Timor-Leste
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
Situated in South-Eastern Asia, Timor-Leste has a population of approximately 1.39 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 14,874 km², translating to a density of 94 people per km². Its capital is Dili, and official languages include Portuguese and Tetum, while the United States dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
1,391,221
Area
14,874 km²
Density
94/km²
World Rank
#156
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 22.1 per thousand against deaths at 7.3 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 33.7% of residents under 15 and 5.3% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Dili
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- South-Eastern Asia
- Continent
- Oceania
- Languages
- Portuguese, Tetum
- Currencies
- United States dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +670
- Top-Level Domain
- .tl
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+09:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 1,391,221
- Land Area
- 14,874 km²
- Population Density
- 94 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +12,243 people
- Daily Growth
- +34 people
- World Population Share
- 0.02%
- Coordinates
- -8.83°, 125.92°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $1.3k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 1.6%—well below the world average. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 28.7.
Life Expectancy
67.7 years
GDP per Capita
$1,332
Birth Rate
22.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.3 per 1,000
Urban Population
28.7%
Fertility Rate
2.71 births/woman
Infant Mortality
35.9 per 1,000
Unemployment
1.6%
Literacy Rate
72.5%
Internet Users
34.0%
Under 15
33.7%
Over 65
5.3%
Health Spending
9.6% GDP
Gini Index
28.7
Age Distribution
0-14 years
468K
15-64 years
849K
65+ years
73K
Urbanization
Only 28.7% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Dili serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 2550.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
398,724
28.7%
992,497
71.3%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 67.7 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 35.9 per thousand live births, somewhat lower than the global average. The literacy rate of 72.5% is below the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste has 1 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Timor-Leste is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Timor-Leste participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,391,221 |
| 2030 | 1,440,510 |
| 2035 | 1,503,876 |
| 2040 | 1,569,319 |
| 2045 | 1,636,973 |
| 2050 | 1,706,973 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Timor-Leste.
Largest Cities in Timor-Leste
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Timor-Leste by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Timor-Leste?
The population of Timor-Leste is approximately 1.4 million as of 2026, making it #156 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Timor-Leste?
The capital of Timor-Leste is Dili.
What languages are spoken in Timor-Leste?
The main languages spoken in Timor-Leste are Portuguese, Tetum.
How big is Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste covers an area of 14,874 km² with a population density of 94 people per km².
Is Timor-Leste growing or shrinking?
Timor-Leste is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 12,243 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Timor-Leste?
The average life expectancy in Timor-Leste is 67.7 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Timor-Leste?
The GDP per capita of Timor-Leste is $1,332.