Timor Leste

flag of East Timor map of East Timor

On May 28, 2010 the MCC and Timor-Leste signed a three-year, $10.5 million threshold program that aims to reduce corruption by building a network of functioning and effective anti-corruption institutions and actors, and improve access to immunization services by creating a more capable and effective community health system. The program is due to conclude in October 2013.  Learn more about the MCC's threshold program.

The MCC board initially selected Timor-Leste as a threshold country in FY2004 and FY2005.  Timor-Leste was deemed compact-eligible in the FY2006, FY2007, and FY2008 selection rounds.  However, in FY2009, it was deemed eligible as a threshold country only.  Timor-Leste remained threshold-eligible in FY2010 and FY2011.

For comparison, review Timor-Leste's most recent Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper - National Development Plan, Road Map for Implementation of National Development Plan, Overview of Sector Investment Programs - Strategies and Priorities for the Medium Term (2005).

Country Eligibility

In the FY2011 selection process, Timor-Leste scored above the median on three of six Ruling Justly indicators (failing the control of corruption hard hurdle), on one of five Investing in People indicators, and on two of six Economic Freedom indicators. Timor-Leste is a lower middle income country (LMIC).

Review Timor-Leste's performance on the FY2011 selection indicators

Review Timor-Leste's performance on the FY2010 selection indicators

Review Timor-Leste's performance on the FY2009 selection indicators

Review Timor-Leste's performance on the FY2008 selection indicators

Review Timor-Leste's performance on the FY2007 selection indicators

Review Timor-Leste's performance on the FY2006 selection indicators

Review Timor-Leste's performance on the FY2005 selection indicators

Review Timor-Leste's performance on the FY2004 selection indicators

Learn more about the MCC’s country selection process  

Country Facts

Data are for 2009 (or most recent year available)

 Per capita income (GNI, current USD) $2,460
 Poverty rate ($2 a day) 72.8%
 GDP growth (annual) 1.9%
 Population, total 1,133,594
 Rural population (% of total) 72%
 Life expectancy 61 yrs
 Literacy rate N/A
Source: World Development Indicators 2010

Timor-Leste Country Brief from the World Bank

Other U.S. Policies

Review the USAID Timor-Leste Mission website

Review USAID's strategy in Timor-Leste

Other Donors

The top three donors to Timor-Leste in 2009 were:

Donor
Gross ODA, 
2008-2009 average
(USD millions)
 Australia
68
 Portugal
37
 United States
31

Source: OECD/DAC Database
*ODA is Official Development Assistance

Other Resources

MCC Timor-Leste webpage

U.S. Department of State country profile providing background on Timor-Leste's history and U.S.-Timor-Leste relations 

World Bank projects in Timor-Leste