In May 2002, after 450 years of continuous
foreign occupation, East Timor became the world’s
newest independent state. Indonesia’s former
occupation and the fight for independence killed
an estimated 100-250,000 people and destroyed almost
100% of the country’s infrastructure.
The capital of East Timor is Dili and the climate
is hot (30-34°C). Unemployment rates are estimated
at 50% and 42% fall below the poverty line.
POPULATION
Population of the country is 1,040,880 (July 2005
est.) with a population growth rate of 2.09% (2005
est.).
ETHNIC GROUPS
Timorese 96.1% (Indo-Malay 79%, Papuan 17.1%), Indonesian
2%, Others (Chinese etc) 1.9%
LANGUAGE
Tetum is the main dialect and is the official language
along with Portuguese; English is often used for
administrative purposes (due to the high numbers
of English-speaking relief and UN workers still
working in East Timor). There are about 16 indigenous
languages; Tetum, Galole, Mambae, and Kemak are
spoken by significant numbers of people.
RELIGION
Roman Catholic 90%, Muslim 4%, Protestant 3%, Hindu
0.5%, Buddhist, Animist (1992 est.)
CURRENCY
The US Dollar is the official currency. For local
transactions, the Indonesian Rupiah may be accepted
in border areas, but this should not be relied on.
Travelers should bring along sufficient
cash. Credit & debit cards can only currently
be used in the very few expensive hotels in East
Timor. Check with your credit or debit Card Company
for further details of merchant acceptability and
other services which may be available.
Travelers’ cheques are not
widely exchangeable. Only some top-of-the-range
hotels may be able to exchange them.
VISA AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Visas are currently not necessary as long as travelers
have a valid passport. Upon arrival, an entry permit
valid for 30 days will be issued. If the traveler
can prove that he/she has valid grounds for staying
in East Timor, they can then obtain an extension.
From 19 April 2003, East Timor began
to charge a fee for visas issued on arrival. They
cost US$30 for stays of 30 days and less; extensions
cost US$30 for each subsequent period of 30 days.
Fines of US$50 apply to each 30-day period if advance
payment and extension of visas have not been sought
and approved.
For more information
on visa application ad procedures, inquire with
the East Timorese embassies or Consulates located
in or near your country http://www.gov.east-timor.org/Aboutgovt/embassy_timorleste.htm.
AIRPORT TAX
A departure tax of US$10 is required.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage in East Timor is 220 V, 50 Hz. Electricity
supplies may be erratic with many power cuts.
TAP WATER
Tap water should be avoided. Drink bottled water
with the seal intact. Avoid having ice put in your
drinks, except in large international hotels where
it is safer.
VACCINATIONS/ MEDICAL SERVICES
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless
coming from or passing through an infected area
(e.g A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required
from travelers arriving from infected areas). It
is advisable to check for updated health recommendations
regarding typhoid, cholera, dengue fever, Poliomyelitis,
Malaria etc before your departure to East Timor.
Medical services in East Timor are
extremely limited. It is essential to take out comprehensive
medical and travel insurance which includes emergency
repatriation cover.
CLIMATE
Tropical monsoon climate. It is very hot and dry
from July to November with the western monsoon bringing
the rains from December to March. It is cooler and
more humid in the mountain region.
TIME
GMT +8
CLOTHING
Lightweights with rainwear are recommended throughout
the year. Warmer clothes are needed for cool evenings
and mountain areas.
Sources:
CIA
world fact book, August 2005
East
Timor Country Guide
Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and Cooperation, Timor-Leste
Operation World, 21st Century Edition (2001) by
Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk
