Taiwan

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a country located in East Asia. The main island, also called Formosa, lies between the East and South China Seas in the Pacific Ocean. It has a total area of about 36,000 square kilometres and is home to around 24 million people, making it one of the most densely populated places in the world. The eastern part of Taiwan is dominated by mountains, while the western part has plains and is where most people live, especially in and around the capital city, Taipei.

People have lived in Taiwan for at least 25,000 years. In the 17th century, large numbers of Han Chinese began moving there. Over time, Taiwan came under the control of different powers, including the Dutch, the Kingdom of Tungning, the Qing dynasty of China, and Japan. After World War II, the Republic of China government moved to Taiwan following a civil war in mainland China.

In the 1960s, Taiwan experienced rapid economic growth, becoming known for its manufacturing in areas like electronics and machinery. Today, it is considered a developed country with strong healthcare, civil liberties, and overall quality of life. However, its political status remains debated. While many countries and international groups recognize the People's Republic of China as the sole representative of China, Taiwan maintains its own government and democratic system. Different political groups in Taiwan have different views on whether the island should remain separate from China or seek closer ties.

Etymology

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

Today, the country is officially called the "Republic of China," but it is commonly known as "Taiwan," named after its main island. 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 the Asian mainland during the Late Pleistocene, until sea levels rose about 10,000 years ago. Human remains and Paleolithic artifacts from 20,000 to 30,000 years ago have been found. These early people were similar to Negrito populations in the Philippines. They practiced slash-and-burn agriculture at least 11,000 years ago.

Stone tools from the Changbin culture have been discovered in Taitung and Eluanbi. Archaeological evidence shows these people were initially hunter-gatherers who later focused on fishing. The Wangxing culture, found in Miaoli County, also shifted from gathering to hunting.

Around 6,000 years ago, farmers from what is now southeast China settled in Taiwan. These cultures are ancestors of modern Taiwanese Indigenous peoples and the originators of the Austronesian language family. Trade with the Philippines began in the early 2nd millennium BCE, including the use of Taiwanese jade in the Philippine jade culture.

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 were inhabited by Han Chinese fishermen by 1171. By 1281, the Yuan dynasty included Penghu under Tong'an County. The Ming dynasty evacuated Penghu in the 15th century as part of their maritime ban.

In 1624, the Dutch East India Company established Fort Zeelandia in Tainan. The Dutch encouraged Chinese farmers to immigrate and work the land. By the 1660s, around 30,000 to 50,000 Chinese lived on the island, farming rice and sugar.

In 1626, the Spanish Empire occupied northern Taiwan, building Fort Santo Domingo in Tamsui. This colony lasted until 1642 when Dutch forces took over.

In 1661, Koxinga moved his forces to Taiwan, expelling the Dutch the following year. The Zheng regime, known as the Kingdom of Tungning, ruled independently until the Qing invasion and occupation of Taiwan in 1683.

Qing rule (1683–1895)

After defeating Koxinga's grandson in 1683, the Qing dynasty annexed Taiwan in May 1684, making it a prefecture of Fujian province. The Qing tried to restrict migration to Taiwan, believing it couldn’t support too large a population. Despite restrictions, many settlers arrived from the mainland. By 1811, there were over two million Han settlers in Taiwan.

Qing administration expanded across the western plains due to continued settlement. The Plains Indigenous peoples were categorized into acculturated and non-acculturated groups. Most rebellions during Qing rule were caused by Han settlers.

In the late 19th century, Japan invaded Indigenous territory in southern Taiwan, forcing the Qing government to pay an indemnity. The administration of Taiwan expanded with new prefectures and counties. Modern technologies such as electric lighting, railways, and telegraph lines were introduced. By the end of Qing rule, the western plains were fully developed as farmland.

Japanese rule (1895–1945)

After the Qing defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War, Taiwan and the Penghu archipelago were ceded to Japan by the Treaty of Shimonoseki. Inhabitants wishing to remain Qing subjects had to move to mainland China. On 25 May 1895, a group of pro-Qing officials proclaimed the Republic of Formosa to resist Japanese rule, but Japanese forces quelled this resistance by October 1895.

