Overview of Taiwan

Profile

The Republic of China, governing Taiwan Island, the Penghu Islands, Kinmen, and Matsu, is a democratic nation with a total population of approximately 23.5 million. With semiconductor and high-tech industries as its economic pillars, it holds one of the world's largest foreign exchange reserves while boasting diverse ecosystems nurtured by abundant mountains and subtropical to tropical climates. In addition to Han Chinese (Hoklo, Hakka, and mainlanders), 16 indigenous peoples and new immigrants coexist, creating a unique culture that blends Taoist and Buddhist folk beliefs with post-war Japanese and American influences. The capital functions are located in Taipei City, with high-speed rail and highways connecting north and south, and the country actively engages in international exchange, sending over 11 million travelers to Japan annually.

Official name: Republic of China
Common name: Taiwan
Numeric code: 158
Alpha-3 code: TWN
Alpha-2 code: TW
Population: Approximately 23.5 million (2024)
Population density: Approximately 650 people/km²
Primary languages: Mandarin Chinese (National Language), Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka, Formosan languages
Major religions: Taoism and folk religion, Buddhism, Christianity (Protestant and Catholic)
National anthem: National Anthem of the Republic of China
Calling code: +886
Internet TLD: .tw

History

Taiwan evolved from an indigenous island with Han Chinese immigration, through Dutch, Qing, and Japanese rule, before coming under ROC governance from 1945.

In the 17th century, the Dutch and Spanish established colonial bases, and in 1662, Zheng Cheng-gong (Koxinga) took control. Subsequently incorporated into the Qing Dynasty, Taiwan was ruled by Japan from the late 19th century, which developed infrastructure and education. After World War II, the ROC took over, but following the Chinese Civil War, the government retreated to Taiwan in 1949. Through martial law and democratization beginning in 1987, the first direct presidential election was held in 1996. Since then, rapid economic growth has accompanied the formation of Taiwanese identity, continuing to the present day.

Geography & climate

The central north-south mountain range contrasts sharply with the western alluvial plains, while the east coast features cliffs dropping into the sea.

Subtropical humid to tropical monsoon

Area: Asia / 36197 km²
Capital: Taipei City
Largest city: New Taipei City
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Sun Moon Lake

Natural resources

High mountain cypress forests, Hot springs, Marble, Mullet fisheries, Geothermal, Bamboo, Tropical fruits, Wind power resources, Abundant rainfall, Marine ecosystems

Politics

Government: Semi-presidential democratic republic

Economy

Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)

GDP (nominal): 795.6 100 million USD (2024)

GDP (PPP): 1.71 trillion USD (2024)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Mandarin Chinese (National Language), Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka, Formosan languages

Time zone: Taiwan Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Hoklo, Hakka, Mainlanders, 16 indigenous peoples of Taiwan, New immigrants (Southeast Asian)

Life expectancy

81.3

Literacy rate

98.3

National sports

Baseball, Basketball, Tennis, Badminton, Table tennis, Softball, Soccer, Marathon