Timor-Leste, the newest nation in Asia stands out demographically. The
nation-building process of Timor-Leste faces significant demographic challenges
due to the population growth which is the fastest in Asia and almost the fastest in the
world. This unprecedented growth is primarily an outcome of the extremely high
total fertility rate of Timor-Leste which is amongst the highest in the world. Amidst
the worrying socio-economic condition in this new nation, it is of great concern that
if the current fertility rate and its implied population growth continue as predicted,
the population of Timor-Leste will double in 17 years. This paper offers an insight
into the future of Timor-Leste’s demography with a particular focus on the impact
of rapid pace of population growth on the health sector. The analysis is largely
based on 2004 census data, as well as drawing on the broader literature and qualitative
research already carried out by the lead author into the reasons behind high
fertility in Timor-Leste. On this basis, the authors extrapolate key impacts of this
projected population growth, and implications for the health sector.