East Timor (Timor-Leste) was a Portuguese colony for over 400 years. Shortly after declaring itself independent in 1975 Indonesia invaded and annexed the country. After a long, bloody civil war, an election was held in August 1999, and much to the surprise of Indonesia. (though practically no-one else) East Timor voted for independence. Indonesian troops and militia immediately went on a rampage, destroying or looting everything of value in the poor nation. Since then the United Nations has been working to rebuild the nation and establish it as a full independent country. In 2004 East Timor issued its first coins as an independent nation. The 5 coin set includes the 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 Centavos, all dating from 2003 to 2006 The 1 Centavo shows a nautilus. The 5 and 50 Centavos shows native food plants. The 10 Centavos shows a chicken, while the 25 Centavos shows an outrigger sailboat.
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