Changes

'''East Timor''' is the country occupying the eastern half of the island of Timor in the Malay Archipelago and some smaller islands nearby. It is the youngest nation in the world having achieved independence from Indonesia in 1999.  

'''East Timor''' is the country occupying the eastern half of the island of Timor in the Malay Archipelago and some smaller islands nearby. It is the youngest nation in the world having achieved independence from [[Indonesia]] in 1999.  

The indigenous population are a mix of Papuan, Malay and Polynesian origin. The predominant language is Tetum. The first European invaders were the Portuguese in 1520 followed by the Spanish and the Dutch. The latter fought with the Portuguese for occupation of the territory settling eventually on a division with the western half of the island as Dutch territory and the eastern Portuguese. The island was occupied by the Japanese during [[World War 2]].

The indigenous population are a mix of Papuan, Malay and Polynesian origin. The predominant language is Tetum. The first European invaders were the Portuguese in 1520 followed by the Spanish and the Dutch. The latter fought with the Portuguese for occupation of the territory settling eventually on a division with the western half of the island as Dutch territory and the eastern Portuguese. The island was occupied by the Japanese during [[World War 2]].

A referendum in 1999 had four fifths of the population supporting independence but pro-Indonesian rioters, often aided by the Indonesian army, made the transition to sovereignty a violent process with thousands fleeing their homes. East Timor achieved full sovereignty in May 1999.

A referendum in 1999 had four fifths of the population supporting independence but pro-Indonesian rioters, often aided by the Indonesian army, made the transition to sovereignty a violent process with thousands fleeing their homes. East Timor achieved full sovereignty in May 1999.