| Local name:
East Timor |
| Surface :
The East Timorese, living in the eastern half of the island of
Timor, which lies between Indonesia and Australia, occupy a land whose
area is 14,609 sq km (5641 sq miles). |
| Population : 750,000
inhabitants |
| Climate: Dry Season:
May to November. 20c – 33c There is virtually no rain at all.
The weather is pleasant and dry, the mountains are cool to very cold.
The vegetation becomes dry and brown. Creeks and rivers dry up.
Agricultural activity slows down or stops. Around October to November,
the “build-up” brings oppressive humidity and the occasion showers.
Monsoon cloud activity builds up. - Wet Season: December to April. 29c
– 35c The rains arrive with a vengeance, small rivers turn to flood.
Roads are washed away, landslides occur. Unsealed roads turn to mud.
Travel is difficult. The country turns vivid green. The festive season
begins toward the end of the wet season after harvest time. |
| Electricity: The
electricity cuts out on a regular basis due to substandard power
generators. UNTAET (UN Administration) is unable to guarantee a
reliable power supply. In accommodation without generators, the lack
of power to drive air-conditioning or fans can be extremely
uncomfortable. 220 V, 50 Hz. |
| VISAS:
Visas are currently not necessary as long as travellers have a
valid passport. Upon arrival, an entry permit valid for 90 days will
be issued. If the traveller can prove that he/she has valid grounds
for staying in East Timor, they can then obtain an extension. |
| Capital : Dili |
| System : Between
Indonesian withdrawal in October 1999 and formal independence in May
2002, East Timor was administered by UNTAET (UN Transitional
Administration in East Timor). A constitution was agreed between
UNTAET and the provisional East Timorese government in March 2002.
This allows for an 88-member Parliament, the Assembleia Constituinte,
which holds legislative authority and is elected to serve a five-year
term – 75 members are elected by proportional representation, the
other 13 in single-seat constituencies. Executive power is vested in
the President, who is also elected for a five-year term. |
| Languages : Tetum
is the main dialect and is the official language along with Portuguese;
English is often used for administrative purposes (due to the high
numbers of English-speaking relief and UN workers still working in
East Timor). More than 30 other languages are also used in East Timor. |
| Religions : The East Timorese are
90% Catholic. |
| Money : The
US Dollar is the official currency. For local transactions, the
Indonesian Rupiah, the Thai Baht and the Australian Dollar may also be
used. |
|
| East
Timor |
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+ 390 |
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+ 8 |
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