Quick travel guide: East Timor
Facts on Dili, Gusmao, Baucau, Maubisse, Ramelau, Tetun and more
Visitors to the newest country in South-East Asia can learn about Xanana Gusmão, independence, Hatubuilco, the Virgin Mary and more
Location: East Timor is in South-East Asia, latched on to the end of the giant Indonesian archipelago. It is very close to the equator, which should give a fair idea of what climate to expect. It borders only Indonesia, more specifically the Indonesian province of West Timor.
Capital city: The capital of East Timor is Dili. It can be found on the north coast.
Other major cities: Other cities that can be visited in East Timor include Baucau and Maubisse.
Population: Just under a million people live in East Timor – it’s only a small country.
Languages spoken: Tetun is the main spoken language in day-to-day conversation, but Portuguese is also one of the country’s two official languages, and it is widely understood. This is a throwback to colonial times.
What we know it for: East Timor is one of the world’s newest countries, having finally won its struggle for independence from Indonesia in 2002. It was formerly a Portuguese colony, and 1974 turned out to be a turbulent year for the East Timorese. Portugal decided to lose its overseas colonies, but while before the wheels of independence could be properly put in motion, Indonesia invaded. A long struggle followed, and eventually the independence movement prevailed under the charismatic leadership of Xanana Gusmão. The problems are not over though – it is one of the world’s most desperately poor countries, and there’s a long way to go before much of the fledgling nation’s poverty is eradicated.
Why you should go: It’s about as far off the beaten track as you can get. Come on, who do you know that could even place East Timor on a map? In terms of obscure countries to head to, it’s up there with the likes of Djibouti, Liechtenstein and Kiribati, and it makes for a cracking passport stamp.
Great place to visit: If you’re into countryside and great walking, then Mount Ramelau is the place to head to. Near the town of Hatubuilco, and not far short of Dili, the mountain is extremely picturesque. Not all the walkers you’ll encounter on your ascent of the 2900m peak will be there for the country air, though – some will be filled with religious fervour. The reason for this is that at the top of the mountain is a highly revered statue of the Virgin Mary, and it is considered holy to climb up and say hi.
MORE QUICK GUIDES: Andorra, Australia, Bolivia, East Timor, Indonesia, Luxembourg, Morocco, Spain, Paraguay, Portugal.
