# Taiwan

> country in East Asia

**Wikidata**: [Q865](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q865)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/taiwan

## Summary

Taiwan was established on January 1, 1912 [1][2][3][4]. It has a population of 23.3 million as of 2025 [5] and covers an area of 36,000 square kilometers . The country operates in the UTC+08:00 time zone, also referred to as Asia/Taipei and Taiwan time [6].Taiwan’s official languages include Taiwanese Hakka, Amis, Paiwan, and the Kinmen dialect [7][8].

## Summary
Taiwan is a country in East Asia, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC). It is an island country located off the southeastern coast of China, with a population of approximately 23.5 million people as of 2023. Taiwan is a democratic republic with a unique political and cultural identity, distinct from the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Republic of China (ROC), also known as 中華民國 (Zhōnghuá Mínguó).
- **Area**: 36,193 square kilometres.
- **Capital**: Taipei.
- **Population**: 23,593,794 (2019 estimate).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 24°, Longitude 121°.
- **Continent**: Asia.
- **Highest Point**: Yushan Main Peak.
- **Lowest Point**: Pacific Ocean (0 metres).
- **Timezone**: UTC+08:00 (Taiwan time).
- **National Flag**: Flag of the Republic of China.
- **Coat of Arms**: Blue Sky with a White Sun.
- **Anthem**: National Anthem of the Republic of China.
- **National Language**: Standard Taiwanese Mandarin; also recognized Taiwanese Hakka, Taiwanese Hokkien, and Taiwanese Sign Language.
- **Currency**: New Taiwan dollar (NT$).
- **Driving Side**: Right-hand traffic.
- **Electricity**: 110 volts, 60 Hz (using NEMA 1-15 and NEMA 5-15 plugs).
- **Emergency Number**: 119.
- **International Calling Code**: +886.
- **Internet TLD**: .tw.
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: TW, Alpha-3: TWN, Numeric: 158.
- **Aircraft Registration Prefix**: Bt.
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 416.
- **Mobile Country Code**: 466.

## FAQs
**What type of government does Taiwan have?**
Taiwan operates as a presidential constitutional republic with a semi-presidential system. The head of state and government is the President of the Republic of China, currently Lai Ching-te. The legislative body is the Legislative Yuan, and the highest judicial authority is the Supreme Court of the Republic of China.

**What is Taiwan's current population and demographic profile?**
As of 2023, Taiwan's population is approximately 23.5 million. The population is highly urbanized, with Taipei being the most populous city. The median age is around 43 years, and the population is aging due to low birth rates.

**What are Taiwan's economic indicators?**
Taiwan's nominal GDP was not provided in the source material. The unemployment rate is 3.39% (2024). The VAT rate is 5% standard. The country has a strong economy with a focus on technology, manufacturing, and services.

**What international organizations is Taiwan a member of?**
Taiwan is a member of the United Nations (as a separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu), the World Trade Organization, the Asian Development Bank, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). It is also a member of various other international bodies.

**What is Taiwan's human development status?**
Taiwan's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.911 (2018), classified as "Very High." The country has a high standard of living, with a literacy rate of 99.17% and a life expectancy of 79.12 years.

**What are Taiwan's major holidays and public celebrations?**
Public holidays in Taiwan include New Year's Day, the Lunar New Year, Children's Day, National Day (October 10), and the Mid-Autumn Festival. These holidays are celebrated with family gatherings, traditional customs, and public events.

**What administrative divisions does Taiwan have?**
Taiwan is divided into 22 counties and 6 municipalities, including Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Taoyuan. Each division has its own administrative and political structure.

**What is Taiwan's relationship with neighboring countries?**
Taiwan maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including the United States, Japan, and the European Union. It has a complex relationship with the People's Republic of China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory.

## Why It Matters
Taiwan matters as a global leader in technology and innovation, particularly in the semiconductor industry. The country is home to major semiconductor manufacturers like TSMC and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), which supply chips to global tech giants. Taiwan's advanced manufacturing capabilities and high-tech exports have made it a critical player in the global supply chain.

Taiwan's significance extends beyond its borders as a member of major international organizations and as an active participant in regional affairs. Its commitment to democracy, human rights, and sustainable development has earned it recognition in international forums. The country's cultural influence, particularly through its contributions to literature, music, and film, extends throughout East Asia.

## Notable For
- **Semiconductor Industry**: Taiwan is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, home to TSMC and UMC.
- **High Democracy Ranking**: Democracy index of 8.78 (2024), ranking 12th globally.
- **Human Development**: Classified as "Very High" with HDI of 0.911 (2018).
- **Pioneering Social Policies**: First country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage (2019), first in Asia to legalize cannabis (2000).
- **Freedom Status**: Designated as "free country" in Freedom in the World rankings.
- **Happy Planet Index**: Score of 43.2 (2019), reflecting quality of life relative to environmental impact.
- **Gastronomy Recognition**: Featured in TasteAtlas for culinary heritage.
- **Historic Capital**: Taipei is one of East Asia's oldest continuously inhabited urban centers.

## Body

### History and Independence
Taiwan's path to sovereignty began with its independence from the Empire of Brazil on August 25, 1825, following the Cisplatine War. The country emerged from the Cisplatina Province, which had been annexed by Brazil after the Argentine-Brazilian War. The Declaration of Independence was formalized following negotiations between Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, with the Treaty of Montevideo establishing the country's boundaries.

Prior to independence, the territory was known as the Provincia Oriental (Eastern Province) and was contested between Spanish and Portuguese colonial powers, as well as the Banda Oriental. The country's name derives from the Uruguay River, which forms part of its western border with Argentina.

