Timor Leste Flag
Flags of the World > Timor-Leste Flag
Brief History. This small country has had its fair share of woes over the centuries. First colonized by the Portuguese and the Dutch in the 16th century, Timor Leste gained independence from Portugal in 1975. They weren't celebrating too long - only about 9 days - when Indonesian forces invaded and occupied the country. In 1976, the Indonesian government incorporated the country into their goverment and changed its name to East Timor. It wasn't long until unrest lest to bloodshed. Over the next two decaded many people lost their lives. In an effort to bring stability to the country, the United Nation sent a multinational peacekeeping force in September of 1999. Though they were late in keeping anti-independence militias from destroying much of the country's infrastructure, they did play an important role in eventually ending the violence.
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