Capital: Pante Macassar Government: Special Administrative Region (Republic of East Timor) Population: 68,913 (2015) Currency: United States Dollar Continent: Oceania Official language: Portuguese Area: 814 km2
Since being named a Special Zone of Social Market Economy (ZEESM) in 2015, Oecusse has undergone rapid development. The capital has new roads (though not many cars), a huge new bridge (though it doesn't really go anywhere), 24/7 electricity and a US$120 million international airport that's due to open in 2018. It seems to be a case of 'build it and they will come', but few seem to know who will come and when. With marine biodiversity similar to Ataúro (bring your own snorkels and diving equipment) and easy access from Dili, Oecusse is a place worth spending a few days in. Pantemakassar, aka Oecusse Town, has a palm-fringed foreshore that provides great sunsets. November sees pilot whales swimming by, and divers are likely to spot a turtle or two underwater each time they hit the water. The coral cover here is very good; enlist someone to watch for crocodiles and you can snorkel out from in front of the beachfront church. Oecusse's seagrass meadows are home to dugongs. The best beach begins 2km east of town on Pantai Mahata, which ends at a stunning red-rock headland.