East Timor

The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste or East Timor is a nation in Southeast Asia, consisting of the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecussi-Ambeno, an exclave of East Timor situated on the western side of the island, surrounded by West Timor.

Culture

Main article: Culture of East Timor

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The culture of East Timor reflects numerous cultural influences, including Portuguese, Roman Catholic and Malay, on the indigenous Austronesian cultures of Timor. Legend tells that a giant crocodile was transformed into the island of Timor, or Crocodile Island, as it is often called. Like Indonesia, the culture of East Timor has been heavily influenced by Austronesian legends, although the Catholic influence is stronger, the population being mainly Roman Catholic.

Related Topics:
Portuguese - Roman Catholic - Malay - Austronesian

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Illiteracy is still widespread, but there is a strong tradition of poetry, President Xanana Gusmão being a distinguished poet. As for architecture, some Portuguese-style buildings can be found, although the traditional totem houses of the eastern region, known as uma lulik also survive. Craftmanship is also widespread, as is the weaving of traditional scarves or tais.

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See also: Music of East Timor

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