Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Washington D.C.

Welcome to the official website of the Embassy of the Democratic of Timor-Leste in the United States of America, the Gateway to Timor-Leste. On August 30, 1999, the people of Timor-Leste overwhelmingly voted for independence under a United Nations supervised referendum thus, ending the 24 years of Indonesian occupation.

In September 1999, soon after the result of the referendum was announced, the Indonesian army and anti-independence militias laid waste 85% of the country’s infrastructure. Schools, hospitals, government buildings and homes were looted and burnt, irrigation systems, water supply systems and electricity and telephone lines were destroyed. Around 300,000 people were forced to flee to West Timor (Indonesia) and about 1,500 people were killed. The mayhem angered the international community, and prompted the International Force for East Timor intervention led by Australia. For the following two years between 2000 and 2002, the United Nations ran the country with total control and full power. On May 20, 2002, the United Nations successfully transferred the authority over to the first constitutional government. The United Nations’ post conflict operation in Timor-Leste was hailed as a success story. However, nation building is not an easy task. Our new nation continues to face the aftermath challenges such as healing and reconciliation, overcoming the scars that ensued from 24 years of war and occupation, through dialogue and truth telling; strengthening state institutions and governance; capacity building, and job creation for young people entering the labor force each year.

After eight years of independence, we are witnessing incremental changes. The GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) per capita in 2008 was US$ 2.7 billion and GNI per capita was US$ 2,460 (although non-oil real GNI per capita was US$ 334 in 2008). Timor-Leste remains one of the poorest countries in the world. In the past few years, the government of Timor-Leste has been working tirelessly to make Timor-Leste hospitable to business people and potential investors. One of this effort is the approval of a business friendly investment law for potential investors who are interested in taking part in the reconstruction of Timor-Leste through investment.

Timor-Leste also offers endless opportunities for those seeking to discover a fusion of European and Asian culture and to appreciate the pristine, natural beauty of the island. Timor-Leste hosts one of the best coral reefs and marine life in the world that has remained unspoiled for thousands of years.

This website provides you an up-to-date information about Timor-Leste including culture, economy, travel information, investment opportunities, consular affairs and links to various official sites.

Should you have any question please do not hesitate to contact our Embassy in Washington, DC.

Sincerely yours,

Constancio da Conceição Pinto

Ambassador




	JavaScript Menu, DHTML Menu Powered By Milonic Welcome to the official website of the Embassy of the Democratic of Timor-Leste in the United States of America, the Gateway to Timor-Leste. On August 30, 1999, the people of Timor-Leste overwhelmingly voted for independence under a United Nations supervised referendum thus, ending the 24 years of Indonesian occupation. In September 1999, soon after the result of the referendum was announced, the Indonesian army and anti-independence militias laid waste 85% of the country’s infrastructure. Schools, hospitals, government buildings and homes were looted and burnt, irrigation systems, water supply systems and electricity and telephone lines were destroyed. Around 300,000 people were forced to flee to West Timor (Indonesia) and about 1,500 people were killed. The mayhem angered the international community, and prompted the International Force for East Timor intervention led by Australia. For the following two years between 2000 and 2002, the United Nations ran the country with total control and full power. On May 20, 2002, the United Nations successfully transferred the authority over to the first constitutional government. The United Nations’ post conflict operation in Timor-Leste was hailed as a success story. However, nation building is not an easy task. Our new nation continues to face the aftermath challenges such as healing and reconciliation, overcoming the scars that ensued from 24 years of war and occupation, through dialogue and truth telling; strengthening state institutions and governance; capacity building, and job creation for young people entering the labor force each year. After eight years of independence, we are witnessing incremental changes. The GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) per capita in 2008 was US$ 2.7 billion and GNI per capita was US$ 2,460 (although non-oil real GNI per capita was US$ 334 in 2008). Timor-Leste remains one of the poorest countries in the world. In the past few years, the government of Timor-Leste has been working tirelessly to make Timor-Leste hospitable to business people and potential investors. One of this effort is the approval of a business friendly investment law for potential investors who are interested in taking part in the reconstruction of Timor-Leste through investment. Timor-Leste also offers endless opportunities for those seeking to discover a fusion of European and Asian culture and to appreciate the pristine, natural beauty of the island. Timor-Leste hosts one of the best coral reefs and marine life in the world that has remained unspoiled for thousands of years. This website provides you an up-to-date information about Timor-Leste including culture, economy, travel information, investment opportunities, consular affairs and links to various official sites. Should you have any question please do not hesitate to contact our Embassy in Washington, DC. Sincerely yours, Constancio da Conceição Pinto Ambassador