Timor-Leste Country Report
Timor-Leste is one of the youngest countries in the world, gaining independence from Indonesia in 2002 after 24 years of often violent resistance. Despite its large oil and gas reserves, the country has since struggled to eradicate poverty and root out corruption still endemic. Although efforts have been made to address divisive politics, political stability remains a concern.
The main threat to foreigners is crime, but this is likely to be opportunistic in nature. Air travel is restricted and driving on the ground is dangerous. Large parts of East Timor are vulnerable to powerful earthquakes and are at risk of destruction due to fragile structures and lack of national crisis management. Powerful storms are rare, but heavy rains that can cause devastating floods and landslides are common during the rainy season. Medical care is limited and there are concerns about the spread of counterfeit drugs.
Last updated: April 12, 2022
Security
The main threat to foreign tourists is criminal activity, but it is likely to be petty and opportunistic in nature. Demonstrations are usually peaceful but can turn violent with little or no warning.
Last updated: May 16, 2022
Infrastructure
Air travel is severely restricted.
Land travel is considered dangerous due to the poor quality of the capital’s suburban roads, a situation made worse by rain-induced flooding, landslide damage, and the reckless driving habits of most local drivers.
East Timor has no port.
Access to municipal services is limited, but efforts are being made to improve electrification rates, cell phone coverage, and internet speeds.
Due to the small number of internet users, cybercrime is not a major concern.
Last updated: December 29, 2022
Environment
Heavy rains that can cause catastrophic floods and landslides are common during the rainy season. In addition, there is a credible threat of earthquakes throughout the country, and the lack of comprehensive national emergency management can exacerbate its impact. Unexploded ordnance poses a threat to rural areas near the Indonesian border, but authorities are working hard to reduce the threat level.
Last updated: March 17, 2022
Health and Medical
Mosquito and insect diseases, including malaria, are present in Bikeke, Baucau, Manatuto, Dili and Manufahi districts. It should also be noted that medical care is very limited and does not meet international standards. Similarly, the supply of medicine in major administrative centers is very limited.
Last updated: April 1, 2022
Political
José Ramos-Horta will seek a non-consecutive second term in May 2022 with the support of Zanana Guzmão and the opposition National Congress for the Reconstruction of East Timor (CNRT). He won the presidential election. The CNRT’s support raises the possibility that Ramos-Horta will try to hold early parliamentary elections before the mid-2023 deadline.
factionalism undermines political stability and in some cases prevents effective governance. However, recent regime changes have been peaceful. Despite recent efforts to improve governance, levels of corruption remain high and the rule of law is weak.
Last updated: August 27, 2022
