Timor-Leste is a new country born in the 21st century, having transitioned from Portuguese colonial rule to Indonesian de facto control before gaining independence in May 2002.
Its population of approximately 1.4 million people resides not only in urban areas but also in rural mountainous regions. The country, roughly the size of Iwate Prefecture, Japan, is predominantly mountainous, surrounded by the sea, with a warm climate year-round, offering a rich natural environment.
Twenty years after independence, security has improved, and Timor-Leste is moving from a period of post-conflict recovery and basic nation-building to a phase of economic growth and stabilizing living standards for its citizens.
However, compared to other ASEAN countries, Timor-Leste remains economically vulnerable. It still lacks well-developed infrastructure, which makes it susceptible to natural disasters. Additionally, it is uncertain that the future of oil and natural gas revenues, which constitute a significant portion of the national budget. The country also faces challenges such as underdeveloped industries, including agriculture and fisheries. Furthermore, maternal and infant mortality rates are high, and the quality of education remains challenges.
JICA has been continuously supporting Timor-Leste since the national referendum in 1999, which determined its independence. This support includes repairing infrastructure damaged by pre-independence unrest, human resource development, and improving residents' living conditions and enhancing social services through the collaboration with NGOs and Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers.
In recent years, elections have been held stably, and the country is advancing as a democratic nation. With ASEAN membership on the horizon, JICA will continue to contribute to Timor-Leste's development through these activities and strive to serve as a bridge between Timor-Leste and Japan.
This website introduces JICA's projects in Timor-Leste, providing an opportunity to think and act together on the development of Timor-Leste during its growth phase.
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March 2025
Chief Representative of JICA Timor-Leste
Daisuke Fukumori
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