More than a decade after it was declared the world’s newest nation, East Timor seems intent on putting its violent past behind and focusing on sustaining economic growth and development progress.
Located between Indonesia and Australia — two countries that see themselves as main players in the Asia-Pacific — East Timor seems strategically placed to play a larger role in the region. Its recent transition to the Human Development Index’s medium development category is a good sign that it is serious about improving conditions in the country.
East Timor has set some ambitious goals for itself as well. It has hopes of joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a group of countries in the region that are working toward economic integration this year. More importantly, East Timor is among the countries targeting to reach upper-middle-income status by 2030.