Timor-Leste

Region

🌍 Asia

Population

👥 1

Currency

💱 United States dollar

Languages

🗣️ Portuguese, Tetum

This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 34 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.

Official NameSource: REST Countries

Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

Continent

Asia

DemonymSource: REST Countries

East Timorese

Independence

May 20, 2002

Top-Level Domain

.tl

Calling CodeSource: REST Countries

+670

Time ZoneSource: REST Countries

UTC+09:00

Capital CitySource: REST Countries

Dili

ISO Alpha-2

ISO Alpha-3

TLS

UN Code

626

Geographic Coordinates

-8.83333333,125.91666666

Area (km²)Source: REST Countries

14,874#160 of 249

PopulationSource: REST Countries

1,409,452#155 of 247

Population Density (per km²)

93.09

Highest Point (m)

2,986

Lowest Point (m)

Land Use

Agricultural land comprises a significant portion of the land area.

Irrigated Land

A relatively small portion of land is irrigated.

Coastline Length

706 km

Climate

Tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons.

Natural Resources

Gold, petroleum, natural gas, manganese, marble.

Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries

Indonesia

Major Rivers

Lacló River, Seical River, and Mota Ulun River are among the important rivers.

Major Lakes

This country has no major lakes.

Government Type

Semi-presidential republic

Administrative Divisions

13 municipalities and 1 special administrative region.

Legal System

Based on Indonesian law, with influences from Portuguese and customary law.

Chief of State

President José Ramos-Horta

Head of Government

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão

Cabinet

Council of Ministers

Elections

Presidential elections and parliamentary elections are held.

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court, courts of appeal, district courts.

Legislative Branch

Unicameral National Parliament

Major Political Parties

CNRT (National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction), FRETILIN (Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor), PD (Democratic Party).

CurrencySource: REST Countries

United States dollar

GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026

1.9#190 of 211

GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026

6.82#170 of 201

GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026

1,340.96#183 of 211

GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026

20.16

GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026

11.82

GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026

71.63

Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026

0.43#165 of 191

Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026

635,489

Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026

1.59#172 of 185

Public Debt (% of GDP)

Approximately 30-40% of GDP.

Budget

The budget is primarily funded by oil revenues and international aid.

Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026

0.2#184 of 192

Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026

1.58#171 of 192

Foreign Reserves

Sufficient to cover several months of imports.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange rates can be found online or at local banks.

GDP by Sector

Primarily agriculture, with growing contributions from services and oil revenues.

Major Industries

Petroleum, coffee, tourism.

Major Export Partners

Australia, Portugal, Indonesia.

Major Import Partners

Indonesia, Singapore, Australia.

Society

Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026

69.4#139 of 169

Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026

21.8

Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026

7.2

Net Migration Rate

Slightly negative due to emigration.

Median Age

Approximately 20 years.

Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026

28.79#196 of 214

Urbanization Rate

Relatively low, with a slow rate of increase.

Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026

67.9#166 of 214

HIV/AIDS Prevalence

Prevalence is low.

Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026

9.6

Ethnic Groups

Primarily Austronesian and Papuan.

Religions

Mostly Roman Catholic.

LanguagesSource: REST Countries

Portuguese, Tetum

Education

Education System

The education system includes primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, with Portuguese and Tetum as the main languages of instruction.

School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2010)Checked September 29, 2026

12.4

Government Education Spending

Government expenditure on education is a significant portion of the national budget, focusing on improving infrastructure and teacher training.

Primary Education Access

—

Secondary Education Access

—

Higher Education Access

—

Major Universities

The major university is the National University of East Timor (UNTL).

Culture

Cultural Overview

Timor-Leste's culture is a blend of Austronesian, Melanesian, and Portuguese influences, with strong traditions of community and family.

National Holidays

National holidays include Independence Day (May 20th), Restoration of Independence Day (May 20th), and various religious holidays.

Popular Music

Popular music includes traditional styles like *Kafuk* and *Likurai*, as well as modern influences.

Traditional Food

Traditional food often features rice, corn, and root vegetables, with dishes like *Batar da'an* and grilled fish being common.

