World Happiness Report for East Timor 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank East Timor: na
- Happiness Score East Timor:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of East Timor. TL.
East Timor is a country in Southeast Asia, known for its semi-presidential representative democratic republic political structure.
- It has a rich cultural heritage, heavily influenced by Portuguese and Indonesian cultures.
- The country gained independence from Indonesia in 2002, making it one of the newest nations in the world.
- East Timor’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture, with coffee being a significant export product.
East Timor – A Comprehensive Overview
History
Early History: East Timor’s history can be traced back to the arrival of the earliest modern human settlers, known as the Austronesian people, around 3,000 years ago. The island was inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Bunak, Makasae, and Mambai.
Kingdoms and Empires: During the 16th century, the island was divided into several small kingdoms, including the Luca, Viqueque, and Camenaça. These kingdoms were influenced by the Hindu-Buddhist culture of the neighboring Majapahit Empire.
Colonial Period: In 1512, the Portuguese arrived and began a colonization process that lasted for over four centuries. East Timor became a Portuguese colony, known as Portuguese Timor, in 1702. The colonial period was marked by resistance from the local population and conflicts with other colonizing powers, such as the Dutch and the British.
Independence and Modern Era: After a long struggle for independence, East Timor officially gained its sovereignty on May 20, 2002, following a United Nations-supervised referendum in 1999. The country has faced challenges in nation-building, including internal conflicts and disputes with neighboring Indonesia over border issues.
Current Political Situation: East Timor is a unitary semi-presidential republic with a multiparty system. The president is the head of state, while the prime minister is the head of government. The current president is José Ramos-Horta, and the prime minister is Armando Maubere Coutinho.
International Relations: East Timor has maintained cordial relations with its neighbors, particularly Indonesia, and has sought to strengthen ties with other countries in the region and globally. The country is a member of the United Nations, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Human Development and Economy: East Timor’s economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas exports, as well as agriculture and tourism. The country has made progress in human development but still faces challenges related to poverty, education, and healthcare. Major industries include oil and gas, coffee production, and construction.
Cultural Highlights: East Timor has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its indigenous traditions and Portuguese colonial history. The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, and the official languages are Tetum and Portuguese. The country is known for its traditional textile weaving, pottery, and music.
Conclusion
East Timor, a relatively young nation, continues to face challenges related to economic development, political stability, and social progress. However, with its rich cultural heritage, natural resources, and a resilient population, the country has opportunities to strengthen its position in the region and improve the lives of its people.
Main facts
1. Location
East Timor is a sovereign state located in Southeast Asia, situated in the eastern part of the Malay Archipelago. It occupies the eastern half of the island of Timor, as well as the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco. East Timor shares a western land border with Indonesia, specifically the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara.
2. Map References
East Timor is part of the Maritime Southeast Asia region, situated northwest of Australia and east of Java, Indonesia.
3. Area – Comparative
With an area of approximately 14,874 square kilometers, East Timor is slightly larger than the U.S. state of Connecticut.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
East Timor has a total land border length of 228 kilometers, shared with Indonesia.
5. Coastline
East Timor has a coastline extending approximately 706 kilometers, featuring several bays and inlets along its northern and southern coasts.
6. Maritime Claims
East Timor claims a territorial sea extending 12 nautical miles and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles from its baselines.
7. Climate
East Timor has a tropical, hot, and humid climate. The country experiences two distinct seasons: a dry season from June to November and a wet season from December to May. Regional variations exist due to the island’s mountainous terrain.
8. Terrain
East Timor’s terrain is predominantly mountainous, with a central chain of rugged hills and mountains running from west to east across the island. The country also features some coastal lowlands and valleys.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in East Timor is Mount Ramelau, at an elevation of 2,963 meters above sea level, located in the central mountain range. The lowest point is the Savu Sea, at sea level.
10. Natural Resources
East Timor’s major natural resources include oil, natural gas, gold, manganese, and marble.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The Wetar Strait separates East Timor from the Indonesian islands of Wetar and Atauro. Other notable water bodies include the Tasi Mane (Sea of Men) and the Savu Sea to the south.
12. Natural Hazards
East Timor is susceptible to natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, tropical cyclones, floods, and landslides due to its location in a seismically active region and its tropical climate.
13. Geography – Notes
East Timor’s geography is characterized by its mountainous terrain, which has played a significant role in shaping the country’s history and cultural development. The country’s location also makes it vulnerable to environmental challenges, such as deforestation and soil erosion, which have become important concerns for sustainable development efforts.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 45.40%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 495. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 25.60%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: -8.874217125.727539.
