last edited Dec 11, 2019
Introduction to Taiwan
Location Map of Taiwan
Taiwan
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Quick Overview
Taiwan is an elongated island stretching from south to north, dominated in the east by a long range of rugged mountains that occupy two-thirds of the country and reach nearly 4,000 metres in altitude. This range softens towards the west, forming fertile plains along the coasts. It is here that the cities are concentrated. As a result, the island has one of the highest population densities in the world, with 650 inhabitants per km².
Key Facts
- Type of place: country.
- Location: on the Tropic of Cancer, 150 km southeast of China.
- Latitude/longitude: 25°01' N, 121°28' E.
- Local time:
- Capital: Taipei.
- Nature of the state: semi-presidential republic.
- Official language: Mandarin.
- Currency: New Taiwan dollar.
- Population: 23,545,963 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 36,191 km².
- Density: 650 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point:
- Lowest point: sea level.
- Coastline:
- Driving: on the right.
Tourism
Primarily known for its economic power and modernity, this island, still in "conflict" with its Chinese neighbour, also offers a wilder, more natural side, with indigenous minorities whose traditions remain very much alive. In short, an unexpected aspect for many potential visitors.
Each year, Taiwan now welcomes over 10 million visitors (11.067 million in 2018), half of whom come from mainland China, as well as from Japan, South Korea, the United States, Malaysia, Singapore, and more.
Travel Essentials
- Destination: for beginner travellers.
- By air: France-Taipei.
- Entry requirements: passport valid for at least 6 months after the entry date.
- Currency to bring:
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best period for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation-holidays /.
Useful Addresses
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": (rank in )
- GDP per capita: $50,500 (2017)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +1.1% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 3.8% (2017)
- Population below the poverty line: 1.5% (2012)
- Life expectancy: 80.4 years (2017)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: +0.9 (2017)
- Population growth: +0.15% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 98.5% (2016)
- Urban population: 78.2% (2018)
- Press freedom: 42/180 (rank in 2018)
- Political regime: flawed democracy (32/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook