Recently, Timor Leste (East Timor) formally admitted to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the group’s first expansion since the 1990s.

About Timor Leste
Timor Leste, also known as East Timor, is a semi-presidential republic in Southeast Asia. It gained full independence in 2002 after centuries of Portuguese colonization and 24 years of Indonesian occupation. 
History

• Portuguese Rule: The Portuguese arrived in the 16th century and colonized the eastern half of the island of Timor. West Timor was held by the Dutch, a division that remains today with West Timor being part of Indonesia.
• Indonesian Invasion: Following Portugal's decolonization efforts in 1975, Indonesia invaded and occupied East Timor, incorporating it as a province.
• Independence: After a UN-supervised referendum in 1999, the East Timorese overwhelmingly voted for independence. The nation officially gained independence on May 20, 2002.

Geography
Timor-Leste occupies the eastern half of the island of Timor, along with the islands of Atauro and Jaco, and the exclave of Oecusse in the northwest.

• Capital: Dili is the capital and largest city.
• Terrain: The interior is rugged and mountainous, with the highest point being Mount Tatamailau.
• Climate: The country has a dry tropical climate, with a distinct wet season from December to May.
• Biodiversity: Located within the Coral Triangle, the waters around Atauro Island are considered among the most biodiverse in the world.

Economy

• Oil and Gas: The economy is heavily dependent on offshore oil and gas reserves, which account for the majority of government revenue.
• Petroleum Fund: To manage its natural resource wealth, the government established a Petroleum Fund in 2005.
• Non-Oil Sector: Beyond petroleum, agriculture is a major employer, primarily subsistence farming. Coffee is the second-largest export. 

Culture and society

• Languages: The official languages are Tetum and Portuguese. Indonesian and English are also considered working languages.
• Religion: Approximately 97% of the population is Roman Catholic, a legacy of Portuguese rule that was also a focus of resistance during the Indonesian occupation.
• Traditional Culture: Indigenous and animist beliefs are blended with Catholicism in daily life. The country has a strong tradition of oral storytelling, music, and dance.
• Tais Weaving: The traditional hand-woven textile, known as tais, is a significant part of the cultural heritage.

Government and politics

• System: Timor-Leste operates as a semi-presidential republic.
• President: The head of state is the president, who is elected by popular vote. The current president is José Ramos-Horta.
• Prime Minister: The head of government is the prime minister, appointed from the majority party or coalition in the National Parliament. The current prime minister is Xanana Gusmão. 

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