North–South divide in Taiwan

In Taiwan, there is a topic called the North–South divide. This idea talks about how things like money, jobs, schools, and hospitals might not be shared equally between the north and the south parts of the island. People have noticed differences in how these areas grow and get help over many years.

The phrase used for this is "重北輕南", which means "Heavy North, Light South" in Chinese. It shows how some believe the north gets more attention and support than the south. These differences can affect everyday life for people living in both places.

This divide is important because it shows how areas can develop in different ways, even within the same country like Taiwan. Understanding these differences helps everyone see why fair sharing of resources matters for all communities.

Development

The idea that there is a divide between the north and south of Taiwan comes from claims that the government has favored the north. After losing the Chinese Civil War, the Nationalists moved their headquarters to Taipei in the north of Taiwan.

Since 1949, the Nationalist government has been in power for much of the time, leading to claims that they focused more on developing the north. Investment in technology grew in areas like Hsinchu and Taipei, while the south mainly saw growth in industry. As industry moved to mainland China, southern Taiwan saw slower growth, and many young, educated people moved north for better jobs.

From 1990 to 1998, the Mayor of Kaohsiung, Wu Den-yih, often spoke about the central government's bias toward the north and against the south.

Ethnic divisions

See also: Demographics of Taiwan

Historical tensions between different groups in Taiwan, such as ethnic mainlanders, Hoklo, and Hakka, also play a role in the north–south divide.

Taipei

Tianlongguo (天龍國; 'Celestial Dragon Country', also Tianlong) is a term some people use to describe how residents of Taipei might seem proud or distant. The term comes from the Celestial Dragon characters in the Japanese manga One Piece.

Differences

Traditionally, voters in southwestern Taiwan have supported Pan-Green parties like the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), while northern voters prefer Pan-Blue parties like the Kuomintang (KMT).

Northern Taiwan covers about 20% of the island but holds nearly half of the population. This concentration leads to crowded cities and slower growth in other areas. The government's long-term policies have focused more on the north, causing higher housing prices there. Many people move north for jobs, which changes the balance of political representation.

People in northern Taiwan usually live longer than those in the south. Cities like Taipei and Hsinchu have life expectancies above 80 years, while Tainan and Kaohsiung are below this average. This difference is linked to unequal access to healthcare and other resources. Most medical schools and new doctors are based in the north, leaving the south with fewer services.

Also, over half of the students at National Taiwan University come from Taipei and New Taipei City, showing that educational opportunities are more available in the north.