Country Profile: Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste, located in Southeast Asia, comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor, the Oecussi region, and nearby islands. The country is home to approximately 1.5 million people, primarily concentrated in the western region around its capital, Dili. Its economy is classified as lower middle-income, heavily dependent on oil revenues, and marked by widespread poverty, unemployment, and corruption. Governed as a semi-presidential republic, Timor-Leste has made strides towards democratic stability since gaining independence in 2002, though challenges remain.

Geography

Timor-Leste is situated in the Lesser Sunda Islands, northwest of Australia. The country covers an area of 14,874 square kilometers, featuring a mountainous terrain with the highest point at 2,963 meters above sea level. The climate is tropical, with distinct rainy and dry seasons, and the country faces natural hazards like floods and earthquakes.

• 14,874 sq km: Total area
• 706 km: Total coastline
• 12 nm: Territorial sea claims
• 61.8%: Percentage of forested land (2022)
• 23%: Agricultural land use (2022)

People and Society

As of 2024, Timor-Leste's population is estimated at 1,506,909, with a median age of 20.6 years. The population is ethnically diverse, primarily consisting of Austronesian and Melanesian groups, and predominantly Roman Catholic. Urbanization is on the rise, with 32.5% of the population living in urban areas as of 2023.

• 1,506,909: Estimated total population (2024)
• 38.7%: Population aged 0-14 years
• 3.98: Total fertility rate (children/woman, 2024)
• 70.5 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024)
• 65.8%: Literacy rate (2016)

Economy

Timor-Leste's economy is characterized as lower middle-income and is heavily reliant on its oil fund. In recent years, the economy has faced significant contraction, with a projected GDP decline of -2.2% in 2024. The labor force is around 615,900 individuals, with an unemployment rate of 1.7%.

• $5.863 billion: Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
• 1.7%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
• 22.9%: Exports as a percentage of GDP (2023 est.)
• 11.7%: Remittances as a share of GDP (2024 est.)
• 16.9%: Agriculture's contribution to GDP (2023 est.)

Government

Timor-Leste operates as a semi-presidential republic, with a legal system based on the Portuguese model. Key government figures include President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, who have been in office since 2022 and 2023, respectively. The country's parliament consists of 65 directly elected members.

• 65: Total seats in the National Parliament
• 17 years: Minimum voting age
• 2002: Year of the current constitution's adoption
• 2.5%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
• 10 years: Residency requirement for naturalization

Military and Security

Timor-Leste has a defense force composed of land, air, and naval components, known as the Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL). The military is lightly armed, mainly relying on donated equipment. Military expenditures are projected to comprise 2.5% of GDP for 2024.

• 2,000: Estimated defense forces personnel (2025)
• 18 years: Minimum age for voluntary military service
• 2.5%: Military spending as part of GDP (2024)
• 1,400: Estimated deaths during the 1999 independence conflict
• 99.7%: Electrification access for the total population (2022 est.)

Energy

Timor-Leste's energy sector relies predominantly on fossil fuels, accounting for nearly all electricity generation capacity. The country has made significant investments in electrification, achieving a 99.7% access rate as of 2022.

• 5,000: Daily petroleum production (2023 est.)
• 411.5 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
• 99.8%: Fossil fuels' share of electricity generation capacity (2023 est.)
• $736.967 million: Foreign exchange and gold reserves (2024 est.)
• 277,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)

Environment

Timor-Leste faces several environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, land degradation, and deforestation. The climate is tropical, and the country actively participates in international agreements addressing biodiversity and climate change.

• 23%: Agricultural land use (2022)
• 61.8%: Forest area (2022)
• 20.47 µg/m³: Particulate matter emissions (2019 est.)
• 8.22 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2020 est.)
• 100 million cubic meters: Total municipal water withdrawal (2020 est.)

Transportation

Timor-Leste's transportation infrastructure includes 11 airports and a single small port in Dili. The country's transport development remains limited but is vital for connectivity and trade.

• 11: Number of airports (2025)
• 1: Total number of ports (2024)
• 2: Heliports (2025)
• 1: Merchant marine vessel (2023)
• 4W: Civil aircraft registration country code

Communications

Telecommunications in Timor-Leste are developing, with a total of 1.56 million mobile cellular subscriptions reported in 2023. Internet access remains limited, with about 34% of the population being internet users.

• 34%: Population using the internet (2023 est.)
• 1.56 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.)
• 2,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 est.)
• 7: TV stations (2019)
• 21: Radio stations (2019)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	1,506,909	Estimated for 2024
Area	14,874 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$5.863 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	1.7%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	29.7 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	70.5 years	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption per Capita	6.825 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Electrification Access	99.7%	Total population (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures	2.5% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	65.8%	Estimated for 2016