East Timor was colonised by Portugal in the 16th century, and was known as Portuguese Timor until November 1975, when theRevolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN) declared the territory's independence. Nine days later, it wasinvaded and occupied by Indonesia and was declared Indonesia's 27th province the following year. The Indonesian occupation of East Timor was characterised by a highly violent decades-long conflict between separatist groups (especially FRETILIN) and the Indonesian military.