Related Articles
What country is Dili in?
Timor-Leste is located on the eastern half of the island of Timor in the Timor Sea between Indonesia and Australia. The landscape is varied, there is an impressive coastline and mountains in the interior, the bottom is rocky. Timor-Leste shares a border with West Timor. The country also includes the exclave of Oekussi-Ambeno (about 70 km to the west), which is located in West Timor, administered by Indonesia, as well as the islands of Atauro (Pulo Cambing) and Jaco (Pulo Jako).
Timor is a large, curved island located in the middle of the Small Sunda Islands in the Sunda Sea. The island has been divided for centuries: the western half is a province of Indonesia, while the eastern side forms the independent nation of Timor-Leste. In the past, these parts of the island were colonies of the Dutch (western part) and Portuguese (eastern part). After independence from Portugal, East Timor was occupied by Indonesia and 25 years of resistance and war followed to achieve its current state. There are 11 different local languages spoken by different ethnic groups on the island. The official languages of East Timor are Tetum and Portuguese. The old colonial part of the city is located near the waterfront and offers some impressive buildings in the Portuguese style, including the old market hall, which is now used as a congress center. Attractions for visitors include a very good resistance museum that traces the battles of the Falintil insurgents, as well as some examples of indigenous crafts such as textiles, woven mats and pottery. Outside the city, on the headland of Cape Fatucama, there is the large statue Cristo Rei, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the sea and the surrounding area. One of the best beaches on the island, Jesus Backside Beach, is located right under the statue. Another attraction, an exhibition called Chega! (Stop!), is housed in the building of the Reception, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of East Timor, a former prison. Timor is known for the local textiles and baskets of its various ethnic groups, which are available for purchase in the markets and galleries of the city.
Is East Timor part of Indonesia?
What is Dili known for?
Where is Timor located?
