture has led to deforestation and soil erosion |
Environment - International Agreements | party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements |
Terrain | mountainous |
How big is the Timor-Leste economy?
Economic Overview |
The economy of Timor-Leste is primarily driven by the oil and gas industry, which has been the main source of revenue for the country since the early 2000s. According to the World Bank, Timor-Leste has a population of around 1.3 million people and a GDP of $2.6 billion (2020 est.). Its economy is classified as lower-middle-income, with a per capita income of $1,956. While the country has made progress in reducing poverty over the past two decades, around 41% of the population still lives below the poverty line, with limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education. The oil and gas industry accounts for over 90% of Timor-Leste's exports and more than half of its GDP. The country's main oil and gas fields are located in the Timor Sea, and its main oil and gas production companies include ConocoPhillips, Eni, and Woodside Petroleum. However, the country's reliance on oil and gas revenue has also made it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further impacted its economy. To diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil and gas, Timor-Leste has also been focusing on developing its agriculture and tourism sectors. The country has a tropical climate and fertile land, which makes it suitable for a variety of crops, including coffee, rice, corn, and cassava. The government has been providing support to farmers to improve their yields and increase production. The country also has a growing tourism industry, with attractions such as beaches, diving spots, and historical sites. Despite the efforts to diversify the economy, Timor-Leste faces several challenges in achieving sustainable economic growth. One of the main challenges is the limited infrastructure, including roads, ports, and airports, which makes it difficult to transport goods and services within the country and to other markets. The country also has a high unemployment rate, particularly among young people, and a low level of human capital, which hinders its ability to compete in the global market. To address these challenges, the government of Timor-Leste has been implementing various policies and programs to improve the business environment and attract foreign investment. In 2020, the government launched a new investment law that aims to simplify the process of doing business in the country and provide incentives for foreign investors. The government has also been investing in education and training programs to improve the skills of its workforce and increase productivity. |
Industries | printing, soap manufacturing, handicrafts, woven cloth |
Currency Name and Code | US dollar (USD) |
Export Partners | NA |
What current events are happening in Timor-Leste?
Source: Google News
What makes Timor-Leste a unique country to travel to?