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Country Profile: East Timor
Fact FileCapitalDiliOfficial languagesTetum and PortugueseOther Languages & DialectsEnglish, Bekais, Bunak, Dawan, Fataluku, Galoli, Habun, Idalaka, Kawaimina, Kemak, Lovaia, Makalero,Makasai, Mambai, Tokodede, WetareseAreaTotal 14,874 km2Population(2009est) 1,115,000CurrencyU.S. Dollar |
Overview
East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste is a country in Southeast Asia. It comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecussi-Ambeno, an exclave on the northwestern side of the island, within Indonesian West Timor.
Languages and Dialects
Tetum and Portuguese are the two official languages of East Timor, these languages belong to the Austronesian family of languages spoken throughout South East Asia. English and another fifteen indigenous languages are spoken, such as Bekais, Bunak, Dawan, Fataluku, Galoli, Habun, Idalaka, Kawaimina, Kemak, Lovaia, Makalero, Makasai, Mambai, Tokodede, and Wetarese.
Business Developments
East Timor is a small nation, but they have an impressive economy and GDP, mostly due to there tourism industry and their natural resources. Oil and natural gas have recently been discovered off the coast of East Timor and there is currently a project underway with Australia, in order to harvest these resources for the mutual benefit of both nations. Likewise, East Timor has been building and expanding their tourism industry as well, as it is one of the fastest growing in Asia.
Cultural Background
The culture of East Timor reflects numerous influences, including Portuguese, Roman Catholic, Malayisian and other indigenous Austronesian and Melanesian cultures of Timor. Legend has it that a giant crocodile was transformed into the island of Timor, or Crocodile Island, as it is often called. East Timorese culture is heavily influenced by Austronesian legends, although the Catholic influence is also strong.
Future Outlook
In the future, East Timor looks to expand their economy, both in the tourism industry and the energy industry as well. They are currently completely energy efficient as a nation and look to become one of the leading oil and natural gas exporters in Asia in the next few years. Furthermore, the nation has recently began research to further develop renewable energy resources, such as wind, solar and hydroelectric.
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