History

Anniversary of the FALINTIL. Photo: Hugo Ferreira

The island of Timor has a long, proud history and a rich culture built over centuries. It has been referred to by some as the "cultural funnel of the East", for the many different ethnic influences which have contributed to the island's development.

The island of Timor attracted Chinese and Malay traders in the 13th century, drawn by the abundance of sandalwood, honey and wax. The creation of these trading networks also resulted in intermarriages with the local regal families, adding to the ethnic richness of the island. The same natural resources brought the Portuguese to the area in 1512. Missionaries soon followed the traders and the Catholic faith is now the dominant religion. During the 16th century, several Christianized regal lords placed themselves under the Portuguese Protectorate, which was then consolidated in the early 18th century with the arrival of its first governor. Their influence persisted and resulted in the colonization of the island, and particularly Timor-Leste, for over 400 years. In 1915, the Arbitrary Sentence signed between Portugal and The Netherlands ended the conflict between the two countries and established the borders that still today divide the island.

During World War II, the Allies (Australian and Dutch) engaged in heavy fighting with the Japanese forces in Timor. Several thousand East Timorese lost their lives fighting alongside the Allies. In 1945, Portuguese rule was restored in Timor-Leste. On 28th November 1975, following a brief civil war, the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste was proclaimed. Within days, on the 7 th December1975, the new nation was invaded by Indonesia and was occupied for the next 24 years. On August 30th 1999, the East Timorese voted overwhelmingly for independence ending 24 years of Indonesian occupation, following a United Nations sponsored referendum. On 20th May 2002 Timor-Leste’s declaration of independence was restored and power handed over from the United Nations to the first Constitutional Government of Timor-Leste.

Today, Timor-Leste's rich and diverse community reflects its varied and distinct historical influences whilst offering a warm and friendly welcome to all, now that the country has found peace at last. Timor-Leste is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the safest, if not the safest, destination in Southeast Asia .