Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is a relatively new nation, situated in the eastern half of the island of Timor, at the eastern ‘end’ of the Lesser Sunda Islands, north of the Timor Sea and Australia. The country is bordered by Indonesia in the west, and the Savu Sea in north.
The capital and largest city is Dili, the spoken languages are Tetum and Portuguese, Indonesian, English. East Timor achieved independence on 20th May 2002, from Indonesia.
In 1999, following the United Nations-sponsored act of self-determination, Indonesia relinquished control of the territory. Thus, East Timor became the first new sovereign state of the 21st century, and joined the United Nations.
The head of state of East Timor is the President of the Republic, who is elected by popular vote for a five-year term. Much of the country is mountainous. It is characterized by distinct rainy and dry seasons. The currencies used are the United States dollar, and the East Timor centavo coins.