East Timor

The Democratic Republic of East Timor or Timor-Leste is an island nation in southeastern Asia, consisting of the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecussi-Ambeno, a political exclave of East Timor situated on the western side of the island, surrounded by West Timor.

Formerly controlled by neighbouring Indonesia, East Timor achieved independence on May 20, 2002. When East Timor joined the United Nations in 2002, it decided to be officially referred to by its Portuguese name, Timor-Leste, as opposed to its English name.

Timor Lorosa'e
Timor-Leste

(In Detail)

National motto: "Honra, P�tria e Povo"
(Portuguese: Honour, Country and People)

Official languages Tetum and Portuguese

Capital Dili

President Xanana Gusmão

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri

Area
- Total
- % water Ranked 154th
15,007 km²
Negligible

Population
- Total (2002)
- Density Ranked 153rd
952,618
53,79/km²

Independence
- Declared
- Recognised From Portugal
November 28, 1975
May 20, 2002

Currency US dollar

Time zone UTC +9

National anthem P�tria

Internet TLD .TP

Calling Code 670

Table of contents

1 History
2 Politics
3 Districts
4 Geography
5 Economy
6 Demographics
7 Culture
8 Miscellaneous topics
9 External links

History

Main article: History of East Timor

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in the area in the 16th century and they established an isolated presence on the island of Timor, while the surrounding islands came under Dutch control. Portuguese Timor declared itself independent on November 28, 1975, but was invaded and occupied by Indonesian forces nine days later, before such independence could be internationally recognised. The territory was subsequently declared the 27th province of Indonesia in July 1976 as Timor Timur. However, internationally, its legal status was that of a "non-self governing territory under Portuguese administration".

During the following guerilla war an estimated 100,000 to 250,000 persons lost their lives. On August 30, 1999, in a United Nations-supervised popular referendum, the East Timorese voted for full independence from Indonesia, but violent clashes, instigated primarily by anti-independence militias (aided by elements of the Indonesian military), broke out soon afterwards. UN peacekeepers led by Australia were brought in to restore order. Independence was internationally recognised on May 20, 2002 and East Timor joined the UN on September 27 of that year.

Politics

Main article: Politics of East Timor

Head of state of the East Timorese republic is the president, who is elected by popular vote for a five-year term and whose role is largely symbolic, though he is able to veto some legislation. Following legislative elections, the president appoints as prime minister the leader of the majority party or majority coalition. As head of government the prime minister presides over the Council of State or cabinet.

The unicameral Timorese parliament is the National Parliament or Parlamento Nacional, whose members are also elected by popular vote to a five-year term. The number of seats can vary from a minimum of 52 to a maximum of 65, though it exceptionally has 88 members at present, due to this being its first term of office. The Timorese constitution was modelled on that of Portugal. The country is still in the process of building its administration and governmental institutions.

Districts

Main article: Districts of East Timor

East Timor is subdivided into 13 administrative districts:

Dili
Ermera
Lautem
Liquica
Manatuto
Manufahi
Oecussi-Ambeno
Viqueque

Geography

Main article: Geography of East Timor

Timor is the Malay word for "Orient" and the island of Timor is part of the Indonesian archipelago and the largest and easternmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands. To the north of the mountainous island is found the Banda Sea, to the south the Timor Sea separates the island from Australia, while to the west lies the Savu Sea. The highest point of East Timor is Mount Tatamailau at 2,963 m.

The local climate is tropical and generally hot and humid, characterised by distinct rainy and dry seasons. The capital, largest city and main port of East Timor is Dili, second-largest is the town of Baucau, which has the only significant airport of the country.

Economy

Main article: Economy of East Timor

Prior to and during colonisation Timor was best known for its sandalwood. In late 1999, about 70% of the economic infrastructure of East Timor was laid waste by Indonesian troops and anti-independence militias, and 260,000 people fled westward. Over the next three years, however, a massive international programme, manned by 5,000 peacekeepers (8,000 at peak) and 1,300 police officers, led to substantial reconstruction in both urban and rural areas. By mid-2002, all but about 50,000 of the refugees had returned.

The country faces great challenges in continuing the rebuilding of infrastructure and the strengthening of the infant civil administration. One promising long-term project is the joint development with Australia of oil and natural gas resources in the southeastern waters off Timor, a location known as the Timor gap.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of East Timor

The East Timorese population, which is collectively known as the Maubere, an originally derogatory name that was turned into a name of pride by the resistance movement, consists of a number of distinct ethnic groups, most of which are of Malay descent and some of older Papuan stock. There is also a small ethnic Chinese minority.

The population is predominantly Roman Catholic (90%), with sizable Muslim (5%) and Protestant (3%) minorities. Smaller Hindu, Buddhist and animist minorities make up the remainder. East Timor's two official languages are Tetum, a local Austronesian language, and Portuguese. Indonesian and English are defined as working languages under the Constitution.