Timor-Leste

Introduction

Background
Timor was actively involved in Southeast Asian trading networks for centuries and by the 14th century exported sandalwood, slaves, honey, and wax. The Portuguese colonized the island in the mid-16th century. It was incorporated into Indonesia in 1976 as the province of Timor Timur (East Timor). In 2002, Timor-Leste was internationally recognized as an independent state.

Geography

Area
total : 14,874 sq km
land: 14,874 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons

Natural resources
gold, petroleum, natural gas, manganese, marble

People and Society

Population
total: 1,506,909 (2024 est.)

Ethnic groups
Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) (includes Tetun, Mambai, Tokodede, Galoli, Kemak, Baikeno), Melanesian-Papuan (includes Bunak, Fataluku, Bakasai), small Chinese minority

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.)

Religions
Roman Catholic 97.6%, Protestant/Evangelical 2%, Muslim 0.2%, other 0.2% (2015 est.)

Population growth rate
2.04% (2024 est.)

Government

Government type
semi-presidential republic

Capital
name: Dili

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)

Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador José Luis GUTERRES (since 17 June 2024)

Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Bruce BEGNELL (since July 2025)

Economy

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

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$5.863 billion (2024 est.)
$5.995 billion (2023 est.)
$7.322 billion (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$4,200 (2024 est.)
$4,300 (2023 est.)
$5,300 (2022 est.)

Exports
$278.047 million (2024 est.)
$701.808 million (2023 est.)
$1.858 billion (2022 est.)

Exports - partners
China 46%, Singapore 25%, Japan 15%, Indonesia 5%, USA 3% (2023)

Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, natural gas, coffee, scrap iron, telephones (2023)

Imports
$1.197 billion (2024 est.)
$1.169 billion (2023 est.)
$1.286 billion (2022 est.)

Imports - partners
Indonesia 34%, China 26%, Singapore 9%, Taiwan 5%, India 4% (2023)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, rice, cars, plastic products, trucks (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.634, ranking it 142nd out of 193 countries tested. (more information)