TIMOR LESTE

ONE OF THE world’s youngest countries, according to the United Nations, but not according to the Timorese people who resisted Indonesian occupation at a terrible cost for 25 years. Timor had its independence recognised in 2002, after horrific Indonesian violence which followed a referendum. There are good beaches, mountains, friendly villages and good coffee.
I visited in 1992, during the Indonesian occupation, not long after the infamous massacre at Dili’s Santa Cruz Cemetery. Despite tight security, frightened people and the presence of informers, it was a pleasant, friendly place, with potential for tourism.