Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Timor-Leste
CapitalDili
Population1,418,517
GDP$1.9bn
Area14,919 km²
RegionEast Asia & Pacific
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
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.
Reference: 2012, 2008, 2007, 2006In 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.
Geography
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
Map references
Southeast Asia
Area
total: 14,874 sq km
land: 14,874 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 14,874 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Connecticut; almost half the size of Maryland
Land boundaries
total: 253 km
border countries: Indonesia 253 km
border countries: Indonesia 253 km
Coastline
706 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons
Terrain
mountainous
Elevation
highest point: Foho Tatamailau 2,963 m
lowest point: Timor Sea, Savu Sea, and Banda Sea 0 m
lowest point: Timor Sea, Savu Sea, and Banda Sea 0 m
Natural resources
gold, petroleum, natural gas, manganese, marble
Land use
agricultural land: 23% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 7.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 5.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 10.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 71% (2023 est.)
other: 6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 7.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 5.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 10.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 71% (2023 est.)
other: 6% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
350 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Population distribution
most of the population is concentrated in the western third of the country, particularly around Dili
Natural hazards
floods and landslides are common; earthquakes; tsunamis; tropical cyclones
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
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Timorese
adjective: Timorese
adjective: Timorese
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.)
note: 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
Reference: 2015note: 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
Religions
Roman Catholic 97.6%, Protestant/Evangelical 2%, Muslim 0.2%, other 0.2% (2015 est.)
Reference: 2015Age 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)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 56.8% (male 418,493/female 437,727)
65 years and over: 4.5% (2024 est.) (male 32,243/female 35,101)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 63.8 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 56.1 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 7.7 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 13 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 56.1 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 7.7 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 13 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 20.6 years (2024 est.)
male: 19.8 years
female: 21.3 years
Reference: 2024male: 19.8 years
female: 21.3 years
Population growth rate
2.04% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
29.7 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
5.5 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
most of the population is concentrated in the western third of the country, particularly around Dili
Major urban areas - population
281,000 DILI (capital) (2018)
Reference: 2018Sex 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.)
Reference: 20240-14 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.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
23 years (2016 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Reference: 2016note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio
192 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.92 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 81.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 87% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 18.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 13% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 81.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 87% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 18.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 13% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 11.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.75 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 94.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 64% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 73.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 5.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 36% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 26.3% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 64% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 73.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 5.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 36% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 26.3% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
3.8% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol 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.)
Reference: 2019beer: 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.)
Tobacco use
total: 36.1% (2025 est.)
male: 62.6% (2025 est.)
female: 8.9% (2025 est.)
male: 62.6% (2025 est.)
female: 8.9% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
31.9% (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Currently married women (ages 15-49)
55.9% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child 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)
Reference: 2016women married by age 18: 14.9% (2016)
men married by age 18: 1.2% (2016)
People - note
one of only two predominantly Christian nations in Southeast Asia, the other being the Philippines
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Xanana Gusmão | — | 2023-00-00 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | José Ramos-Horta | — | 2022-05-20 | Current | Reported |
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: note: pronounced TEE-mor LESS-tay
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: note: pronounced TEE-mor LESS-tay
Capital
name: Dili
geographic coordinates: 8 35 S, 125 36 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates: 8 35 S, 125 36 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
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: note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers; exceptions show the administrative center name in parentheses
note: note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers; exceptions show the administrative center name in parentheses
Legal system
civil law system based on the Portuguese model
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
Reference: 2002, 2001amendment 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
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
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
Suffrage
17 years of age; universal
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: note: the president is commander in chief of the military and can veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and call national elections
Reference: 2027, 2023, 2022, 2017head 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: note: the president is commander in chief of the military and can veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and call national elections
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
Reference: 2028, 2023legislative 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
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
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
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
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
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
Reference: 2024chancery: 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
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/
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/
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
Independence
28 November 1975 (from Portugal); 20 May 2002 (from Indonesia)
Reference: 2002, 1975National holiday
Restoration of Independence Day, 20 May (2002); Proclamation of Independence Day, 28 November (1975)
Reference: 2002, 1975Flag
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
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
National symbol(s)
Mount Ramelau
National color(s)
red, yellow, black, white
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
Reference: 2002, 1975lyrics/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
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timor-Leste official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Parliament | — | 65 | — |
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)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $5.863 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $5.995 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $7.322 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $5.995 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $7.322 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $4,200 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $4,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $5,300 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $4,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $5,300 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 16.9% (2023 est.)
industry: 23.9% (2023 est.)
services: 61% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2023industry: 23.9% (2023 est.)
services: 61% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
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: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government 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: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
maize, rice, coconuts, root vegetables, vegetables, cassava, other meats, pork, beans, coffee (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
printing, soap manufacturing, handicrafts, woven cloth
Industrial production growth rate
-57% (2023 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2023note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
615,900 (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 3.4% (2024 est.)
male: 3.2% (2024 est.)
