Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is a Southeast Asian nation situated on the eastern half of the island of Timor, sharing a land border with Indonesia and surrounded by the Timor Sea. Its history is marked by centuries of foreign rule, beginning with Portuguese colonization in the 16th century, which lasted until 1975. Shortly after declaring independence from Portugal, Timor-Leste was invaded and occupied by Indonesia, leading to a prolonged and violent struggle for self-determination. Following years of resistance and significant international intervention, the people of Timor-Leste voted overwhelmingly for independence in a 1999 United Nations-sponsored referendum. The country officially became sovereign in 2002, making it one of the youngest nations in the world. Since independence, Timor-Leste has embarked on a challenging journey of nation-building while seeking to maintain political stability, foster economic development, and heal from the scars of its turbulent past.