Government of Timor-Leste

The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Finance, held today, July 26^th, 2024, the official launch of the release of the results of the 2022 Census, called Censo Fó Fila Fali 2022 (returning the results of the Census to the people). The event took place in the Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Auditorium at the Ministry of Finance in Dili. It was attended by members of the Government, members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of non-governmental organisations and Presidents of Municipal Authorities. 

The Fó Fila Fali 2022 Census, conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and the General Directorate of Statistics, with technical and financial support from UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDP, UN Women and WFP, is a major initiative that aims to share the results of the 2022 Census with community leaders and the local population in all the country's Hamlets (aldeias) and municipalities. This project provides a clear and detailed overview of the socio-economic situation of communities, enabling local leaders to contribute to the development of their areas actively.

The reports for each municipality include detailed statistics on various socio-economic indicators, such as population, education, health, the labour market, agriculture, access to water and sanitation, electricity, mortality rates and poverty levels. They also address the progress made towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), allowing for an accurate assessment of local needs and progress. 

In her opening speech, the Minister of Finance emphasised the “importance of the data collected in 2022 to help us understand the socio-economic reality of Timor-Leste's population”. The Minister revealed that the national population has grown to 1,341,737 inhabitants, reflecting an annual growth rate of 1.8 per cent between 2015 and 2022. She also emphasised that “65% of the population is made up of young people under the age of 30”, “representing both an opportunity and a challenge” for the country's future. 

The event also featured a speech by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, who emphasised the importance of accurate knowledge of the population to plan and implement effective public policies. “A Government that doesn't know its population is a Government that doesn't know the nation it governs,” said the Prime Minister. He added that “with the 2022 Census, we are in a position to fulfil better the objectives of providing progress and well-being to the population”. “That is why we are giving our people the results obtained – in a simple and easy-to-understand format – so that they can get to know each other and contribute to their development.” 

The Head of Government took the opportunity to address the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Popular Consultation Day, which will be celebrated on August 30^th. It is a day to pay tribute to the people who “with courage and determination, against violence and threats, on August 30^th, 1999” won national independence. The Prime Minister also said that “August 30^th is a national day, it's the people's day” and therefore “the celebrations have to reach all the administrative posts”, with “the presence of the members of the Government”. 

The Prime Minister also called for “the General State Budget for 2025 to be used to improve the people's lives” because “the money from the oil fund was won by the people, with their blood and death, so the money belongs to the people”.

At the close of the event, the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, emphasised the importance of this information for improving the work of the government members. On behalf of the 9th Constitutional Government, he thanked and congratulated the team responsible for producing these sectoral reports, highlighting the excellent work done in simplifying a large volume of information, which will support the Government in planning public policies.