presence around the coastal areas. As a result even after the first high schools were established in the 18th century in Oecussi and Manatuto, the lifestyle, traditional animist beliefs and heritage of the numerous ethnic groups in Timor Leste were left relatively unchanged well into the 20th century.

The island was occupied by the Japanese during the Second World War, when the East Timorese bravely fought alongside a small force of Australian commandos. Thanks to their efforts the Japanese were eventually repulsed and never succeeded in landing on mainland Australia. Following the war, Portuguese rule was restored until 1975, when during the process of decolonization and the creation of the Democratic Republic of East Timor; Indonesian troops invaded and occupied the country.

On the 30th of August 1999, the people of Timor Leste decided on an independent future in a Popular Consultation under the auspices of the UN. As the whole world watched, on May 20, 2002 Timor Leste finally became independent. This event was the culmination of not only two stages of elections but also the majority of the UN withdrawing. Today’s Timor Leste portrays a country beginning its first steps of freedom, peace, safety and true democracy.
Source: http://www.discoverdili.com/, http://travel.mapsofworld.com/east-timor/