The journey to independence for East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, which was attained on May 20, 2002, was arduous and traumatic.
The first new nation of the century experienced some of the worst atrocities of the modern era while fighting for independence.
When the Portuguese colonial rulers left the area in 1975, Indonesia seized control of the region and brutally put down the independence movement.
The UN eventually took over management and oversaw the territory's transition to independence. .
- with capital letters. Dili.
- Area:. 14,874 sq km.
- Population:. 1.33 million.
- Languages:. Spanish, Tetum, and other languages.
- the length of life. 66 years for men and 70 years for women.
José Ramos-Horta is in charge.
In May 2022, José Ramos-Horta was chosen to serve as president. In an attempted assassination that occurred while he was president from 2007 to 2012, he was shot. He and Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo shared the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of their efforts to bring about peace in East Timor.
He was a founder and former member of Fretilin and served as the movement's exiled spokesperson during the Indonesian occupation. Following independence in 2002, he was appointed as the nation's first foreign minister.
Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres had broken the law, he claimed when he came out of retirement to run in the 2022 presidential election.
He ran for office on a platform that included reducing poverty, boosting job creation, and expanding healthcare services for mothers and children.
The president only has a small amount of authority. Following elections, he selects the prime minister.
Media freedom in the nation is among the highest in the area. There are lots of publications in Portuguese, Tetum, and even English. The main station is Radio Televisaun Timor Leste.
There are a few daily and weekly press publications, but readership outside of the capital, Dili, is constrained by a low literacy rate and the high cost of newspapers relative to average incomes.
The most popular medium is radio, and there are numerous community radio stations broadcasting right now.
Several significant dates in the history of East Timor include:.
1600s . - Following their expulsion from other islands by the rival Dutch, the Portuguese establish a trading post on the island. The island is used by them as a source of sandalwood.
1749 . - After the Portuguese and Dutch battle, Timor is divided. Eastern half goes to the Portuguese.
1800s. Until the late nineteenth century, the Portuguese made few investments in East Timor. Sandalwood was the main crop up until the middle of the 19th century, when coffee exports became significant, even after Portugal established real control over the interior of its colony.
1939. - The start of World War II.
1941. - Allies briefly take over Dili.
1942. - Japanese forces conquer the area, taking East Timor with them. Volunteers from East Timor and allied forces engage in a protracted guerrilla campaign in the region's mountainous interior. Between 40,000 and 70,000 civilians perish. Early in 1943, the Japanese force the Australian and Allied forces to retreat. Japan held the reins until 1945.
1950s. Despite investing in the colony, Portugal's economic growth is still sluggish.
1974 . - A coup in Lisbon results in a new Portuguese government that starts a decolonization policy.
1975 . - The Portuguese government relocates to Atauro, an offshore island. Five journalists from Australia were killed near the border with West Timor, allegedly by Indonesian forces. Following a brief civil war, East Timor is unilaterally declared independent by the left-wing Fretilin party.
Using its struggle against communism as a justification, Indonesia invades. In a move that the UN does not recognize, it annexes territory. Fighting, famine, and disease after the invasion and during Indonesia's occupation resulted in the deaths of over 200,000 people, or a quarter of the population.
1981 . - Xanana Gusmao assumes command of the armed wing of Fretilin, the Falintil (Armed Forces of National Liberation of East Timor).
1991 . - The massacre at the Santa Cruz cemetery, in which troops opened fire on mourners at a Fretilin supporter's funeral in Dili, killing over 250 people.
1992 . Gusmao is arrested not far from Dili. He was found guilty of subversion in 1993, and a life sentence was imposed on him.
1996 . Acting Bishop of Dili Carlos Belo and resistance leader Jose Ramos-Horta shared the Nobel Peace Prize, bringing attention to the East Timorese independence movement on a global scale.
1998 . - Suharto steps down as president of Indonesia. Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie has taken his place, and he suggests that territory in Indonesia might be given a special status.
1999 . In case the people of East Timor reject autonomy, Indonesia says it will take that into consideration. Gusmao transitioned to house arrest from a prison in Jakarta. Gusmao gives the order for guerrillas to pick up the independence fight after anti-independence activists become more violent.
East Timorese will be able to vote on their future thanks to an agreement between Indonesia and Portugal. Anti-independence militias resume their terror campaign after 78 percent of voters choose independence. UN takes control of operations and gets the region ready for independence. a force for maintaining peace led by Australia shows up. Gusmao was freed.
2002 . - The independence of East Timor. To improve relations, East Timor and Indonesia sign two agreements. The presidential election is won by Xanana Gusmao.
2005 . - During Indonesian President Yudhoyono's first trip to Dili since taking office, East Timor and Indonesia sign a historic border agreement. Aussie peacekeepers who are still present depart.
2006 . - A contract dividing anticipated revenue from Timor Sea oil and gas deposits is signed by East Timor and Australia. A maritime boundary dispute discussion has been tabled.
An UN report on alleged atrocities committed during Indonesia's 24-year rule is made available. More than 100,000 East Timorese were found to have died as a direct result of the occupation.
2006 . Foreign troops are sent to Dili in an effort to restore order after violence involving ex-soldiers spread to other factions. The UN Integrated Mission in East Timor (Unmit), a non-military peacekeeping mission, is established.
2007 . Jose Ramos-Horta, a former prime minister, is elected president.
2008 . - A rogue soldier fires a bullet into President Ramos-Horta's stomach. Attack results in the death of rebel leader Alfredo Reinado.
2009 . - According to Indonesia, ties with Australia could be harmed by a war crimes investigation into the deaths of five Australian journalists in the 1975 Indonesian invasion of East Timor.
2010 . - A court sentences rebels to up to 16 years in prison for their role in the president's attempted assassination in 2008. Later, President Ramos-Horta commutes or commutes their sentences.
2011 - . Applying to join Asean is East Timor.
2012 . - UN peacekeeping mission is over.
2017 . - Australia and East Timor resolve their long-standing dispute over their maritime border through a ground-breaking agreement.
