Taiwan

File:National anthem of the Republic of China (Taiwan) 中華民國國歌(演奏版).ogg

ROC Taiwan (orthographic projection)

Republic of China (orthographic projection)

卑南遺址人獸形玉玦

Tainan Taiwan Fort-Zeelandia-01

Tainan Taiwan Confucius-Temple-06

Taiwan is an island located in East Asia, off the southeastern coast of China, across the Taiwan Strait. It is the largest island of the Republic of China (ROC), which has governed Taiwan since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. The capital of Taiwan is Taipei, which is also one of its largest cities along with Kaohsiung. Taiwan is known for its modern cities, traditional Chinese temples, hot springs resorts, and dramatic mountainous terrain.

History

The history of Taiwan dates back thousands of years to the settlement of indigenous peoples. In the 17th century, the island was colonized by the Dutch East India Company and the Spanish Empire, before being annexed by the Qing Dynasty of China in 1683. Following the First Sino-Japanese War in 1895, Taiwan was ceded to Japan, and it remained under Japanese rule until the end of World War II in 1945. After the war, Taiwan was returned to China. However, following the defeat of the Kuomintang (KMT) by the Communist Party of China in the Chinese Civil War, the KMT government retreated to Taiwan and established the ROC there in 1949.

Geography

Taiwan is characterized by rugged mountains in the east, with the highest peak being Yushan (Jade Mountain), which is also the tallest mountain in Northeast Asia. The western part of Taiwan features plains that are home to the majority of the island's population. Taiwan's climate is marine tropical in the south and subtropical in the north, leading to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Economy

Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy with gradually decreasing government guidance of investment and foreign trade. In keeping with this trend, some large government-owned banks and industrial firms are being privatized. The economy is dominated by small and medium-sized businesses in the technology sector, particularly in electronics and information technology. Taiwan is a major producer of computer chips, LCD panels, DRAM memory, networking equipment, and consumer electronics, making it a critical player in the global supply chain.

Politics

The political status of Taiwan is a contentious issue. The People's Republic of China (PRC) claims Taiwan as part of its territory under its "One China" principle, while the ROC has its own government, military, and constitution. The ROC has not formally declared independence as a separate state, leading to a complex international status where its sovereignty is recognized by a small number of countries. Taiwan operates as a multi-party democratic regime with a president as the head of state and a premier as the head of government.

Culture

Taiwanese culture is a hybrid blend, incorporating elements from the indigenous cultures, Chinese heritage, Japanese influence during the colonial period, and Western values. The island is renowned for its vibrant street food scene and night markets, such as the famous Shilin Night Market in Taipei. Traditional arts, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, and folk religions, coexist with modern entertainment, such as pop music and cinema. The official language is Mandarin Chinese, though other languages such as Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka, and indigenous languages are also spoken.

Education and Science

Taiwan has a highly regarded education system, with a strong emphasis on science and technology in response to the demands of its high-tech economy. The island is home to several prestigious universities and research institutions that have contributed to breakthroughs in various fields, including semiconductor manufacturing and information technology.

Tourism

Tourism in Taiwan is supported by a rich mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and modern attractions. Popular destinations include the Taroko Gorge, the scenic Sun Moon Lake, the historical town of Tainan, and the bustling metropolis of Taipei, which is home to the Taipei 101 skyscraper, one of the tallest buildings in the world.