World · permanent entity record · TT
Timor-Leste
Thirty-second orientation
Timor-Leste at a glance
- Nationality / demonym
- noun: Timorese; adjective: Timorese
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
- Government
- semi-presidential republic
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
- 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.)
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history
Timor-Leste through time
Admitted to the United Nations
Timor-Leste became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04
Source history · changed fields only
Changes since the final CIA profile
| Field | Maintained Almanac value | Final CIA profile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,418,517World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025 | total: 1,404,785 (2025 est.) male: 693,940 female: 710,845CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-18 |
A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.
World Development Indicators · latest available observation
People, economy, and access
Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.
- Gross domestic product
- $1.9 billion
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Gross domestic product per person
- $1,341
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Life expectancy at birth
- 67.9 years
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Urban population
- 28.8%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Access to electricity
- 94.3%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- People using the internet
- 35.0%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2021 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2021; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.
Maintained profile
- Capital
- Dili
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
- Area
- 14,874 sq km
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
- Population
- 1,418,517
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
- 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.)
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
- Nationality / demonym
- noun: Timorese; adjective: Timorese
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
- Continent
- Asia
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “East and Southeast Asia.”
- Coastline
- 706 km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Climate
- tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Religions
- Catholic 90.7%, other 7.1%, Protestant Evangelical 1.9%; less than 1%: Islam, Buddhist, Hindu (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Flag colors
- red, black, yellow, white
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
- National symbol
- Mount Ramelau
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Highest point
- Foho Tatamailau · 9,721 ft (2,963 m)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Lowest point
- Timor Sea, Savu Sea, and Banda Sea · 0 ft (0 m)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- NATO membership
- Not a member
- NATO, What is NATO? · Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
- BRICS membership
- Not a member
- BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data
Final CIA World Factbook profile
This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.
CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b
Introduction1 fields
- Background
- The island of Timor was actively involved in Southeast Asian trading networks for centuries, and by the 14th century, it exported sandalwood, slaves, honey, and wax. The sandalwood trade attracted the Portuguese, who arrived in the early 16th century; by mid-century, they had colonized the island, which was previously ruled by local chieftains. In 1859, Portugal ceded the western portion of the island to the Dutch. Imperial Japan occupied Portuguese Timor from 1942 to 1945, but Portugal resumed colonial authority after the Japanese defeat in World War II. The eastern part of Timor declared itself independent from Portugal on 28 November 1975, but Indonesian forces invaded and occupied the area nine days later. It was incorporated into Indonesia in 1976 as the province of Timor Timur (East Timor or Timor Leste). Indonesia conducted an unsuccessful pacification campaign in the province over the next two decades, during which as many as 250,000 people died. In a UN-supervised referendum in 1999, an overwhelming majority of the people of Timor-Leste voted for independence from Indonesia. However, anti-independence Timorese militias -- organized and supported by the Indonesian military -- began a large-scale, scorched-earth campaign of retribution, killing approximately 1,400 Timorese and displacing nearly 500,000. Most of the country's infrastructure was destroyed, including homes, irrigation systems, water supply systems, schools, and most of the electrical grid. Australian-led peacekeeping troops eventually deployed to the country and ended the violence. In 2002, Timor-Leste was internationally recognized as an independent state. In 2006, Australia and the UN had to step in again to stabilize the country, which allowed presidential and parliamentary elections to be conducted in 2007 in a largely peaceful atmosphere. In 2008, rebels staged an unsuccessful attack against the president and prime minister. Since that attack, Timor-Leste has made considerable progress in building stability and democratic institutions, holding a series of successful parliamentary and presidential elections since 2012. Nonetheless, weak and unstable political coalitions have led to periodic episodes of stalemate and crisis. The UN continues to provide assistance on economic development and strengthening governing institutions. Currently, Timor-Leste is one of the world's poorest nations, with an economy that relies heavily on energy resources in the Timor Sea.
