What is the capital of Timor-Leste?

The capital of Timor-Leste is Dili. It is the country’s largest city, chief port, and main political and economic hub.

Dili lies on Timor Island’s northern coast, where a narrow coastal plain meets rugged mountains. The Portuguese designated it the capital of Portuguese Timor in 1769. During the 20th century, the city experienced Japanese occupation in World War II, Indonesian rule after 1975, and severe destruction during the 1999 transition to independence.

Dili became the capital of the independent Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in 2002, following a period of United Nations administration. Landmarks such as Cristo Rei of Dili and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral reflect different chapters of the city’s religious and political history. A common mix-up is Jakarta, the capital of nearby Indonesia, which controlled East Timor for decades. Port Moresby and Suva are also regional capitals, but they belong to Papua New Guinea and Fiji respectively. Dili is the national capital of Timor-Leste, formerly known in English as East Timor.