Wikijunior:Asia/Timor-Leste

The Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is a country located in Southeast Asia. The capital of Timor-Leste is Dili.

Timor-Leste used to be controlled by Portugal. The Portuguese founded the city of Dili and declared the colony of Portuguese Timor. Timor-Leste was occupied by the Japanese in World War II, but Portugal regained control over it after the war. In 1974, a revolution occured in Portugal, which led to the declaration of independence of Timor-Leste in November 28, 1975. However, Indonesia took control over Timor Leste in December 1976, and was declared a province of Indonesia.

In 1999, a vote, with the support of the United Nations, took place where most of the people favoring independence. The United Nations governed the islands for a mean time from 1999 until May 20, 2002, when Timor-Leste regained its independence.

Where is the Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste is located in Southeast Asia in Timor island. In the north, west and east of Timor-Leste is Indonesia. Indonesia controls most of the Western part of Timor Island except for a small part which is controlled by Timor-Leste. South of Timor-Leste is Australia which is part of Oceania.

How many people live in Timor-Leste?
In 2014, around 1,201,542 people live in Timor-Leste. About a fifth lives in the capital city of Dili with about 222,000 people.

What are the most common languages in Timor-Leste?
The Official languages of Timor-Leste rea Portuguese and Tetum. There are many languages spoken in Timor-Leste among which are Tetum Prasa (36.6%), Mambai (12.5%), Makasai (9.7%), Tetum Terik (6.0%), Baikenu (5.9%), Kemak (5.9%), Bunak (5.3%), Tokodede (3.7%), and Fataluku (3.6%). Portuguese, despite being an official language of Timor-Leste, is the first language of less than 600 people.

What is the most common religion in Timor-Leste?
Christianity is the most common religion in Timor-Leste. The most common type of Christianity is Roman Catholicism (96.9%) (introduced by the Portugese). Although predominately Christian (just like it's sister in Southern Asia, the Philippines), Protestant and Sunni Muslim communities thrive throughout the country.

What is the sport of Timor-Leste?
Football is the most popular sport in Timor-Leste.

What are some important sights?

 * Cristo Rei of Dili - a gigantic statue of Jesus Christ on top of the mountain Cape Fatucama.