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Geography17 fields
- Location
- Southeastern Asia, northwest of Australia in the Lesser Sunda Islands at the eastern end of the Indonesian archipelago; note - Timor-Leste includes the eastern half of the island of Timor, the Oecussi (Ambeno) region on the northwest portion of the island of Timor, and the islands of Pulau Atauro and Pulau Jaco
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Area
- total : 14,874 sq km land: 14,874 sq km water: 0 sq km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Area - comparative
- slightly larger than Connecticut; almost half the size of Maryland
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land boundaries
- total: 253 km border countries (1): Indonesia 253 km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Maritime claims
- territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Climate
- tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Elevation
- highest point: Foho Tatamailau 2,963 m lowest point: Timor Sea, Savu Sea, and Banda Sea 0 m
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Natural resources
- gold, petroleum, natural gas, manganese, marble
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land use
- agricultural land: 23% (2023 est.) arable land: 7.5% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 5.4% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 10.1% (2023 est.) forest: 71% (2023 est.) other: 6% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population distribution
- most of the population is concentrated in the western third of the country, particularly around Dili
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Natural hazards
- floods and landslides are common; earthquakes; tsunamis; tropical cyclones
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Geography - note
- the island of Timor is part of the Malay Archipelago and is the largest and easternmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands; the district of Oecussi is an exclave separated from Timor-Leste proper by Indonesia; Timor-Leste is the only Asian country located completely in the Southern Hemisphere
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
People and Society35 fields
- Population
- total: 1,404,785 (2025 est.) male: 693,940 female: 710,845
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Ethnic groups
- Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) (includes Tetun, Mambai, Tokodede, Galoli, Kemak, Baikeno), Melanesian-Papuan (includes Bunak, Fataluku, Bakasai), small Chinese minority
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- 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.) note: data represent population by mother tongue; Tetun and Portuguese are official languages; Indonesian and English are working languages; there are about 32 indigenous languages
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Religions
- Catholic 90.7%, other 7.1%, Protestant Evangelical 1.9%; less than 1%: Islam, Buddhist, Hindu (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Age structure
- 0-14 years: 38.7% (male 299,929/female 283,416) 15-64 years: 56.8% (male 418,493/female 437,727) 65 years and over: 4.5% (2024 est.) (male 32,243/female 35,101)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Dependency ratios
- total dependency ratio: 62 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 54.3 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 7.7 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 12.9 (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Median age
- total: 23 years (2025 est.) male: 19.8 years female: 21.3 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Birth rate
- 23.39 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Death rate
- 6.86 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Net migration rate
- -3.73 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population distribution
- most of the population is concentrated in the western third of the country, particularly around Dili
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Urbanization
- urban population: 32.5% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 3.31% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Major urban areas - population
- 281,000 DILI (capital) (2018)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Sex ratio
- at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Mother's mean age at first birth
- 23 years (2016 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Maternal mortality ratio
- 192 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Infant mortality rate
- total: 41.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 35.3 deaths/1,000 live births female: 28.9 deaths/1,000 live births
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Life expectancy at birth
- total population: 70.5 years (2024 est.) male: 68.9 years female: 72.3 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total fertility rate
- 2.79 children born/woman (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Drinking water source
- urban: 98.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 81.6% of population (2022 est.) total: 87% of population (2022 est.) urban: 1.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 18.4% of population (2022 est.) total: 13% of population (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Health expenditure
- 11.4% of GDP (2021) 8.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Physician density
- 0.75 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Sanitation facility access
- urban: 94.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 64% of population (2022 est.) total: 73.7% of population (2022 est.) urban: 5.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 36% of population (2022 est.) total: 26.3% of population (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Alcohol consumption per capita
- total: 0.41 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 0.27 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Tobacco use
- total: 36.1% (2025 est.) male: 62.6% (2025 est.) female: 8.9% (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Children under the age of 5 years underweight
- 31.9% (2020 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Currently married women (ages 15-49)
- 56.4% (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Child marriage
- women married by age 15: 2.6% (2016) women married by age 18: 14.9% (2016) men married by age 18: 1.2% (2016)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Education expenditure
- 5.2% of GDP (2023 est.) 4.3% national budget (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Literacy
- total population: 72.5% (2022 est.) male: 73.1% (2022 est.) female: 71.8% (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- People - note
- one of only two predominantly Christian nations in Southeast Asia, the other being the Philippines
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Environment10 fields
- Environmental issues
- air pollution and deterioration of air quality; water quality, scarcity, and access; land and soil degradation; forest depletion; deforestation and soil erosion from slash-and-burn agriculture; loss of biodiversity
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International environmental agreements
- party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Climate
- tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land use
