Taiwan

Geography

Taiwan is a country in East Asia. The main island, also called Formosa, sits between the East and South China Seas in the Pacific Ocean. It covers about 36,000 square kilometres and has around 24 million people. The eastern part of Taiwan is full of mountains. The western part has flat lands and most people live there, especially near the capital city, Taipei.

History

People have lived in Taiwan for at least 25,000 years. In the 1600s, many Han Chinese moved there. Over time, Taiwan was ruled by different groups, including the Dutch, the Kingdom of Tungning, the Qing dynasty of China, and Japan. After World War II, the Republic of China government came to Taiwan.

Modern Taiwan

In the 1960s, Taiwan grew quickly in jobs and technology. Today, it is a developed country with good healthcare, civil liberties, and a high quality of life. However, its political status is still discussed. Many countries see the People's Republic of China as the main representative of China, but Taiwan has its own government and democratic system. Different groups in Taiwan have different ideas about its future with China.

Etymology

The name "Liuqiu" was used in old records for what is now Taiwan or nearby islands. The name "Formosa," meaning "beautiful island," was given by Portuguese sailors in 1542. It was used on many European maps.

Today, the country is officially called the "Republic of China," but it is commonly known as "Taiwan." In international events, it often uses the name "Chinese Taipei" to avoid confusion with the People's Republic of China.

History

Main article: History of Taiwan

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Taiwanese history.

Pre-colonial period

Taiwan was connected to Asia until sea levels rose about 10,000 years ago. People lived there long ago, and old tools and bones have been found. They were like people from the Philippines. They grew crops a very long time ago.

Stone tools from the Changbin culture have been found in places like Taitung and Eluanbi. These people first hunted and gathered food but later started fishing. The Wangxing culture, found in Miaoli County, also changed from gathering to hunting.

Farmers from southeast China came to Taiwan about 6,000 years ago. They were the ancestors of today’s Taiwanese Indigenous peoples and started the Austronesian language family. They traded with the Philippines, using Taiwanese jade.

Early colonial period (to 1683)

Main articles: Early Chinese contact with Taiwan, Dutch Formosa, Spanish Formosa, Kingdom of Middag, and Kingdom of Tungning

The Penghu Islands had Han Chinese fishermen living there by 1171. Later, the Yuan dynasty included Penghu. The Ming dynasty left Penghu in the 1400s.

In 1624, the Dutch East India Company built Fort Zeelandia in Tainan. They encouraged Chinese farmers to come and work the land. By the 1660s, many Chinese lived there and grew rice and sugar.

In 1626, the Spanish Empire took over northern Taiwan, building Fort Santo Domingo in Tamsui. The Dutch took over in 1642.

In 1661, Koxinga came to Taiwan and pushed out the Dutch in 1662. His government, the Kingdom of Tungning, ruled until 1683 when Taiwan became part of China.

Qing rule (1683–1895)

After winning a battle in 1683, the Qing dynasty took control of Taiwan in 1684. They tried to limit how many people moved there. But many still came from China. By 1811, millions of Han people lived in Taiwan.

The Qing government grew, building new areas. The Plains Indigenous peoples were sorted into groups. Most problems during this time were because of the new settlers.

In the late 1800s, Japan took some land from Indigenous people in southern Taiwan. The Qing built new areas and brought in new technologies like electric lights and trains. By the end of Qing rule, the western part of Taiwan was fully farmed.

Japanese rule (1895–1945)

After losing a war, Taiwan became a part of Japan in 1895. People who wanted to stay loyal to China had to leave. Some tried to form their own government, but Japan took control by late 1895.

Japan brought new industries and built railways and schools. They grew lots of cash crops like sugar. But Han and Indigenous people were treated unfairly and could not hold important jobs. During World War II, Taiwan became a military base, and many Taiwanese joined the Japanese army.

Republic of China (1945–present)

Main articles: Republic of China (1912–1949) and History of Taiwan (1945–present)

See also: History of the Republic of China and Chinese Civil War

When Japan gave Taiwan to China in 1945, people were happy at first. But later, they felt left out of important jobs. Unrest happened after a civilian was shot in 1947.

After a war in China, Chiang Kai-Shek moved his government to Taiwan in 1949. Martial law was in place from 1949 to 1987 to control opposition.

From the 1960s to 1970s, Taiwan’s economy grew very fast. Projects and focus on exports helped the country.

In the late 1970s to 1990s, Taiwan changed to a democracy. Chiang Ching-kuo ended martial law in 1987. Lee Teng-hui, the first president born in Taiwan, helped make the country more democratic.

Chen Shui-bian became president in 2000, the first from a different party. Politics became divided between groups that wanted closer ties with China and those who wanted Taiwan to be independent.

