Country Comments

East Timor, a small island nation north of Australia is surrounded by some of the world’s richest marine biodiversity, according to the NGO World Wide Fund for Nature. The area is home to about three-quarters of the world’s coral species, more than one-third of coral reef fish species, and six of the world’s seven marine turtle species.

It is economically a very poor country. The 1.2 million people subsist on less than $1600 USD a year per person. Because of their minimal consumption the current population is sustainable. The nation could manage to double its current numbers and remain sustainable assuming no increase in per capita consumption.

Cultural beliefs and traditions imply that men have the right to discipline women through violence, contribute to the widespread discrimination against women and gender-based violence. Women’s work, both in the home and outside the home is generally undervalued and taken for granted. They have very limited access to education, paid employment, politics and healthcare. It is common for young women to be forced into arranged marriages. Furthermore, tradition still prevents them from inheriting or owning property, despite laws against this in the constitution. Due to the disparity in equality for women and their rights, births per mother average four children and the population continues to rise rapidly negatively impacting human health and welfare and that of the environment.