Timor-Leste Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
Timor-Leste's physicians was 0.75 in 2020, ranked 94th globally. This represents a 1.6% decrease from 2019. Data from World Bank, covering 2004–2020.
Overview
Timor-Leste's physicians stood at 0.75 in 2020, a decline of +0.01 from 2019. Timor-Leste ranked 94th globally.
Timor‑Leste’s physician density rose from 0.08 per 1,000 people in 2004 to a modest 0.75 in 2020, placing the country 94th globally. The sharpest decline occurred in 2007 when the figure fell to an all‑time trough of 0.03, reflecting the aftermath of the nation’s early post‑independence health system challenges. A sustained expansion followed, reaching an all‑time peak of 0.76 in 2019 before a slight dip to 0.75 the next year. Compared with regional peers, Timor‑Leste now matches the Philippines at 0.75 and trails Vietnam’s 0.86, indicating that while progress has been considerable, the physician workforce remains relatively thin. The 13‑year coverage shows a clear upward trajectory, yet the marginal decline after the 2019 peak suggests that maintaining growth will require continued investment in medical education and retention incentives. Strengthening these areas could keep the density on an upward path and narrow the gap with higher‑ranking neighbors.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0.75 | −0.01 | #94 |
| 2019 | 0.76 | +0.05 | #94 |
| 2018 | 0.72 | −0.03 | #102 |
| 2017 | 0.75 | +0.06 | #103 |
| 2015 | 0.69 | +0.01 | #92 |
| 2014 | 0.68 | +0.06 | #98 |
| 2013 | 0.62 | +0.54 | #87 |
| 2011 | 0.08 | −0.00 | #107 |
| 2010 | 0.08 | +0.04 | #120 |
| 2009 | 0.04 | +0.01 | #126 |
| 2008 | 0.04 | +0.00 | #128 |
| 2007 | 0.03 | −0.05 | #111 |
| 2004 | 0.08 | – | #122 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Timor-Leste matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Timor-Leste's physicians was 0.75 in 2020. Ranked 94th globally. This represents a 1.6% decrease from the previous year.
Timor-Leste's physicians peaked at 0.76 in 2019.
The lowest physicians in Timor-Leste was 0.03 in 2007.
Timor-Leste ranks 94th globally in physicians as of 2020.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The physicians of Timor-Leste in 2020 was 0.75. This ranks 94th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_timor-leste_physicians,
title = {Timor-Leste Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/timor-leste/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}