Manatuto

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Map of East Timor showing Manatuto

Manatuto is a city on the north coast of East Timor, located 64 km to the east of Dili, the national capital, on the way to Baucau. It is one of the subdistricts of Manatuto District. Manatuto Kota (capital) has 5 Suku's (villages), and the local dialect is Galolen though Tetum is widely known. It has a population of 12,000 and is the capital of the district, Manatuto. The capital is known for its salt production and abundance of tamarind. The district of Manatuto is the only district that touches both the north and south coast, and has the most geographical diversity. The district is known as the birth-place of Xanana Gusmao, later to become the nation's first president and now the prime minister. He was born in the village of Laleia (19km East of Manatuto town). The town of Manatuto suffered an excessive amount of damage and high murder rate in 1999 compared to other locations. The Indonesian military seemed to be taking revenge on former resistance-leader Gusmao's home town. The town is still being re-built.