- agricultural land: 23% (2023 est.) arable land: 7.5% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 5.4% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 10.1% (2023 est.) forest: 71% (2023 est.) other: 6% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Urbanization
- urban population: 32.5% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 3.31% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Carbon dioxide emissions
- 660,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 660,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Particulate matter emissions
- 20.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Waste and recycling
- municipal solid waste generated annually: 63,900 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13.5% (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total water withdrawal
- municipal: 99 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 2 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 1.071 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total renewable water resources
- 8.215 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Government22 fields
- Country name
- conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste conventional short form: Timor-Leste local long form: Republika Demokratika Timor Lorosa'e (Tetum)/ Republica Democratica de Timor-Leste (Portuguese) local short form: Timor Lorosa'e (Tetum)/ Timor-Leste (Portuguese) former: East Timor, Portuguese Timor etymology: the name partly derives from the Indonesian and Malay word timur, meaning "east;" leste is the Portuguese word for "east," so "Timor-Leste" literally means "Eastern-East" note: pronounced TEE-mor LESS-tay
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Capital
- name: Dili geographic coordinates: 8 35 S, 125 36 E time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Administrative divisions
- 12 municipalities (municipios, singular - municipio) and 1 special adminstrative region* (regiao administrativa especial); Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro (Maliana), Covalima (Suai), Dili, Ermera (Gleno), Lautem (Lospalos), Liquica, Manatuto, Manufahi (Same), Oe-Cusse Ambeno* (Pante Macassar), Viqueque note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers; exceptions show the administrative center name in parentheses
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Legal system
- civil law system based on the Portuguese model
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Constitution
- history: drafted 2001, approved 22 March 2002, entered into force 20 May 2002 amendment process: proposed by Parliament and parliamentary groups; consideration of amendments requires at least four-fifths majority approval by Parliament; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by Parliament and promulgation by the president of the republic; passage of amendments to the republican form of government and the flag requires approval in a referendum
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International law organization participation
- accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Citizenship
- citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Timor-Leste dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Executive branch
- chief of state: President José RAMOS-HORTA (since 20 May 2022) head of government: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO (since 1 July 2023) cabinet: Council of Ministers; ministers proposed to the prime minister by the coalition in the Parliament and sworn in by the president election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); following parliamentary elections, the president appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as the prime minister most recent election date: 19 March 2022, with a runoff on 19 April 2022 election results: 2022: José RAMOS-HORTA elected president in second round - RAMOS-HORTA (CNRT) 62.1%, Francisco GUTERRES (FRETILIN) 37.9% 2017: Francisco GUTERRES elected president; Francisco GUTERRES (FRETILIN) 57.1%, António da CONCEICAO (PD) 32.5%, other 10.4% expected date of next election: April 2027 note: the president is commander in chief of the military and can veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and call national elections
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Legislative branch
- legislature name: National Parliament legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 65 (all directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 5/21/2023 parties elected and seats per party: National Congress for the Reconstruction of Timor-Leste (CNRT) (31); Revolutionary Front for an independent East Timor (FRETILIN) (19); Democratic Party (PD) (6); Kmanek Haburas Unidade Nasional Timor Oan (KHUNTO) (5); People's Liberation Party (PLP) (4) percentage of women in chamber: 35.4% expected date of next election: May 2028
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Judicial branch
- highest court(s): Court of Appeals (consists of the court president and NA judges) judge selection and term of office: court president appointed by the president of the republic from among the other court judges to serve a 4-year term; other court judges appointed - 1 by the Parliament and the others by the Supreme Council for the Judiciary, a body chaired by the court president and that includes mostly presidential and parliamentary appointees; other judges serve for life subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Administrative, Tax, and Audit Court; district courts; magistrates' courts; military courts
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Political parties
- Democratic Party or PD National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction or CNRT National Unity of the Sons of Timor (Haburas Unidade Nasional Timor Oan or KHUNTO) People's Liberation Party or PLP Revolutionary Front of Independent Timor-Leste or FRETILIN
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Diplomatic representation in the US
- chief of mission: Ambassador José Luis GUTERRES (since 17 June 2024) chancery: 4201 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 504, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 966-3202 FAX: [1] (202) 966-3205 email address and website: info@timorlesteembassy.org
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Diplomatic representation from the US
- chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Bruce BEGNELL (since July 2025) embassy: Avenida de Portugal, Praia dos Coqueiros, Dili mailing address: 8250 Dili Place, Washington, DC 20521-8250 telephone: (670) 332-4684, (670) 330-2400 FAX: (670) 331-3206 email address and website: ConsDili@state.gov https://tl.usembassy.gov/
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International organization participation
- ACP, ADB, AOSIS, ARF, ASEAN, CPLP, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Independence
- 28 November 1975 (from Portugal); 20 May 2002 (from Indonesia)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National holiday
- Restoration of Independence Day, 20 May (2002); Proclamation of Independence Day, 28 November (1975)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Flag
- description: red with a black isosceles triangle (based on the left side) on a slightly longer yellow arrowhead that extends to the center of the flag; a white star is in the center of the black triangle meaning: yellow stands for past colonialism, black for obscurantism that needs to be overcome, and red for the struggle for freedom; the white star represents peace and a guiding light
