Bondia! Welcome to one of the world’s newest nations—Timor-Leste (also known as East Timor), which occupies the eastern half of the island of Timor in Southeast Asia. There are around 1,400,000 people living here, and the capital is Dili, a coastal city nestled between high mountains and the sparkling Savu Sea. The official languages are Tetum and Portuguese, though you will also hear Indonesian and English spoken throughout the country.
Timor-Leste covers about 14,874 square kilometers (5,743 square miles). The country is roughly the same size as the state of Connecticut in the U.S., or about half the size of Belgium. It is a rugged land dominated by a central mountain range, with the highest peak, Mount Ramelau, being a sacred site for the local people.
The most popular sports are Football and Cycling, with the “Tour de Timor” mountain bike race being one of the most challenging in the region. Their national animal is the Crocodile, which is central to their creation myth; the island is said to have been formed from a giant crocodile that turned into land to provide a home for a boy who had saved its life.
The flag consists of a red field with a black isosceles triangle based on the hoist side, which is superimposed on a slightly larger yellow triangle, with a white five-pointed star in the center of the black triangle, where the yellow represents the traces of colonialism, the black stands for the obscurantism that needs to be overcome, the red symbolizes the struggle for national liberation, and the white star signifies peace.
The food is a unique fusion of Southeast Asian and Portuguese traditions. You must try Ikan Sabuko, a dish of grilled fish marinated in tamarind and spices, often served with Batar Da’an (a hearty mix of corn, mung beans, and pumpkin). Another favorite is Tukir, a traditional method of slow-cooking meat, usually goat or venison, inside bamboo stalks over an open fire. Because of the Portuguese influence, you will also find plenty of fresh bread and Portuguese-style tarts.
Timor-Leste is home to Atauro Island, which has been identified as having the most biodiverse reef waters in the world, making it a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The country features the Cristo Rei of Dili, a massive 27-meter tall statue of Jesus perched on a globe at the end of a peninsula, offering panoramic views of the coast. You can visit the Resistance Archive and Museum in Dili to learn about the nation’s long and brave struggle for independence. For a mountain escape, head to Maubisse, where the cool air and rolling green hills feel a world away from the tropical coast. Interestingly, Timor-Leste is one of only two predominantly Roman Catholic countries in all of Asia!
From the sacred totem houses of Lospalos to the coffee plantations of Ermera, Timor-Leste is a land of resilient people and untouched natural beauty. Obrigadu! That means “Thank you!”