A Brief Description
Historical accounts report that Taiwan was first settled by wandering peoples of Malay-Polynesian descent. They built simple housing along the low-lying coastal plains, and named their new found home, Pakan.
Taiwan's modern history began in the late 16th century when the first European explorers entered the area. Jan Huygen van Linschoten, a Dutch navigator on a Portuguese ship, named the island (Ilha Formosa) meaning (beautiful island), and the Formosa name stuck for the next four centuries.
Long controlled by China, it was a military defeat in 1895 that forced China to cede (give) Taiwan to Japan. 50 years later, after the end of World War II, Taiwan reverted to Chinese control.
On China's mainland the Communist Revolution took hold in the mid-1940s, and after the Communist victory in 1949 over General Chiang Kai-shek and his forces, the losers sought refuge on Taiwan, and quickly established their strict military control.
Over the next few years an additional two million Chinese Nationalists fled to Taiwan, but they remained in the minority as they collectively made up only 15% of the overall population.
Over the next five decades, the Taiwanese majority gradually democratized by installing much-needed economic and social reforms; policies that subsequently changed the island forever.
During this period of change Taiwan prospered, and transformed itself into one of Asia's modern economic powerhouses, along with South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong. Today, Taiwan is the 17th largest economy in the world, and its immediate and long term futures are certainly bright.
The major front-burner issue for all Taiwanese is their relationship with China, and specifically the possibility of eventual unification; it's a complicated, controversial and contentious question.
For more information on Taiwan, click here
Note: Many countries around the world recognize, and maintain formal diplomatic relations with the ROC, Republic of China (Taiwan)
Busy street, Taipei, Taiwan!
Travel the World through Poster Art!
Facts and Figures
 Name Taiwan
(long form) none
Population 22,900,000
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Taipei (2.8 mil) metro (8 mil)
Currency New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
Currency Converter
here
Languages Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese
Flag here
National Day October 10
Religions Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist (93%) others
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
25º 01' N, 121º 22' E
Relative Location Bisected by the Tropic of Cancer, Taiwan is in both the eastern and northern hemispheres. This island country is positioned off the southeastern coast of Asia, directly east of China, and bordered by the Pacific Ocean, East China Sea, South China Sea, Luzon Strait and the Taiwan Strait.
Land Statistics
Coastline 973 miles (1,566 km)
Land Areas
(land) 12,456 sq miles (32,260 sq km)
(water) 1,436 sq miles (3,720 sq km)
(TOTAL)13,892 sq miles (35,980 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms
About two-thirds of Taiwan is a rugged mountain landscape. The Chung-yang Shan range (central) dominates the island, with some 200 peaks exceeding 9,840 ft. (3,000 m).
West of the central mountain range the land is covered by rolling hills that descend gently into a somewhat flat region, north to south.
Taiwan is a geologically active island; earthquakes are frequent and the island is punctuated by numerous steam vents and hot sulfur springs.
There are over 150 rivers and large streams rising in the central mountains; the most significant rivers include the Choshui and Kaoping.
It claims numerous (small) islands within its immediate territories, and off the coast of China.
 Highest Point Yu Shan - 12,966 ft. (3,952 m)
 Lowest Point South China Sea - (0 ft.) (0 m)
Land Divisions 18 counties, 5 municipalities and 3 special municipalities; counties include: Chang-hua, Chia-i, Hsin-chu, Hua-lien, I-lan, Kao-hsiung, Kin-men, Lien-chiang, Miao-li, Nan-t'ou, P'eng-hu, P'ing-tung, T'ai-chung, T'ai-nan,
: Chang-hua, Chia-i, Hsin-chu, Hua-lien, I-lan, Kao-hsiung, Kin-men, Lien-chiang, Miao-li, Nan-t'ou, P'eng-hu, P'ing-tung, T'ai-chung, T'ai-nan, T'ai-pei county, T'ai-tung, T'ao-yuan, and Yun-lin; municipalities include: Chia-i, Chi-lung, Hsin-chu, T'ai-chung and T'ai-nan; special municipalities include: Kao-hsiung city and T'ai-pei city.
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Maps
Taiwan (large color) Map here
Taiwan Outline Map here
Taiwan CIA version here
Taiwan Maps at UT here
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Asia Continent (printable) here
Asia Outline Map here
Asia (Southeast) Outline Map here
Asia (Name the Country) Map Test here
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Indian Subcontinent Map here
Middle East Landforms here
Middle East Map here
Middle East Outline Map here
Middle East Rivers here
Ring of Fire Map here
Tsunami Map (December 2004) here
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World Outline Maps (printable) here
World Time Zone Map here
Recommended Links
Taiwan (Complete) info on the (GDP)
economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here
Taiwan Headlines
here
Taiwan History
here
Taiwan Photos at TrekEarth.com here
Taiwan Travel
here
Buddhist temple rooftop, Taiwan!
Travel the World through Poster Art!
Time and Weather
Climate
Taiwan's climate is subtropical, and dramatically affected by summer monsoons.
Summer high temperatures (June - August) reach into the high 80s, while winter lows seldom fall below 55º F, except in the higher elevations of the mountains, where snow is common in winter.
The rainy season (June - September) brings significant amounts of precipitation, and during this time period, Western Pacific typhoons are a dependable yearly weather phenomenon.
From November - February (even though considered the dry season), fog and drizzle are usually a part of the daily forecast.
Traveler Info
Attractions
The major charms of Taiwan are accented by its functional transportation system, excellent lodging facilities and clean restaurants.
On top of the list must be the absolute beauty of the island, and its acclaimed national parks and scenic areas.
In addition, Taiwan and the smaller islands offer numerous ecotourism opportunities; hundreds of fascinating museums; temples on every corner, and four centuries of Chinese, Dutch, Japanese and Spanish historic sites. Add to that mix, a very full calendar of traditional, not-to-be-missed events and festivals, and well, you get the picture.
Country Dialing Code 886
Electricity Taiwan uses 110 volts AC (60 Hz)
Electrical adapters, products and tips here
Travel Warnings
here
Visa Information
here
 PLEASE
NOTE:
Before making travel plans for any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate important details regarding visas, local health care, customs, etc. We always find it helpful to contact the nearest consulate of any country before beginning a journey into a foreign land.
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