Taiwan

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is an island nation in East Asia off the southeastern coast of the People’s Republic of China. It covers about 36,000 square kilometers and has a population of roughly 23 to 24 million. The terrain includes rugged mountains in the east and broad plains in the west, with major cities along the western coast such as Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.

Taiwan's history includes Indigenous peoples, Dutch and Spanish colonial periods, Qing rule, and Japanese colonial era from 1895 to 1945. After the Chinese Civil War, the ROC government relocated to Taiwan in 1949. Since the 1980s, Taiwan has transitioned to a multi-party democracy with regular elections.

Today Taiwan operates as a self-governing democracy under the ROC constitution, with its own government, military, and administrative system. The president is head of state and the premier leads the cabinet; legislative authority is vested in a unicameral Legislative Yuan. Administratively, the island comprises six special municipalities and several counties and cities. Diplomatic recognition is limited, but Taiwan maintains extensive unofficial ties and participates in some international organizations under the name Chinese Taipei.

Economic development is driven by manufacturing, information technology, and services. Taiwan is a global leader in semiconductors, with TSMC among the world’s largest chipmakers, supported by a dense network of suppliers. Other major sectors include electronics, machinery, petrochemicals, and finance.

Mandarin is the predominant language, with significant use of Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka, and recognition of Indigenous languages. Cultural life blends Chinese, Indigenous, and Japanese influences, reflected in education, cuisine, festivals, and religious practices. Urban centers contrast with rural areas and vibrant local communities.