Economy
GDP (2002 est.): $380 million.
GDP per capita (nominal): $460.
GDP composition by sector: Services 57%, Agriculture 25%, Industry, 17%.
Industry: Types--coffee, oil and natural gas, tourism.
Trade: Exports--coffee, oil and natural gas, tourism. Major markets--Australia, Europe, Japan, United States. Imports--basic manufactures. Major sources--Australia, Europe, Indonesia, Japan, United States.

East Timor Economy
As the poorest nation in Asia, East Timor must overcome formidable challenges. Basic income, health, and literacy indicators are among the lowest in Asia. Severe shortages of trained and competent personnel to staff newly established executive, legislative, and judicial institutions hinder progress. Rural areas, lacking in infrastructure and resources, remain brutally poor, and the relatively few urban areas cannot provide adequate jobs for the growing number of migrants seeking work. Rural families' access to electricity and clean water is very limited. While anticipated revenues from offshore oil and gas reserves, expected to begin in late 2004, offer great hope for the country, effective use of those resources will require a major transformation of the country's current human and institutional infrastructure. Meanwhile, as those substantial revenues come on line, foreign assistance levels--now standing at among the highest worldwide on a per capita basis--will likely taper off.

East Timor achieved significant progress in a number of areas since independence. It established a central bank and became a member of the international community, joining the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Asia Development Bank (ADB). It is surviving the massive exodus of UN personnel, equipment and resources, and effecting a relatively smooth transition to Timorese control of the government and its administration. It produced a National Development Plan, and its Constituent Assembly has transitioned into a National Parliament that is already passing legislation. Efforts are underway to put in place the institutions required to protect human rights, rebuild the economy, create employment opportunities, and reestablish essential public services.
source: http://www.state.gov