East Timor

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.

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.

Borders

East Timor is bordered on the west by Indonesia, on the north by the Savu Sea and on the south is the Timor Sea which separates it from Australia.