Timor Leste
"Patria, Patria"

Words by: Fransisco Borja da Costa
Music by: Afonso de Araujo
Adopted: 1975, replaced 1975, restored 2002

On May 20, 2002, this former part of Indonesia regained the independence it nearly gained until Indonesia took over the island following Portuguese withdrawal from the territory known as East Timor in 1975. It was a logical choice for the new nation to adopt, as the anthem was first played upon its declaration of independence upon the Portuguese withdrawal. It remained the national anthem until the country was invaded by and incorporated into Indonesia a few days later (the Indonesian anthem was then officially used in the territory). The author of the lyrics, poet Francisco Borja da Costa, was killed in the Indonesian invasion.

Special thanks to: Martien van Wanrooij for the English translation, and to Paweł Ciupak, who has provided me with the MIDI.