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After more than 450 years of continuous foreign occupation, East Timor finally won its hard-fought independence in 2002. It is the most recent addition to the Asian map of nations, although it still is one of the poorest and least developed in the world. Poverty is a main problem, an effect of the Indonesian invasion that destroyed roughly 70 percent of the country's economic infrastructure. In fact, some 40 percent of its population lives on less than 55 cents per day.
East Timor is not a place where things come easy. Roads are potholed, infrastructure is severely underdeveloped, and security is nothing to write home about. It's a challenging place to visit, but for some, that is reason enough to do so.
Tourist Frontier
On the flip side, what East Timor lacks in development is made up for with its relatively unspoiled natural resources. This is perhaps the effect of being one of Asia's least-visited destinations. It is estimated that a mere 19,000 tourists head to the country ever year - a big factor in preserving its beauty and backpacker feel.
East Timor rewards those who visit it with some of the best beaches in the region, most of which are concentrated near the coasts of its capital Dili. Nearby Atauro Island is a scuba diving and snorkeling haven, while the Oecussi District boasts unspoiled coral reefs and diverse marine life. Scaling the 2,963-meter high Mt. Tatamailau (highest in East Timor) is also a favorite activity. Needless to say, East Timor makes for an ideal destination for those with adventurous tendencies.
Charming East Timor
This small but beautiful sovereign state is not only all about the daring, however. As many visitors find out, East Timor also captivates with its charm and unique culture. Nowhere is this more evident than in Dili, with its laid-back feel and vibrant markets. Complete with noisy hawkers selling traditional crafts like the Tais cloth and local food (influenced by the Portuguese, Chinese, and Indonesian cuisines), the capital is the focal point of an East Timor experience.