[20190627]IF10320_东帝汶：背景和美国关系.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated June 27, 2019Timor-Leste: Background and U.S. RelationsOverview Timor-Leste (also known as East Timor), is one of the worlds youngest nation-states, having gained its independence from Indonesia on May 20, 2002. This marked the end of more than three centuries of foreign rule, including over 300 years of Portuguese rule followed by 24 years of Indonesian control. The nations transition to independence was traumatic: Following a 1999 nationwide referendum that supported independence, violence led by paramilitary militias supported by elements of the Indonesian military killed around 1,300 Timorese and displaced nearly 500,000. Today, with a population of 1.3 million, Timor-Leste is one of the worlds poorest nations, with one of Asias highest illiteracy rates. Timor-Leste has made considerable strides in building stability and democratic institutions, although it continues to face many challenges in consolidating its democracy and developing its economy. The nations 2012 presidential and parliamentary elections, conducted peacefully as a U.N. peacekeeping mission prepared to leave the country, were widely seen as a turning point in Timor-Lestes