Timor-Leste became the world's youngest nation on May 20, 2002, following a long and bloody struggle for independence from Indonesia. Three years later, the tiny country of 925,000 people continues to be beset by poverty and mulnutrition, and remains Asia's poorest nation. More than 44 percent of the population lives under US$1 a day, while life expectancy is a staggering 57 years. About 50 percent of the adult population is illiterate.
Without major industry or trade, Timor-Leste is heavily dependent on international aid just to meet its annual budget requirements. With the U.S. dollar as its currency, living costs are high. "In a few years, there would be no more Timor-Leste," said a local businessman. "It would be a junkyard country."
Without major industry or trade, Timor-Leste is heavily dependent on international aid just to meet its annual budget requirements. With the U.S. dollar as its currency, living costs are high. "In a few years, there would be no more Timor-Leste," said a local businessman. "It would be a junkyard country."
Copyright © 2005 Alan Soon. No images on this website may be used without written permission of the photographer.