Sports

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport.

Major Festivals

Major festivals include the Tais Market Festival and various religious celebrations.

Famous People

Famous people include Xanana Gusmão, a key figure in the independence movement and former President.

Cultural Heritage Sites

Timor-Leste has several sites of cultural heritage, including historical sites related to the independence struggle.

UNESCO Sites

Timor-Leste currently has no UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Annual Tourist Visits

Relatively low number of annual tourist visits, but growing.

Tourism Overview

Growing tourism sector, focused on nature and culture.

Top Tourist Attractions

Beaches, diving spots, historical sites.

Famous Cities

Dili.

National Parks

Several national parks.

Protected Areas

Significant protected areas for biodiversity.

Best Time to Visit

—

Tourist Visa Info

Visa required for many nationalities, visa on arrival available.

Visa Requirements Overview

—

Travel Advisory

Exercise a high degree of caution due to safety and security concerns.

Healthcare

Healthcare Quality

The healthcare quality index is moderate.

Medical Cost

Medical costs are relatively low.

Number of Hospitals

There are a few hospitals and several health centers.

Universal Healthcare

Timor-Leste's healthcare system is developing, with efforts to expand access to services, but universal healthcare is not yet fully established.

Medical Services Overview

Limited healthcare infrastructure, with most services concentrated in Dili.

Emergency Medical Access

Emergency medical services are limited, especially outside of Dili.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)

Dial 112 for police emergencies.

Emergency Number (Ambulance)

Dial 112 for ambulance services.

Emergency Number (Fire)

Dial 112 for fire emergencies.

Crime Rate

Crime rates are relatively low, but petty crime can occur.

Safety Index

The safety index is moderate, with some areas having higher risks.

Military Expenditure

Military expenditure accounts for a small percentage of the national budget.

Emergency Services Overview

Emergency services are available, but resources may be limited.

Safety Overview

—

Military Branches

The Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL) consists of land, naval, and air components.

Infrastructure

Electricity Access

Electricity access is improving, but remains limited in rural areas.

Water Access

Access to clean water is a challenge, particularly in rural communities.

Sanitation Access

Sanitation access is also a challenge, with ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure.

Railways

Timor-Leste does not have a railway system.

Roadways

Roads are often in poor condition, with ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure.

Transportation System

The transportation system relies heavily on roads, with limited public transportation and air travel.

AirportsSource: OurAirports

Oecusse Route of the Sandalwood International Airport (OEC), Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL), Baucau Airport (BCH), Commander in Chief of FALINTIL, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, International Airport (UAI)

Ports

The main port is in Dili.

Public Transit

Public transit is limited, with minibuses and taxis as common options.

Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2021)Checked September 29, 2026

35.04#174 of 211

Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)

Moderate mobile penetration.

Tech Startups

Limited tech startup activity.

Innovation Index

Low innovation index.

ICT Development Index

Low ICT development index.

TV Broadcast Stations

Few television broadcast stations.

Radio Broadcast Stations

Several radio broadcast stations.

Plug Type & Voltage

—

CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026

0.5#162 of 202

Air Quality Index

Data scarce; air quality generally moderate, but can be impacted by seasonal factors.

Water Pollution Level

Water pollution is a concern, exacerbated by inadequate sanitation and waste disposal.

Renewable Energy Usage

Reliance on renewable energy, particularly solar, is growing, but overall usage is still relatively low.

Environmental Issues

Deforestation, soil erosion, and coastal degradation are prominent environmental challenges.

Natural Hazards

Prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and landslides.

Waste Management

Waste management infrastructure is developing; significant challenges exist in collection, treatment, and disposal.

Environmental Agreements

Party to international environmental agreements, including climate change and biodiversity.

UN MembershipSource: REST Countries

Yes

Diplomatic Missions

Has diplomatic missions in several countries.

International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries

Member of various international organizations, including ASEAN and the World Bank.

Major Treaties

Participates in major international treaties related to human rights, trade, and environment.

Visa-Free Countries

Visa-free travel agreements exist with a limited number of countries.