female: 3.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 3.2% (2024 est.)
female: 3.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 11.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 9.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 5.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 9.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 5.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $1.877 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $1.826 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2022expenditures: $1.826 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 3.1% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Taxes and other revenues
21.6% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2022note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$529.738 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$177.336 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $408.059 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$177.336 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $408.059 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $278.047 million (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $701.808 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.858 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $701.808 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.858 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 46%, Singapore 25%, Japan 15%, Indonesia 5%, USA 3% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, natural gas, coffee, scrap iron, telephones (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $1.197 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $1.169 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $1.286 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $1.169 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $1.286 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Indonesia 34%, China 26%, Singapore 9%, Taiwan 5%, India 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, rice, cars, plastic products, trucks (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $736.967 million (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $781.995 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $830.81 million (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $781.995 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $830.81 million (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $238.042 million (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
the US dollar is used
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$529.738 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$177.336 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $408.059 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$177.336 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $408.059 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $278.047 million (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $701.808 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.858 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $701.808 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.858 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 46%, Singapore 25%, Japan 15%, Indonesia 5%, USA 3% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, natural gas, coffee, scrap iron, telephones (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $1.197 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $1.169 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $1.286 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $1.169 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $1.286 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Indonesia 34%, China 26%, Singapore 9%, Taiwan 5%, India 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, rice, cars, plastic products, trucks (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
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.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 411.519 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 99.481 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 99.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
imports: 122,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Petroleum
total petroleum production: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023refined petroleum consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural gas
production: 521.034 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 521.034 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023exports: 521.034 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 6.825 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 2,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
192 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 11.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.75 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
3.8% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 36.1% (2025 est.)
male: 62.6% (2025 est.)
female: 8.9% (2025 est.)
male: 62.6% (2025 est.)
female: 8.9% (2025 est.)
Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system based on the Portuguese model
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
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
Military & Security
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)
Ministry of Interior: National Police of Timor-Leste (Polícia Nacional de Timor-Leste, PNTL) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 2.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 2.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 2.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 2,000 Defense Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military is lightly armed and has a limited inventory consisting mostly of donated equipment from countries such as Australia, China, Portugal, South Korea, and the US (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; compulsory service was authorized in 2020 for men and women aged 18-30 for 18 months of service, but the level of implementation is unclear (2023)
Reference: 2023, 2020Military - 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)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
Reference: 2024chancery: 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
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/
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/
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
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| ASEAN (ASEAN) | member | 2025-10-26 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 2002-09-27 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 2024-08-30 |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
4W
Airports
11 (2025)
Heliports
2 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 1 (2023)
by type: other 1
Reference: 2023by type: other 1
Ports
total ports: 1 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 0
key ports: Dili
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 0
key ports: Dili
Environment
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
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
signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons
Land use
agricultural land: 23% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 7.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 5.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 10.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 71% (2023 est.)
other: 6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 7.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 5.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 10.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 71% (2023 est.)
other: 6% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 32.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 3.31% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 3.31% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 660,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 660,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from petroleum and other liquids: 660,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
20.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 63,900 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13.5% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13.5% (2022 est.)
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.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1.071 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
8.215 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 2,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
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)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.tl
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1,228,312 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 1,251,703 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 1,275,959 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 1,300,945 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 1,326,053 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 1,350,139 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 1,369,295 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 1,384,286 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 1,400,638 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 1,418,517 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $1,640,464,600 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $1,584,878,400 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $1,555,988,600 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $2,032,550,400 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $2,162,619,200 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $3,625,024,300 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $3,208,599,900 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $2,079,767,200 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $1,865,608,515 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $1,902,180,258 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8,399 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 8,303 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 27,505 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 35,137 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 188,495 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 43,229 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 45,740 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 64,935 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 96,759 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 109,613 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 208 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 1,666 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 3,062 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 3,942 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 3,793 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 3,111 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -5,519 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -5,620 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -2,552 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -2,550 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,418,517 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 1,436,923 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 1,400,638 | 2024 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 8,303 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 0.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 109,613 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -2,550 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 15 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 1,520 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.838 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.187 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 1.242 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.930 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 2.094 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 2.122 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.334 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Yes Legal since 1975; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | Yes Yes LGBT individuals may adoptbut same-sex couples can not adopt | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Ambiguous Ambiguous | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Yes Bans some anti gay discrimination, Hate crime protections since 2009. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Ambiguous Ambiguous | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $1,902,180,258 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $1,341 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 7.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 0.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 1.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Lower middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 67.9 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 2.6 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 28.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 35.0% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 10.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 84.9% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 95.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 69.4% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 84.7% | 2020 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 5.2% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 94.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 11.4% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 9.6% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 34.6 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 61.7% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 116.4 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 0.0 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 265 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | -8.5667° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 125.5670° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | -8.9667° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 125.7500° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+09:00, Asia/Dili | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | semi-presidential system, republic, unitary state | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
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Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:32