East Timor (Timor-Leste)

East Timor, or Timor-Leste, is a small country in Southeast Asia located on the eastern half of the island of Timor. It gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 after a history of colonization by Portugal, followed by a brutal occupation by Indonesia from 1975 to 1999. The country is known for its rich cultural diversity, with traditional music, dance, and languages. It relies heavily on agriculture and oil exports for its economy. Despite challenges like poverty and political development, East Timor is working toward stability and growth while preserving its unique cultural identity.