Economy of East Timor

PEOPLE OF EAST TIMOR

The east Timorese are generally known as Maubere who can be seperated into diverse ethnic groups. These groups are : Malayo-Polynesian and Melanesian/Papuan group.

Within the Malayo-Polynesian group comes: Tetun (north coast), the Mambae (central mountain), the Tukudede ( Maubara area), the Galoli, the Kemak ( north-central) and the Baikeno ( near Pante Macassar).

Within the Melanesian/Papuan group the ethnic groups that thrive are: the Bunak ( central interor of Timur area), the Fataluku ( eastern side near Lospalos), the Makasae ( eastern side of Island).

The people of East Timor are friendly natured who believe in intercaste or interracial marriage system. The mesticos are popularly nestled here who are basically from the Timorese and Portuguese blend.

ARTS, CULTURE AND MUSIC OF EAST TIMOR

Art: Visit the Nine New Painted Rock Art Sites where one can find trace of rock art in East Timor. A good example of Portuguese architectural can be seen in its building or totem houses which are called uma lulik or sacred houses in Tetum language. It is even called as lee teinu, which means houses with leags in Fataluku.

Culture: The culture of East Timor is widely influenced by Portuguese, Roman Catholic, Malay, Austronesian and Melanesian origin. This place is often referred to as a Crocodile Island where it is stated that large crocodile was ultimately changed into this island. Poetry is quite popular here.

Music: The music of gamelan and fado are well imported from Portugal and Indonesia and the music still retains in this area.

The primitive native folk music that was performed by women while their respective husbands returned from the battalian grounds that became a traditional music of this place known as the likurai dance. Guitar is the most popular musical instrument used in this region.

FLAG OF EAST TIMOR

The flag of East Timor was officially accepted in 2002 .The flag is designed in a rectangular format with two isosceles triangles overlapping each other. The top most traingle is black in color and is one third shorter in length to the below traingle which is yellow in color. A white five cornered star is placed in the middle of the topmost black traingle while the background of the flag being in red. The color yellow symbolises the colonial traces as seen in its past history whereas the black traingle denotes the overcome from this obscure deception. The red base displays the message of struggle for national liberation while the white star guides the path that lead to peace.

ECONOMY OF EAST TIMOR

Recognized as one of the poorest nation, which led to the economic deterioration while being under the Portuguese and Indonesian administration.

Presently efforts have been made to improve the agricultural sector of the region while catching up with the global market.

The offshore oil reserves with an annual return of about $40 million in revenue growth sustain the present economy of East Timor.

The coffee industry substantially supports the country's income which is usually sold in the retail markets or trade fairs.