Is Timor-Leste part of Indonesia?
The Island of Timor is currently divided in two parts: the West is part of the Republic of Indonesia with provincial capital in Kupang; while the East, whose capital is Dili since its independence, had been a Portuguese territory since the 16th century.
Who owns Timor?
Australia is the country’s southern neighbour, separated by the Timor Sea. The country’s size is 15,007 square kilometres (5,794 sq mi). Dili is its capital….East Timor.
| Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste República Democrática de Timor-Leste (Portuguese) Repúblika Demokrátika de Timór-Leste (Tetum) | |
|---|---|
| • Per capita | $4,031 |
What is the size of Timor Leste?
The island covers an area of 30,777 square kilometres (11,883 square miles). The name is a variant of timur, Malay for “east”; it is so called because it lies at the eastern end of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Mainland Australia is less than 500 km away, separated by the Timor Sea.
Where is the border between Indonesia and East Timor?
The border between Indonesia and the main part of East Timor starts in the north at the Savu Sea coast, and proceeds south and then east via the Talu river. It then turns south along the Malibacu river, and then west along the Tafara river, then south along the Massin river down to the coast at the Timor Sea .
Why did Indonesia take over East Timor?
The Indonesian occupation of East Timor was characterised by a highly violent, decades-long conflict between separatist groups (especially Fretilin) and the Indonesian military. In 1999, following the United Nations-sponsored act of self-determination, Indonesia relinquished control of the territory.
What is the origin story of Timor Leste?
Timorese origin myths tell of ancestors who sailed around the eastern end of Timor arriving on land in the south. Some stories recount Timorese ancestors journeying from the Malay Peninsula or the Minangkabau highlands of Sumatra. Austronesians migrated to Timor, and are thought to be associated with the development of agriculture on the island.