Economy

Human development indicators place Timor-Leste among the 10 poorest countries on earth. It has a per capita GDP of approximately US$ 478, which is slightly more than half of the GDP of Rwanda. While significantly better than Rwanda's (at 40), life expectancy of 57 to 58 years puts Timor-Leste on par with countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Eritrea.

Maternal mortality rates are similar to those in Cambodia and Madagascar. Available data show that more than 40% of the population live below the poverty line of US$ 0.55 per day, with significant variations between districts. Commercially produced crops include coffee, coconuts, cloves, and cacao. The rural population still practices shifting cultivation. Commercial forestry is viable in some areas. Oil exploration indicates that there are good prospects for revenue from oil.