Timor-Leste: flag, capital, currency and history
Timor-Leste, officially the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, is a country in South-Eastern Asia, Asia. Its capital is Dili. The currency is the United States dollar. Languages spoken include Portuguese and Tetum.
Quick facts about Timor-Leste
- Official name
- Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
- Capital
- Dili
- Region
- Asia, South-Eastern Asia
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD, $)
- Languages
- Portuguese, Tetum
- Calling code
- +670
- Internet domain
- .tl
- Area
- 14,874 km² (5,743 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Indonesia
- Demonym
- East Timorese
- National day
- Restoration of Independence Day, May 20
Flag of Timor-Leste
Download the flag of Timor-Leste as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇹🇱.
History of Timor-Leste
Austronesian and Melanesian peoples settled the island of Timor long before Europeans arrived. Portugal established a presence in the 16th century, and the island was divided between Portuguese and Dutch control, with Portugal holding the eastern half. After Portugal's withdrawal, the territory declared independence on 28 November 1975, and Indonesia invaded days later and annexed it in 1976. A UN-organised referendum in 1999 favoured independence, and the UN administered the territory until 2002. Timor-Leste restored its independence on 20 May 2002 and is one of Asia's newest sovereign states.
Key dates
- 16th centuryPortuguese traders and missionaries establish a presence on Timor.
- 1975Timor-Leste declares independence in November, and Indonesia invades in December.
- 1976Indonesia annexes the territory, a move not recognised by the UN.
- 1999A UN-organised referendum favours independence.
- 1999The United Nations takes over administration of the territory.
- 2002Timor-Leste becomes fully independent on 20 May.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste uses the United States dollar (USD, $). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Timor-Leste?
The capital of Timor-Leste is Dili.
What currency does Timor-Leste use?
Timor-Leste uses the United States dollar (USD, symbol $).
What languages are spoken in Timor-Leste?
Languages used in Timor-Leste include Portuguese and Tetum.
What is the calling code of Timor-Leste?
The international calling code of Timor-Leste is +670. Its internet domain is .tl.
Which countries border Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste shares land borders with Indonesia.
On which continent is Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste is in Asia, in the region of South-Eastern Asia.
What is the national day of Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste marks Restoration of Independence Day on May 20.
Neighbours of Timor-Leste
More countries in South-Eastern Asia
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).