Country Summary
Introduction
Background
Timor was actively involved in Southeast Asian trading networks for centuries and by the 14th century exported aromatic sandalwood, slaves, honey, and wax. By mid 16th century, the Portuguese had colonized the island. It was incorporated into Indonesia in July 1976 as the province of Timor Timur (East Timor). On 20 May 2002, Timor-Leste was internationally recognized as an independent state.
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
1,445,006 (2022 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
2.15% (2022 est.)
Government
Government type
semi-presidential republic
Capital
name: Dili
Executive branch
chief of state: President Francisco GUTERRES (since 20 May 2017); note - the president is commander in chief of the military and is able to veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and call national elections
head of government: Prime Minister Taur Matan RUAK (since 22 June 2018)
Legislative branch
description: unicameral National Parliament (65 seats; members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms)
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)
$4.19 billion (2020 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$3,200 (2020 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
$60 million (2020 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
$850 million (2020 est.)
Imports - partners
Indonesia 39%, China 27%, Singapore 10%, Malaysia 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, cement, delivery trucks, motorcycles (2019)
Page last updated: Friday, May 13, 2022