What is the capital of Timor-Leste?

Dili lies on the northern coast of the island of Timor, in a small area of flat land hemmed in by mountains, with a tropical climate of distinct wet and dry seasons.

Dili is the capital and seat of government of Timor-Leste, a role it has held since 1769. Timor-Leste itself has an estimated population of 1,418,517 (2025).

Dili is also the largest city in Timor-Leste, which is the usual arrangement, though it is far from universal: see the countries where capital and largest city differ.

Dili has been the capital of Timor-Leste since 1769, when it was designated the capital of Portuguese Timor; it has been the economic hub and chief port of the country ever since, keeping the role through Indonesian rule and into restored independence.

Dili was the site of a battle between Allied and Japanese forces in World War II, and the 1991 Santa Cruz massacre in the city drew the international pressure that culminated in the 1999 independence referendum.

The city's growing population is relatively youthful and includes many internal migrants from other areas of the country; the local language is Tetum.

Landmarks such as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and the Cristo Rei of Dili statue were built during the Indonesian period.

City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Dili.

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