Bordering Countries of East Timor
East Timor, officially known as the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, shares its borders with only one neighboring country, Indonesia, situated to the west of the island of Timor. Despite having only one direct land border, East Timor’s relationship with Indonesia has significant historical, cultural, and geopolitical implications.
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Indonesia
- Religion: Predominantly Islam, with significant Christian and Hindu minorities
- Official Language: Indonesian
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Country Overview:
Indonesia, located to the west of East Timor, is the largest archipelago in the world, comprising thousands of islands and diverse ethnic groups. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant biodiversity. Indonesia is a diverse country with a complex history, having experienced colonial rule, independence struggles, and periods of political instability. Despite its challenges, Indonesia is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with a thriving tourism industry and abundant natural resources.
Major Landmarks:
- Borobudur Temple
- Komodo National Park
- Bali, known for its beaches and cultural attractions
- Jakarta, the capital city
Transportation Infrastructure:
- Roads: East Timor and Indonesia are connected by several land border crossings, including the Mota’ain border crossing near the town of Atambua in Indonesia and the Batugade border crossing near the town of Bobonaro in East Timor. These crossings facilitate road travel between the two countries.
- Railways: There are no direct railway connections between East Timor and Indonesia.
- Airports: The nearest major airport to the East Timor-Indonesia border is Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, East Timor. In Indonesia, travelers can access international airports such as Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali.
Visa Requirement:
Visa requirements vary depending on the nationality of the traveler. Citizens of both East Timor and Indonesia may require visas to travel between the two countries, although there are visa exemptions for certain categories of travelers and efforts to facilitate travel for tourism and business purposes.