East Timor
Not been yet
At a glance
- Region
- South-Eastern Asia
- Capital
- Dili
- Population
- 1.4 million (2024)
- Area
- 14,874 km²
- Languages
- Portuguese, Tetum
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Drives on the
- left
- Calling code
- +670
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Before you go
Overview
It is also called Timor-Leste; it is located at Southeast Asia, at the eastern half of island of Timor. At 2018 it recorded a population of 1.268 million and covers an area of 15,006 km2.
East Timorese largest and the capital city is Dili. The eastern town of Bacau is the second-largest city. Dili’s landmarks symbolize the struggle for independence from Portugal and Indonesia.
Jaco Island.
History
The country was invaded by Portuguese in the 1600s. They fled the country in 1975 when the country declared independence, which shortly after was invaded by Indonesia. The country was made a province of Indonesia. In 1999, Indonesia allowed the country to vote and the majority of the voters voted for independence. East Timor became full independence in 2002.
Food & culture
East Timorese culture is heavily influenced by Portuguese, Roman Catholic and Malay.
The major crops grown are maize, cassava, cowpeas and sweet potatoes, while the major export crop is coffee. Rice is also cultivated through irrigation. The dishes include tapai which is fermented rice, feijoada Portuguese food comprising pork and chorizo.
Other major export is crude petroleum.
Wildlife
The major wildlife found in the country is cuscus, monkeys, deer, snakes and giant crocodile which is the country’s national animal.
Annual events/Celebrations/Festivals
Independence Day is commemorated every year.
The National Youth Day is also a major day in the country.
The Festival for Peace is another important day in the country.
Festivals & events
Independence Restoration Day on 20 May and the Tour de Timor mountain bike race are major events, and Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated in this largely Catholic country.
Things to see
East Timor has beautiful beaches at the sea with sand
Dili city has the Archives and Museum of East Timorese Resistance which showcases the conflict during independence and the culture of the various people in the country.
Cristo Rei. It is a statue of Jesus built at Dili by Indonesian Mochamad Syailillah to discourage the country from demanding independence.
Interesting facts
Portuguese and Tetum are East Timor’s official languages.
The education system comprises of six years of primary schooling, six years of secondary schooling followed by higher levels.
The residents of the country are called Timorese.
The majority of the East Timorese population is Catholic.
The most popular sport in the country is football.
Neighbours
My Bucket List goals in East Timor
None on the list yet. Got a suggestion? Email Dan.