International East Timor relations

Country profile & diplomacy overview · 34 relations tracked

East Timor is a small, predominantly Catholic country located in Southeast Asia. It gained independence from Indonesia in 2002, after a long and violent struggle for self-determination. The country is located on the eastern end of the island of Timor, which it shares with the Indonesian province of West Timor.

Population

1.3M#156 of 203

Land area

14.9K km²#155 of 203

GDP

$1.9B#181 of 197

Military expenditure

$46.4M#151 of 167

Global influence

#84Low

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Closest relations Strained relations East Timor No data

East Timor has a population of around 1.3 million people and is one of the poorest countries in Asia. It has a tropical climate and a mostly mountainous terrain, with a narrow coastal plain. The economy is based largely on agriculture, with coffee being a major export crop.

Since gaining independence, East Timor has faced significant challenges, including high levels of poverty and unemployment, limited infrastructure and access to basic services, and a lack of natural resources. The country has also faced ongoing political instability, with frequent changes of government and tensions between different political factions.

Despite these challenges, East Timor has made progress in recent years, including improving its education system, strengthening its healthcare system, and increasing access to clean water. The country has also developed closer relations with its neighbors, including Indonesia and Australia, and has become a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Geography & terrain

Occupies the eastern half of Timor island and is dominated by a rugged, mountainous central spine (Mount Ramelau is the highest point), with narrow coastal plains. Tropical climate with a pronounced wet and dry season. Coastline on both the Timor Sea and Savu Sea. The steep, forested interior is difficult to traverse and has historically favored small defending or resisting forces over larger conventional ones, even as the coastal lowlands remain easier to approach.

Key facts

Diverse sources: UN, World Bank, East Timor Statistics Office/Department. Most recent available data
Capital	Dili (277.3K people, 21.0% of total population)
Population	1.3M (#156 of 203 countries)
Land area	14.9K km² (#155 of 203 countries)
Main religion	Christianity
Life expectancy	70 years

Source: World Bank Open Data. Most recent available data (2025)
Currency	US Dollar
Main language(s)	Tetum, Portuguese
Government type	Semi-presidential republic
Time zone	UTC+9.0
GDP	$1.9B (#181 of 197 countries)
GDP per capita	$1.3K (#170 of 198 countries)
International calling code	+670
Driving side	Left
UNESCO World Heritage Sites	0
Military expenditure	$46.4M
Land military expenditure (estimation)	$32.5M
Air military expenditure (estimation)	$4.6M
Naval military expenditure (estimation)	$9.3M
Military expenditure (% of GDP)	2.7%
Military expenditure per capita	$35
Nuclear power	No
European Union	Not a member
NATO	Not a member
Other groups	ASEAN

Shares a land border with 1 country — here is how those relations stand

East Timor's relations with its neighbors

1 Indonesia 9.7/10 See relation →

Most similar countries, by language, currency, GDP per capita, borders & international groups

Rank #84 Low International Influence

East Timor's actions have a very limited effect on the world or on other countries.

See the full world influence ranking →

Most intense relations

Top 5 relations of East Timor by overall intensity. Intensity reflects the level and significance of interaction—not whether the relationship is positive or negative.