Japanese rule brought industrialization to the island, including the expansion of railways, sanitation systems, and education. The production of cash crops like sugar greatly increased. However, Han and Indigenous populations were classified as second- and third-class citizens, and many prestigious positions were closed to them. During World War II, Taiwan was developed into a naval and air base, and many Taiwanese served in the Japanese military.

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

After Japan surrendered Taiwan to the ROC in 1945, initial enthusiasm turned to dissatisfaction over exclusion from higher positions and postponed local elections. The shooting of a civilian on 28 February 1947 triggered unrest, which was suppressed by military force.

After the Chinese Civil War, Chiang Kai-Shek evacuated his Nationalist government to Taiwan in 1949. The ROC retained control of Taiwan and nearby islands. Martial law was declared in May 1949 and continued until 1987, used to suppress political opposition.

From the 1960s to the 1970s, Taiwan experienced rapid economic growth, known as the Taiwan Miracle, with GDP growth averaging over 10 percent. Infrastructure projects and export-oriented industrialization helped transform the economy.

In the late 1970s to the 1990s, Taiwan underwent political and social reforms, transforming into a democracy. Chiang Ching-kuo lifted martial law in 1987. Lee Teng-hui, the first president born in Taiwan, oversaw democratization and localization of Taiwanese culture.

Chen Shui-bian of the DPP became the first non-KMT president in 2000, leading to polarized politics between the Pan-Blue Coalition, preferring Chinese unification, and the Pan-Green Coalition, preferring Taiwanese independence.

Ma Ying-jeou won the 2008 election, focusing on better ties with China and economic growth. In 2014, the Sunflower Student Movement occupied the Legislative Yuan to protest closer economic ties with China. In 2024, William Lai Ching-te of the DPP won the presidential election, though no party secured a majority in the legislative election.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Taiwan

Taiwan is made up of 168 islands, with the main island, called Formosa, being the largest. It stretches 35,808 square kilometres and sits between the East and South China Seas. The eastern part of the main island is filled with tall mountains, while the western part has flat areas where most people live.

The weather in Taiwan changes from north to south. The north and middle areas have a subtropical climate, the south is tropical, and the mountains have cooler temperatures. Rain is common in the summer, and strong storms called typhoons often visit 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's government follows a democratic system established in 1947. It is divided into five branches: 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, elected by popular vote, serves as head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

The Legislative Yuan is the main legislative body, with members elected for four-year terms. Taiwan has evolved into a multiparty democracy, with political debates often centered around national identity and relations with China. The country maintains its own constitution, military, and international presence, though its status remains a complex issue globally.

Economy

Main articles: Economy of Taiwan and Economic history of Taiwan

Taiwan experienced quick growth and industrialization in the late 20th century, earning the name "Taiwan Miracle." It is one of the "Four Asian Tigers" and ranks as the 22nd largest economy in the world. Today, Taiwan has a dynamic economy focused on technology and exports. It is especially known for its important role in making advanced computer chips, with companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) leading the way.

Taiwan also makes many bicycles, supplying a large part of Europe's bike market. The country has well-developed transportation systems, including many scooters, highways, railways, and airports. Major cities have modern metro systems, and the Port of Kaohsiung is one of the busiest seaports in the region.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Taiwan

Taiwan has a population of about 23.3 million people, most of whom live on the main island of Taiwan. Some also live on smaller nearby islands.

The largest groups 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, with many people following Buddhism, Taoism, or Christianity. Freedom of religion is highly valued in Taiwan. The country also has a strong focus on education, with many students achieving high levels of learning 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, including traditional Chinese culture, aboriginal cultures, Japanese influence, Confucian beliefs, and Western values. During a strict period called martial law, the government focused on promoting traditional Chinese culture to show that Taiwan, known as the Republic of China, represented true Chinese heritage. This effort helped preserve some aspects of Chinese culture better than in mainland China, such as the use of Traditional Chinese characters.

After martial law ended, Taiwan became more democratic, allowing more freedom of speech. This led to a growth in Taiwanese literature and media. Today, Taiwan’s culture continues to develop, blending old traditions with new ideas. This includes its music, food, and arts, making Taiwan a vibrant place with many different 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 have become icons in music. Taiwanese films have won awards around the world, directed by filmmakers like Ang Lee. The National Palace Museum holds a huge 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.