HISTORIC TIMELINE
1570Portuguese Colonization
Timor became influenced by Portuguese settlers in the sixteenth century.
1975Unilateral Declaration of Independence
Timor-Leste declared independence from Portugal amid internal conflict.
1975Indonesian Invasion
Indonesia invaded and annexed Timor-Leste shortly after its declaration of independence.
1999UN-Sponsored Self-Determination
A referendum allowed Timor-Leste to seek independence from Indonesia.
2002Sovereignty Achieved
Timor-Leste became the first new sovereign state of the 21st century.