East Timor is the first country to become independent in the 21st century. This country did not become independent until May 20, 2002. It had been ruled by the Portuguese from the 16th century until 1975, after which Indonesia invaded and took over. The UN condemned this invasion and with the help of the UN, this country in Southeast Asia was able to gain its independence. The country is located on the eastern part of the island of Timor and also includes part of the western part of the island. The official name of the country is the Democratic Republic of East Timor. The country’s total area is about 15,410 square kilometers. The capital is called Dili and the official languages are Portuguese and Tetum.
A little history
East Timor was colonized by Portugal in the 16th century and was called Portuguese Timor until the island was decolonized in 1975. When East Timor was decolonized, Indonesia occupied and invaded the island and proclaimed it the 27th Indonesian province. However, this was something that the inhabitants of the island were not very interested in, which was later investigated and determined by the UN, which condemned Indonesia’s invasion. When East Timor in 2002 became a country of its own, it became a member of the UN as well as the Commonwealth of Portuguese-speaking countries. Most on the island are Christians but there are some minority groups belonging to other religions.
Geography and climate
The island of Timor is part of the Malacca Archipelago and is the largest of the Small Sunda Islands. South of the island is Lake Timor, which is part of the Pacific Ocean and separates Timor from Australia. The western part of the island houses the Indonesian province of Nusa Tenggara Timur. The largest part of the country consists of mountain landscapes and the highest mountain is Tatamailau which is also called Mount Ramelau. This mountain has a highest point of 2,963 meters. After the capital Dili, Baucau is the second largest city. Farthest to the east in East Timor is the Paitchau mountain range and also Ira Lalaro lake. A nature reserve called Nino Konis Santana National Park has been established here. Here you protect the country’s tropical forest and unique plants and animal species. Along the northern coast, there are plenty of coral reefs that have received attention as they are threatened by environmental degradation.
According to bridgat, East Timor has two seasons, the rainy season which is between December and April and the dry season which is between May and November. During the dry months there is not much rain on the northern coast while mountain areas and the southern coast can get temporary rain showers. When it rains, this often leads to floods and landslides, which sometimes makes it impossible to get around on roads. Temperatures are between 30 ° C and 35 ° C all year round, in mountain areas it can be cooler.
Economy
Industries in East Timor are active in areas such as printed matter production, soap making, handicrafts and woven fabrics. Coffee, rice and cassava are grown, and the country exports coffee, marble and sandalwood.