- Capital: The capital of East Timor is Dili
- Major Cities:
- Dili – Population: 234,331
- Baucau – Population: 16,000
- Viqueque – Population: 14,006
- Lospalos – Population: 17,186
- Suai – Population: 10,865
- Population: 3,500,000
- Area(Km2): 14874
- Population Density( P/Km²):89. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:670
- Official Language(s):East Timor is Tetum (official) 30.7%, Portuguese (official) 0.2%
- Currency: USD
Main Economic Indicators
East Timor has a small, low-income economy that is heavily dependent on government spending, foreign aid, and revenues from the country’s oil and gas resources. The country faces significant development challenges, including high poverty rates, low levels of education, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of economic diversification. Notable economic policies have focused on promoting private sector development, improving government transparency, and investing in human capital.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2.8% (2021 est.)
0.5% (2020 est.)
Note: Data from the International Monetary Fund.
Credit Ratings
Moody’s: Not rated
Standard & Poor’s: Not rated
Fitch: Not rated
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 8.4%
Industry: 33.6%
Services: 58%
Note: Data from 2017 est.
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Coffee, rice, corn, cassava, sweet potatoes, soybeans, cabbage, mangoes, bananas, vanilla
Industrial Products: Printing, beverages, coffee processing, sandals, non-metallic mineral products
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 372,600 (2017 est.)
Comparative Ranking: Not available
Current Account Balance
$126 million (2021 est.)
$47 million (2020 est.)
Comparative Ranking: Not available
Exports and Imports
Exports: $19 million (2020 est.)
Key Partners: Singapore, USA, Indonesia
Main Commodities: Coffee, marble, mineral products
Imports: $712 million (2020 est.)
Key Partners: Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, China
Main Commodities: Vehicles, machinery, fuel, food products
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
$616.4 million (2021 est.)
$553.2 million (2020 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$1,673,540,300. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 25.00%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 17.30%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.10. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.60. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 4.55%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
National Identity
Noun: Timorese (plural), Timorese (singular)
Adjective: Timorese
Ethnic Groups
- Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) (includes Atoni, Tetum, and others) – 78.9%
- Mixed Timorese – 20.4%
- Chinese – 0.6%
- Other – 0.1%
Religions
- Roman Catholic – 97.6%
- Protestant – 2%
- Muslim – 0.2%
- Other – 0.2%
Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 38.02%
- 15-64 years: 58.73%
- 65 years and over: 3.25%
Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 70.6
Youth Dependency Ratio: 64.7
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 5.5
Median Age
Total: 19.8 years
Male: 19.2 years
Female: 20.4 years
Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity Rate: 3.8% (2016)
Alcohol Consumption: 1.1 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2019)
Tobacco Use: 31.3% of adults (2019)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 69.3. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 67.9%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:29.42. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 3.1. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 27%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 400,182. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):10.20%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
East Timor’s military and security forces consist of the following components:
- Falintil-Forças de Defesa de Timor Leste (F-FDTL) – The national armed forces, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force components.
- Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) – The national police force, responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement.
Military Expenditures
East Timor’s military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for the last five years are as follows:
- 2017: 3.1%
- 2018: 3.0%
- 2019: 2.9%
- 2020: 2.8%
- 2021: 2.7%
East Timor’s military spending ranks relatively low globally, reflecting its small size and limited defense capabilities.
Personnel Strengths
East Timor’s military and security forces have the following personnel strengths:
- Active-duty military personnel: Approximately 3,000, with the Army being the largest service branch.
- National Police (PNTL): Approximately 4,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
East Timor’s military equipment inventory is relatively modest, consisting primarily of light infantry weapons and vehicles. The country relies heavily on foreign aid and assistance for its military hardware, with most equipment being imported from countries like Portugal, Indonesia, and China.
There are no significant ongoing or planned military acquisitions or development programs due to the country’s limited defense budget.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service in East Timor is voluntary, with the following age and obligation requirements:
- Military service age: 18-25 years
- Obligation: No mandatory military service obligation.
Military Deployments
East Timor does not currently have any significant overseas military deployments.
The country has contributed a small contingent of personnel to the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and other UN peacekeeping missions in the past.
Strategic Military Notes
East Timor’s defense strategy is primarily focused on maintaining internal security and territorial integrity, given its relatively recent independence and history of conflict.
The country’s military plays a limited role in international security and peacekeeping efforts due to its modest capabilities. However, East Timor is a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and maintains military cooperation with Portugal and other member states.
- Armed Forces Size: 0. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.72
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 67.30%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.