Taiwan
Taiwan makes the majority of the world's most advanced computer chips, so almost every modern phone and laptop contains something made here.
- CapitalTaipeiIn a basin in the north of the island
- PopulationAbout 23 millionOn an island off mainland China
- Area36,197 km2Around two thirds mountainous
- Advanced chipsMost of world supplyMade by TSMC and others
Taiwan is a mountainous island about 180 km off the coast of mainland China. A chain of peaks runs down its length with over 200 summits above 3,000 m, which is remarkable for an island this size. The western plains hold nearly all the cities and farmland.
Its political status is contested. Taiwan governs itself with its own elections, currency, passport and military, but China regards it as a province, and most countries do not formally recognise it as a separate state while still trading with it.
National symbols
- National animal Formosan black bear, with a white V on its chest
- National flower Plum blossom
- National anthem National Anthem of the Republic of China
- National day Double Ten Day, 10 October
Map of Taiwan
Geography
Taiwan covers 36,197 km2 and has no land borders, lying in the western Pacific about 180 km from mainland China across the Taiwan Strait.
The Central Mountain Range runs the length of the island and includes Yushan, or Jade Mountain, at 3,952 m, the highest peak in East Asia outside the Himalayan region. The east coast drops steeply into the Pacific, and the west has broad alluvial plains.
Climate
Northern Taiwan is subtropical and southern Taiwan tropical, both hot and humid in summer with mild winters. The Tropic of Cancer crosses the middle of the island.
Typhoons strike between July and October, bringing torrential rain to the mountains. Taiwan sits on the Ring of Fire and gets frequent earthquakes, so buildings are engineered to withstand them.
Culture
Mandarin Chinese is the official language, and Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka are widely spoken. Taiwan uses traditional Chinese characters rather than the simplified ones used in mainland China.
Around 16 recognised Indigenous peoples live here, whose Austronesian languages are related to those of the Philippines and Polynesia. Night markets selling street food are a national institution. Taiwan was the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, in 2019.
Economy
Semiconductors dominate. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is one of the most strategically important companies in the world.
Electronics, machinery, plastics and bicycles (Giant and Merida are Taiwanese) are the other major exports. Taiwan also has a strong biotechnology sector and produces high-grade oolong tea.
The flag
A red field with a dark blue rectangle in the top left corner containing a white sun with twelve triangular rays.
The twelve rays stand for the twelve two-hour periods of the traditional Chinese day, representing constant progress. Blue stands for liberty and justice, white for fraternity and honesty, and red for the blood of those who fought for the nation.