Photos by Kia Mistilis

“Keep on going, keep spreading the message of peace and unity in the world.”
Ego Lemos, permaculture trainer and director of Permatil (Permaculture Timor Lorosa’e)

Country Snapshot 2009
Location: South East Asia. (333 miles / 200 km north of Darwin, Australia.)
Population: I million
Capital: Dili - population 50 000
Area: 14 874 sq km (5743 sq miles)

Overview of East Timor today
In these early years of independence East Timor’s democracy is fragile and its people are facing many challenges in rebuilding their country. After 24 years of brutal military occupation, the nation is still emerging from war and dealing with its many legacies. Creating political and social stability is a slow and often very difficult process. Widespread poverty remains the most pressing challenge to be overcome. Despite the traumas of the recent past and the enormity of the challenges that face them, an overwhelming majority of Timorese people are committed to peace and democracy and are determined for their country to emerge as a stable and independent nation. Rarely reported in the international media is the work of many groups and individuals at the grass roots level who are steadily making a positive contribution to their country’s progress towards a better future.