Visited
Plan to visitTimor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is a small island nation located in Southeast Asia. It occupies the eastern half of the island of Timor, with its western half belonging to Indonesia. The country has a population of around 1.3 million people and its capital and largest city is Dili.
Timor-Leste has a complex history, having been colonized by Portugal in the 16th century and then occupied by Indonesia for over two decades following a violent conflict in the late 20th century. The country finally gained its independence in 2002.
The economy of Timor-Leste is primarily based on agriculture, with coffee being the most important export crop. The country is also home to significant natural gas reserves, which have the potential to drive economic growth in the future. Despite this, Timor-Leste remains one of the poorest countries in the region, with a high poverty rate and limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education.
The official languages of Timor-Leste are Tetum and Portuguese, with Tetum being the most widely spoken. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with strong influences from both its Portuguese colonial past and its indigenous traditions. Popular cultural practices include traditional dance, music, and art.
Timor-Leste is known for its rugged natural beauty, with mountainous terrain, tropical forests, and stunning beaches. It is home to a number of unique species, including the Timor deer, the Timor python, and the Timor monitor lizard. The country also offers opportunities for adventure tourism, such as hiking, diving, and surfing.
Timor-Leste faces a number of challenges, including limited infrastructure, ongoing political instability, and high levels of poverty. However, the country has made progress in recent years, with improvements in healthcare, education, and economic growth.
Telephone Code
670
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance and Fire: 115; Police: 112; 331 2383
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
Climate
Tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons
Currency (Code)
US Dollar (USD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): E, G, I
Major Languages
Tetun Prasa, Mambai, Makasai, Tetun Terik, Baikenu, Kemak, Bunak, Tokodede, Fataluku: note: there are about 32 indigenous languages
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 97.6%, Protestant/Evangelical 2%, Muslim 0.2%
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Dili (includes Cristo Rei, Resistance Museum, Tais Market); Jesus Backside Beach; Atauro Island; Lake Ira Lalaro; Jaco Island; Mount Ramelau; Marobo Hot Springs
Major Sports
Soccer, boxing
Cultural Practices
Timorese women are usually modestly dressed. It would be respectful, as a tourist, to dress likewise.
Tipping Guidelines
Service charges are not added to bills automatically. Leave a 10% tip if the service warrants it. Tipping is not seen as a necessity, but a reward for good service.
Souvenirs
Tais woven fabric, Batik and embroidered fabrics, shell and pearl jewelry, handmade bags, woodcarvings, silverwork
Traditional Cuisine
Ikan pepes — fish is coated in a paste made with ingredients including turmeric, macadamia nuts, tomatoes, shrimp paste, palm sugar, lemon basil, tamarind, lemongrass, and chili peppers and then wrapped in banana leaves; the parcels are steamed or grilled and served with lime or lemon wedges on the side
Geography
Area
total: 14,874 sq km
land: 14,874 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons
Natural resources
gold, petroleum, natural gas, manganese, marble
People and Society
Population
1,476,042 (2023 est.)
Ethnic groups
Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) (includes Tetun, Mambai, Tokodede, Galoli, Kemak, Baikeno), Melanesian-Papuan (includes Bunak, Fataluku, Bakasai), small Chinese minority
Languages
Tetun Prasa 30.6%, Mambai 16.6%, Makasai 10.5%, Tetun Terik 6.1%, Baikenu 5.9%, Kemak 5.8%, Bunak 5.5%, Tokodede 4%, Fataluku 3.5%, Waima'a 1.8%, Galoli 1.4%, Naueti 1.4%, Idate 1.2%, Midiki 1.2%, other 4.5% (2015 est.)
Religions
Roman Catholic 97.6%, Protestant/Evangelical 2%, Muslim 0.2%, other 0.2% (2015 est.)
Population growth rate
2.1% (2023 est.)
Government
Government type
semi-presidential republic
Capital
name: Dili
Economy
Economic overview
lower middle-income Southeast Asian economy; government expenditures funded via oil fund drawdowns; endemic corruption undermines growth; foreign aid-dependent; wide-scale poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$6.648 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$5,000 (2021 est.)
Agricultural products
rice, maize, vegetables, coffee, roots/tubers nes, other meats, cassava, pork, beans, mangoes/guavas
Industries
printing, soap manufacturing, handicrafts, woven cloth
Exports
$2.315 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
Singapore 51%, China 20%, Japan 9%, Indonesia 6% (2019)
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, natural gas, coffee, various vegetables, scrap iron (2019)
Imports
$1.523 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
Indonesia 39%, China 27%, Singapore 10%, Malaysia 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, cement, delivery trucks, motorcycles (2019)
