East Timor, officially known as the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, is a small island nation located in Southeast Asia. It is situated on the eastern half of the island of Timor, with Indonesia occupying the western half. The country gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 after a long struggle for self-determination.

East Timor has a population of around 1.3 million people, with Dili as its capital and largest city. The official languages are Tetum and Portuguese, with Indonesian and English also widely spoken. The majority of the population is Roman Catholic, with a small Muslim minority.

The economy of East Timor is largely dependent on oil and gas exports, with agriculture and tourism also playing a role. The country faces challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and limited infrastructure, but has made progress in recent years towards improving its economy and social conditions.

East Timor has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from its indigenous Austronesian and Melanesian peoples, as well as Portuguese and Indonesian colonialism. Traditional music, dance, and art are important parts of the country’s cultural identity.