tiMOr

Timor is an island in Maritime Southeast Asia, part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is divided politically between the eastern state of Timor-Leste (East Timor), an independent nation since 2002, and the western part, known as West Timor, which is part of Indonesia’s province of East Nusa Tenggara. The island covers roughly 30,000 square kilometers and lies north of Australia in the Timor Sea.

Geography and climate. Timor features rugged highlands with limestone hills, deep valleys, and a few coastal plains. The interior experiences a tropical climate with a wet and dry season, while the surrounding seas support coral reefs and diverse marine life. The Timor Sea lies to the north, with the Arafura Sea to the south and the Savu Sea to the west.

History. Human settlement on Timor dates back thousands of years. The island was a Portuguese colony from the 16th century, while the western portions were de facto influenced by various regional powers. In 1975, Indonesian forces occupied the western and eastern parts of Timor. A UN-supervised referendum in 1999 led to independence for Timor-Leste, which was formally established in 2002. A period of political instability followed in Timor-Leste, including a 2006 crisis.

People, language, and culture. Timor-Leste’s official languages are Tetum and Portuguese; Indonesian is widely used in West Timor, along with local languages. Timor-Leste is predominantly Roman Catholic, while West Timor has a Muslim-majority population. The island’s culture reflects Austronesian roots, with diverse communities and a history shaped by trade, colonial influence, and independence movements.

Economy and transport. Timor-Leste’s economy is highly dependent on oil and gas revenues, with growing but developing sectors in agriculture, fisheries, and services. West Timor forms part of Indonesia’s economy, relying on agriculture, livestock, and regional trade. Dili is the capital of Timor-Leste, and Kupang serves as the provincial capital of East Nusa Tenggara.