Ma Ying-jeou became president in 2008 and worked on improving relations with China. In 2014, students occupied the government building to protest closer ties with China. In 2024, William Lai Ching-te won the election, but no party had most of the votes in the legislature.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Taiwan

Taiwan has 168 islands. The biggest island is called Formosa. It is 35,808 square kilometres big. It lies between the East and South China Seas. The east side has tall mountains. The west side is flat and where most people live.

The weather changes from north to south. The north and middle have a subtropical climate. The south is tropical. The mountains are cooler. Rain often falls in summer. Strong storms called typhoons come in late summer. Winters are milder, with rain mostly in the north.

Government and politics

Main articles: Government of the Republic of China and Politics of the Republic of China

See also: Elections in Taiwan, Human rights in Taiwan, and North–South divide in Taiwan

Taiwan has a democratic government that began in 1947. It has five main parts: the Executive Yuan (cabinet), the Legislative Yuan (Parliament), the Judicial Yuan, the Control Yuan (audit agency), and the Examination Yuan (civil service agency). The president is chosen by voters and serves as head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

The Legislative Yuan is the main group that makes laws, with members elected for four years. Taiwan has many political parties, and they often discuss topics like national identity and relations with China. Taiwan has its own constitution, military, and takes part in international events, but its status is a complicated issue around the world.

Economy

Main articles: Economy of Taiwan and Economic history of Taiwan

Taiwan grew quickly in the late 20th century and became known as the "Taiwan Miracle." It is one of the "Four Asian Tigers" and has a big economy. Today, Taiwan’s economy is strong in technology and exports. It is famous for making advanced computer chips, with companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) playing a big role.

Taiwan also makes many bicycles, which are sold in Europe. The country has good transportation, including scooters, highways, railways, and airports. Big cities have modern metro systems, and the Port of Kaohsiung is a very busy seaport.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Taiwan

Taiwan has about 23.3 million people. Most live on the main island of Taiwan, with some on smaller nearby islands.

The largest group of people in Taiwan are Han Chinese, making up about 95% of the population. There are also indigenous groups and new immigrants from places like China and Southeast Asia. Most people speak Mandarin, but many also speak other languages like Taiwanese Hokkien or Hakka.

Religion in Taiwan is varied. Many people follow Buddhism, Taoism, or Christianity. Freedom of religion is highly valued in Taiwan. The country also focuses strongly on education, with students often achieving high levels in subjects like math and science. Taiwan’s healthcare system is known for providing good care to all citizens, including those with lower incomes.

Culture

Main articles: Culture of Taiwan, Cultural history of Taiwan, and Chinese Cultural Renaissance

See also: Taiwanese wave

The culture of Taiwan is a mix of many influences. These include traditional Chinese culture, aboriginal cultures, Japanese influence, Confucian beliefs, and Western values. During a strict time called martial law, the government promoted traditional Chinese culture. This helped preserve some parts of Chinese culture better than in mainland China, like the use of Traditional Chinese characters.

After martial law ended, Taiwan became more democratic. This allowed more freedom of speech. This led to growth in Taiwanese literature and media. Today, Taiwan’s culture keeps developing, mixing old traditions with new ideas. This includes music, food, and arts, making Taiwan a lively place with many cultural influences.

Arts

Taiwan has produced many famous musicians and artists. Classical musicians like violinist Cho-Liang Lin and pianist Ching-Yun Hu are well known. Pop stars such as Teresa Teng and Jay Chou are icons in music. Taiwanese films have won awards worldwide, directed by filmmakers like Ang Lee. The National Palace Museum holds a large collection of important Chinese art pieces.

Popular culture

Karaoke is very popular in Taiwan, often done in private rooms in hotels. Taiwan also has many 24-hour convenience stores that offer various services, like paying bills or buying tickets.

Cuisine

Taiwanese food comes from many places and histories. Popular dishes include Taiwanese beef noodle soup, gua bao, and bubble tea, which started in Taiwan and is now enjoyed worldwide. Night markets in Taiwan are famous for their delicious street food.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Taiwan

See also: List of sporting events in Taiwan

Baseball is a very popular sport in Taiwan, often called the country’s national sport. The men’s team has achieved great success in international competitions. Basketball is also widely played, with several professional leagues. Other popular sports include volleyball, football, taekwondo, badminton, and golf. Taiwan’s athletes have won Olympic medals and top rankings in the world for many of these sports.

National symbols

Main article: National symbols of Taiwan

Taiwan’s official symbols include its flag, anthem, flower, and seals.

Calendar

Main article: Republic of China calendar

See also: Chinese calendar and Public holidays in Taiwan

Taiwan uses the Gregorian calendar for most things, but it also uses a special system that starts from 1912, the year Taiwan’s government was founded. For example, the year 2024 is called year 113 in this system. Traditional Chinese festivals, like the Lunar New Year, still follow the old Chinese calendar.