East-Timor
East-Timor, officially the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, is a Southeast Asian nation located on the eastern half of the island of Timor. Here is a detailed overview:
Geography
- East-Timor shares its borders with Indonesia to the west and the Timor Sea to the south. The capital city is Dili.
- The country covers an area of about 15,007 km², making it one of the smallest nations in Asia.
History
- Colonial Era: East-Timor was a Portuguese colony from the 16th century until 1975, known then as Portuguese Timor.
- Indonesian Occupation: Following a brief period of independence in 1975, Indonesia invaded and occupied the territory until 1999.
- Independence: After a UN-supervised referendum in 1999, where the majority voted for independence, East-Timor was formally recognized as an independent state in 2002 after a period of United Nations administration.
- Post-Independence Challenges: The country has faced numerous challenges including internal conflicts, political instability, and economic development.
Politics and Governance
- East-Timor operates under a semi-presidential system where the President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government.
- The country has a multi-party system, with significant political parties including FRETILIN, CNRT, and PD.
Economy
- The economy is primarily based on agriculture, with coffee being a significant export. Other key sectors include oil, natural gas, and tourism.
- East-Timor is classified as a Least Developed Country by the United Nations, with efforts ongoing to diversify and strengthen its economy.
Culture
- The culture of East-Timor reflects both Indonesian and Portuguese influences due to its colonial past. The official languages are Tetum and Portuguese.
- Traditional Timorese culture is characterized by animist beliefs, alongside Catholicism, which is the predominant religion.
Human Rights and Development
- Post-independence, East-Timor has made strides in human rights and development, though challenges remain, particularly in areas like education, health services, and infrastructure.
- Organizations like UNICEF and World Bank have been actively involved in development projects in the country.
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