Timor-Leste

Southeast Asia

Timor-Leste is a country in Southeast Asia, home to 1.4 million people, with an area of 14,874 km². Its capital is Dili.

Capital: Dili
Population: 1.4 million
Area: 14,874 km²
Region: Southeast Asia
Density: 94.1 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Timor-Leste · Southeast Asia · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Timor-Leste is known for

Timor-Leste is best known for Cristo Rei of Dili, Jaco Island and Atauro Island.

Delve into the hidden gem of Timor-Leste 🇹🇱, a land of breathtaking beaches 🏖️, fascinating history 📜, and captivating culture 🎭. Explore its lush landscapes, discover its unique heritage, and experience the warmth of its welcoming people!

Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is a small island nation located in Southeast Asia. It gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 and has since been rebuilding and developing its infrastructure and economy.

Timor-Leste at a glance

Language: Tetum and Portuguese are the official languages, with Indonesian and English also spoken
Currency: US dollar (USD) and Timorese centavo coins
Religion: The majority of the population is Roman Catholic, with a small Muslim minority
National dish: Ikan Pepes, a dish of grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves with spices, is a popular traditional dish in Timor-Leste
Climate: Timor-Leste has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons
Main industries: Agriculture, fishing, petroleum, and coffee production
GDP: $3.3 billion (nominal, 2020 estimate)
Development: Timor-Leste is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 133 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Timor-Leste

Some of the main tourist attractions in Timor-Leste include:

Cristo Rei of Dili a large statue of Jesus Christ located on a hill overlooking the city of Dili.
Jaco Island a small, uninhabited island located off the coast of Timor-Leste, known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
Atauro Island a small island located north of Dili, known for its pristine waters and coral reefs, and popular for diving and snorkeling.
Tais Market a local market in Dili where traditional Timorese textiles, known as tais, can be found.
Baucau Beach a beautiful beach located in the eastern part of Timor-Leste, known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Dare Memorial a memorial site commemorating the resistance fighters who fought against the Indonesian occupation of Timor-Leste.
Ataúro Dive Resort a dive resort located on Atauro Island, offering diving and snorkeling excursions.
Matebian Mountain the highest mountain in Timor-Leste, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Maubisse a town located in the central highlands of Timor-Leste, known for its cool climate and scenic views.
Lake Modo a crater lake located in the eastern part of Timor-Leste, known for its clear blue waters and surrounding forest.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Timor-Leste has to offer. The country is also known for its unique culture, with traditional music, dance, and crafts.

Timor-Leste in pictures

Timor-Leste on video

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Timor-Leste compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Southeast Asia.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Laos	7.8 million	236,800 km²	Vientiane
Singapore	6 million	728 km²	Singapore
Timor-Leste	1.4 million	14,874 km²	Dili
Brunei	460,000	5,765 km²	Bandar Seri Begawan