East Timor

Topic: Places in news

Why in the news?

• Pope Francis becomes the first pontiff to visit independent East Timor, to speak out on child abuse, as part of his Asia-Pacific tour. 
• East Timor is one of many countries that has suffered the global scourge of child abuse by members of the clergy long veiled in secrecy.

Source: The Hindu 

About East Timor:

• It is also known as Timor Leste.
• It comprises the eastern half of Timor island, the western half of which is part of Indonesia.
• It is Asia\'s Youngest Democracy.
• It currently holds an observer status in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
• It is bounded by:
  • Timor Sea to the southeast
  • Wetar Strait to the north
  • Ombai Strait to the northwest
  • Western Timor (part of the Indonesian) to the southwest
• Its economy depends on revenues from its offshore oil and gas reserves which account for 90% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).