East Timor (Timor-Leste)

Indonesia invaded soon after Portugal withdrew, and occupied the territory until 1999.

The country has no currency of its own, and it also issues its own centavo coins.

Marine surveys there recorded an exceptionally high number of fish species.

The port city sits on the north coast of the island of Timor.

In a UN-supervised vote about 78 percent chose independence from Indonesia. The country formally became independent on May 20, 2002.

With over 97% of its population identifying as Roman Catholic, East Timor stands out as one of the most devoutly Catholic nations in Asia. This strong religious identity, solidified during Portuguese rule, became a powerful symbol of resistance during Indonesian occupation.

Located at the western edge of the Coral Triangle, East Timor boasts incredible marine biodiversity, making it a prime destination for diving and snorkeling. Its pristine coral reefs are home to a vast array of fish, sharks, and other marine life.

Timor-Leste is renowned for its high-quality, organic coffee, often grown using traditional methods by smallholder farmers. The country developed its own unique coffee varietal, Híbrido de Timor, which is naturally resistant to coffee leaf rust.

Despite being geographically located in Southeast Asia, East Timor maintains Portuguese as one of its two official languages, a legacy of over 400 years of Portuguese colonial rule. This linguistic tie connects it to Lusophone countries worldwide.

Gaining full independence in 2002 after centuries of Portuguese colonial rule and a brutal Indonesian occupation, Timor-Leste is the 21st century's first sovereign state. Its journey to self-determination was long and arduous.