Timor-Leste: health and care

What is the life expectancy in Timor-Leste?

Life expectancy at birth in Timor-Leste was 67.9 years in 2024, up from 67.7 in 2023, according to the World Bank, which draws on UN population estimates. The total fertility rate was 2.6 children per woman in 2024, according to the World Bank.

Timor-Leste's own figures come from the 2022 census and the Demographic and Health Survey, published by INETL. Life expectancy at birth summarises current death rates and is strongly affected by deaths in early childhood.

Official sources: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, Timor-Leste · World Bank: Fertility rate, Timor-Leste

How many children are stunted in Timor-Leste?

44.9% of children under five in Timor-Leste were stunted, meaning too short for their age, in 2025–26, according to the Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey 2025–26 key indicators report, published by INETL and the Ministry of Health. 16.5% were severely stunted.

The report says stunting fell from 58% in 2009–10 to 46% in 2016 and has since stayed about the same. Wasting, low weight for height, fell to 19%, and 2% of children were overweight. Stunting is highest among children in the poorest households (56.5%) and lowest in the richest (32.3%).

Official sources: INETL and Ministry of Health: TLDHS 2025-26 Key Indicators Report (PDF)

What is the infant mortality rate in Timor-Leste?

Timor-Leste's infant mortality rate was 32 deaths per 1,000 live births and the under-five rate 41, for the five years before the 2025–26 survey, according to the Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey 2025–26 key indicators report. Neonatal mortality, in the first month, was 16 per 1,000.

The rates are survey estimates based on women's birth histories, so they cover a period rather than one year. The total fertility rate was 3.4 children per woman. 88% of women received antenatal care from a skilled provider, and 78% of births were assisted by one.

Official sources: INETL and Ministry of Health: TLDHS 2025-26 Key Indicators Report (PDF)

What is the vaccination rate in Timor-Leste?

52% of children aged 12 to 23 months in Timor-Leste had received all basic vaccines in 2025–26, according to the Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey 2025–26 key indicators report. 84% had received the BCG vaccine, 68% the third dose of DPT-HepB-Hib and 64% the first dose of measles vaccine.

The basic vaccines are BCG, three doses each of polio and DPT-containing vaccine and one dose of measles vaccine. The report says there has been no substantial progress over time in full vaccination. Coverage is based on vaccination cards and mothers' reports.

Official sources: INETL and Ministry of Health: TLDHS 2025-26 Key Indicators Report (PDF)

How long do people live in Timor-Leste?

67.9 years: that is life expectancy at birth in Timor-Leste for 2024, according to the UN Population Division. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 71.5 years, and Timor-Leste placed 22nd highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 144th of 193.

What is the infant mortality rate in Timor-Leste?

The latest figure from the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation, for 2024, is 34.6 per 1,000. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 2nd highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 13.9 per 1,000. Of 192 countries with 2024 data, 34th highest.

What is maternal mortality in Timor-Leste?

The WHO puts the maternal mortality ratio in Timor-Leste at 192 per 100,000 in 2023. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 2nd highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 82.0 per 100,000. World rank, highest first: 38th of 192.

What is Timor-Leste's health spending?

The latest figure from the WHO, for 2023, is 9.6% of GDP. No year since 2005 has been higher. East Asia & Pacific median: 5.9% of GDP; Timor-Leste is 10th highest of 29. Worldwide: 32nd of 191.

What is out-of-pocket health spending in Timor-Leste?

The latest figure from the WHO, for 2023, is 7.0%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 5.5% (2022) to 33.2% (2005). East Asia & Pacific median: 12.2%; Timor-Leste is 22nd highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 180th of 191.

What is the doctor to patient ratio in Timor-Leste?

According to the WHO, the number of doctors per 1,000 people in Timor-Leste was 0.75 per 1,000 in 2020. Its high point since 2007 was 2019, at 0.76 per 1,000; its low point was 2007, at 0.03 per 1,000. It is 14th highest of 19 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 1.3 per 1,000. Of 136 countries with 2020 data, 93rd highest.

How many hospital beds per person does Timor-Leste have?

In 2023, hospital beds per 1,000 people in Timor-Leste was 0.38 per 1,000, according to the WHO. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2010. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.4 per 1,000, and Timor-Leste placed 11th highest of 11. Worldwide: 72nd of 73.

How many children in Timor-Leste are vaccinated against measles?

WHO and UNICEF puts measles vaccination among children aged 12 to 23 months in Timor-Leste at 72.0% in 2024. Since 2005 it has ranged from 48.0% (2005) to 77.0% (2017). East Asia & Pacific median: 91.0%; Timor-Leste is 26th highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 159th of 191.