Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Population estimate 1.2 million
Population density (people per square mile) 197
Population doubling rate 34 years
GDP per capita US$ 1,105
Benchmark approximations
Population doubling time in years:
USA 79. Canada 81. Germany declining. UK 248. Russia declining. China 110. Philippines 41.
Population density (people per square mile)
USA 85. Canada 9. Germany 593. UK 660. Russia 21. China 368. Philippines 795.
GDP per capita in US$:
USA 53,000. Canada 52,000. Germany 46,200. UK 41,800. Russia 14,600. China 6,800. Philippines 2,770
RECENT HISTORY
A Portuguese colony, declaring unilateral independence in 1975, which resulted in the subsequent invasion, occupation and annexation by Indonesia. Over the next two decades up to 200,000 died fighting against the occupation or as a result of famine and disease. Following mounting international pressure in 1999 Indonesia allowed an independence vote of which 80% voted for independence from Indonesia. Independence was followed by internal violence caused by anti-independence factions who did not accept the vote. Hundreds were killed and thousands fled the violence. Tensions continue and there have been attempted political assassinations.
East Timor is one of the least economically developed countries in the world and depends heavily on foreign aid.
EDUCATION
Literacy is relatively low in East Timor; only 43 percent of individuals aged 15 and older can read and
write.