Quick Facts about Timor‑Leste
Timor‑Leste is a proud and developing nation in Southeast Asia, known for its rich culture, strong community values and growing potential.
Timor‑Leste is a proud and developing nation in Southeast Asia, known for its rich culture, strong community values and growing potential. As one of the region’s youngest countries, it continues to build new opportunities across many sectors while maintaining a unique national identity. Here are some facts that help explain Timor‑Leste and its place in the region.
| Area | 15,007 km² |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,418,517 (2025) |
| Capital | Dili |
| Nationality | Timorese |
| Official languages | Tetum (national language) and Portuguese |
| Working languages | English and Bahasa Indonesia |
| Point of difference | The only independent nation in Asia with Portuguese as an official language |
| Declaration of independence | 28 November 1975 |
| Restoration of independence | 20 May 2002 |
| Constitution | Promulgated 22 March 2002, in force from 20 May 2002 |
| Government system | Semi-presidential republic |
| Administrative division | 13 municipalities and one special administrative region (Oecusse) |
| Municipalities | Aileu, Ainaro, Atauro, Baucau, Bobonaro, Cova Lima, Dili, Ermera, Lautém, Liquiçá, Manatuto, Manufahi, Viqueque; Oecusse (Special Administrative Region) |
| Ethnic composition | Majority of Malayo-Polynesian and Papuan origin; minorities of Chinese, Arab and European descent |
| Religion | About 98% Catholic; minorities of Protestants and Muslims |
| Climate | Tropical, hot and humid; monsoonal rains; moderate in the mountains |
| Location | About 550 km north of Australia, at the eastern end of the Lesser Sunda Islands |
| Physical aspects | Mountain ranges divide the north and south coasts; highest point Mount Ramelau, 2,986 m; vegetation includes teak, sandalwood, coconut and eucalyptus |
| Natural resources | Oil, gas, copper, gold, manganese, limestone, marble, bentonite, gypsum, phosphate |
| Agriculture | Coffee, rice, maize, cassava, sweet potato, peanuts, vanilla, coconut, bananas, mangoes |
| Banks | BNU Timor, ANZ Timor‑Leste, Bank Mandiri Dili, BRI Timor‑Leste, BNCTL |
| Central bank | Banco Central de Timor‑Leste |
| Income classification | Lower-middle income (World Bank) |
| Currency | United States dollar (USD) |
| Time zone | UTC+9 |
| Internet domain | .tl |
| Dialling code | +670 |