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National anthem(s)
- title: "Patria" (Fatherland) lyrics/music: Fransisco Borja DA COSTA/Afonso DE ARAUJO history: adopted 2002; the song was first used as an anthem when Timor-Leste declared its independence from Portugal in 1975; the lyricist, Francisco Borja DA COSTA, was killed in the Indonesian invasion just days after independence was declared
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Economy28 fields
- 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
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
- $5.863 billion (2024 est.) $5.995 billion (2023 est.) $7.322 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP growth rate
- -2.2% (2024 est.) -18.1% (2023 est.) -20.5% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP per capita
- $4,200 (2024 est.) $4,300 (2023 est.) $5,300 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP (official exchange rate)
- $1.881 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Inflation rate (consumer prices)
- 2.1% (2024 est.) 8.4% (2023 est.) 7% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP - composition, by sector of origin
- agriculture: 16.9% (2023 est.) industry: 23.9% (2023 est.) services: 61% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP - composition, by end use
- household consumption: 70% (2023 est.) government consumption: 52.9% (2023 est.) investment in fixed capital: 17.4% (2023 est.) investment in inventories: 3.1% (2023 est.) exports of goods and services: 22.9% (2023 est.) imports of goods and services: -66.4% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Agricultural products
- maize, rice, coconuts, root vegetables, vegetables, cassava, other meats, pork, beans, coffee (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Industries
- printing, soap manufacturing, handicrafts, woven cloth
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Industrial production growth rate
- -57% (2023 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Labor force
- 615,900 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Unemployment rate
- 1.7% (2024 est.) 1.6% (2023 est.) 1.6% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
- total: 3.4% (2024 est.) male: 3.2% (2024 est.) female: 3.7% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Remittances
- 11.7% of GDP (2024 est.) 9.3% of GDP (2023 est.) 5.1% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Budget
- revenues: $1.877 billion (2022 est.) expenditures: $1.826 billion (2022 est.) note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Taxes and other revenues
- 21.6% (of GDP) (2022 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Current account balance
- -$529.738 million (2024 est.) -$177.336 million (2023 est.) $408.059 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports
- $278.047 million (2024 est.) $701.808 million (2023 est.) $1.858 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports - partners
- China 46%, Singapore 25%, Japan 15%, Indonesia 5%, USA 3% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports - commodities
- crude petroleum, natural gas, coffee, scrap iron, telephones (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports
- $1.197 billion (2024 est.) $1.169 billion (2023 est.) $1.286 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports - partners
- Indonesia 34%, China 26%, Singapore 9%, Taiwan 5%, India 4% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports - commodities
- refined petroleum, rice, cars, plastic products, trucks (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
- $736.967 million (2024 est.) $781.995 million (2023 est.) $830.81 million (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Debt - external
- $238.042 million (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Energy7 fields
- Electricity access
- electrification - total population: 99.7% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 100% electrification - rural areas: 100%
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Electricity
- installed generating capacity: 277,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 411.519 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 99.481 million kWh (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Electricity generation sources
- fossil fuels: 99.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Petroleum
- total petroleum production: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Natural gas
- production: 521.034 million cubic meters (2023 est.) exports: 521.034 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Energy consumption per capita
- 6.825 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Communications6 fields
- Telephones - fixed lines
- total subscriptions: 2,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Telephones - mobile cellular
- total subscriptions: 1.63 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 116 (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Broadcast media
- 7 TV stations (3 nationwide satellite coverage; 2 terrestrial coverage, mostly in Dili; 2 cable) and 21 radio stations (3 nationwide coverage) (2019)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Internet users
- percent of population: 34% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Broadband - fixed subscriptions
- total: 0 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Transportation5 fields
- Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
- 4W
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Merchant marine
- total: 1 (2023) by type: other 1
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Ports
- total ports: 1 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 1 very small: 0 ports with oil terminals: 0 key ports: Dili
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Military and Security6 fields
- Military and security forces
- Timor-Leste Defense Force (Falintil-Forcas de Defesa de Timor-L'este, Falintil (F-FDTL)): Land Component, Air Force Component, Naval Component Ministry of Interior: National Police of Timor-Leste (Polícia Nacional de Timor-Leste, PNTL) (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military expenditures
- 2.5% of GDP (2024 est.) 2.5% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military and security service personnel strengths
- approximately 2,000 Defense Forces (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
- the military is lightly armed with a limited inventory consisting mostly of donated equipment from countries such as Australia, China, Portugal, South Korea, and the US (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military service age and obligation
- 18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; according to Timorese law on military service, all citizens 18-30 must contribute to the defense of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the country and render their contribution through defense and security institutions (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military - note
- the Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) has both external defense and internal security roles; it also engages in national development missions, international peacekeeping, and regional security cooperation; the F-FDTL has ties with a variety of partners, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, the UN, and the US (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
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