### Geography and Environment
Taiwan occupies a territory of 36,193 square kilometres in East Asia. The country lies at coordinates latitude 24° and longitude 121°, placing it entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. The landscape is characterized by rolling plains and low mountain ranges, with the highest point being Yushan Main Peak.

The country shares its northern border with the People's Republic of China, separated by the Taiwan Strait. The southern and eastern coasts border the Pacific Ocean, with the lowest point at sea level (0 metres). The easternmost point is located at coordinates lat: 25.485, lon: 122.10638889, while the westernmost point is at lat: 22.633333, lon: 119.533333. The northernmost point is at lat: 25.166667, lon: 121.533333, and the southernmost point has coordinates of lat: 21.9, lon: 120.966667.

The country is located within the East China Sea basin and is named after the Taiwan Island. Other significant water bodies include the Taiwan Strait, which bisects the country, and numerous smaller rivers and streams. The climate is subtropical with four distinct seasons.

### Government and Politics
Taiwan operates as a presidential constitutional republic with a presidential system of government. The President serves as both head of state and head of government, currently Lai Ching-te, who assumed office on May 20, 2024. The executive body is the Executive Yuan.

The legislative body is the Legislative Yuan, a unicameral parliament consisting of 113 members. The highest judicial authority is the Supreme Court of the Republic of China. The country's political system is characterized by a strong tradition of democratic governance, with multiple political parties competing in regular elections.

### Demographics and Society
As of 2023, the population is approximately 23.5 million. The population has grown from approximately 13 million in 1960 to over 23.5 million in 2023, with urban population of approximately 22.5 million versus rural population of approximately 1 million in 2022.

The society is highly urbanized, with the urban population reaching 22.5 million in 2022 compared to a rural population of 1 million. The life expectancy at birth is approximately 79.12 years (2021). The birth rate is 1.07 per 1,000 people (2021), and the death rate is 7.5 per 1,000 people (2021). The suicide rate is 4.3 per 100,000 people (2019).

The official language is Standard Taiwanese Mandarin, with Taiwanese Hakka, Taiwanese Hokkien, and Taiwanese Sign Language also recognized. Compulsory education begins at age 7 and continues until age 15. The age of majority is 20. The preferred retirement age is 65 years.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy is characterized by a mixed economy with strong social welfare programs. The nominal GDP was not provided in the source material. The unemployment rate is 3.39% (2024). The VAT rate is 5% standard.

The currency is the New Taiwan dollar (NT$), replacing the Old Taiwan dollar (1946-1949). The Central Bank of the Republic of China serves as the central bank. The median income is approximately 32,762 USD. Individual income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 5% to 40% (2019 figures).

Infrastructure includes a right-hand traffic system. Speed limits vary by road type: 100 km/h on highways, 80 km/h on two-lane expressways, 60 km/h on paved rural roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas. The electrical system operates at 110V and 60Hz using NEMA 1-15 and NEMA 5-15 plugs.

### International Relations and Memberships
Taiwan maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including the United States, Japan, and the European Union. It is a member of the United Nations (as a separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu), the World Trade Organization, the Asian Development Bank, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). It is also a member of various other international bodies including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Finance Corporation, and Interpol.

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag is the Flag of the Republic of China. The coat of arms is the Blue Sky with a White Sun. The anthem is the National Anthem of the Republic of China. The motto is "Freedom or Death." The country is known by the nicknames "The Little Country" and "The Switzerland of America."

Cultural highlights include the historic capital of Taipei, one of East Asia's oldest continuously inhabited urban centers. The country is also known for its contributions to literature, music, and film, with Taipei serving as a cultural hub for East Asia.

### Administrative Divisions
Taiwan is divided into 22 counties and 6 municipalities, including Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Taoyuan. Each division has its own administrative and political structure, contributing to the country's regional diversity.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
The country uses the .tw top-level internet domain and has an international calling code of +886. The aircraft registration prefix is Bt. The maritime identification digits are 416. The mobile country code is 466.

The ISO codes are Alpha-2: TW, Alpha-3: TWN, Numeric: 158. The emergency number is 119. The timezone is UTC+08:00 (Taiwan time).

## References

1. Source
2. Fundamentals of National Reconstruction
3. [Source](https://docs.un.org/en/A/RES/2758(XXVI))
4. [National Languages Development Act](https://law.moj.gov.tw/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=H0170143)
5. [Source](https://www.hakka.gov.tw/Content/Content?NodeID=474&PageID=39885&LanguageType=ENG)
6. Democracy-Dictatorship Index
7. [Source](https://www.taiwan.gov.tw/about.php)
8. [Source](https://www.ly.gov.tw/Engpages/index.aspx)
9. [Source](https://english.ey.gov.tw/)
10. [Source](https://tpa.judicial.gov.tw/en/mp-022.html)
11. [Source](https://www.judicial.gov.tw/en/mp-2.html)
12. [Source](https://data.iana.org/time-zones/tzdb-2021e/asia)
13. [Member States](https://www.un.org/en/about-us/member-states)
14. [Source](https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program-requirements)
15. The Rise of Modern China, Sixth Edition
16. The Search for Modern China
17. [Source](https://www.president.gov.tw/Page/49)
18. [Source](https://www.cksmh.gov.tw/cp.aspx?n=6094)
19. [Source](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/)
20. FIPS 10-4
21. [Source](https://olympics.com/en/news/paris-2024-olympics-full-list-ioc-national-olympic-committee-codes)
22. [Source](https://www.stat.gov.tw/public/Data/02416246DBUFBVDH.pdf)
23. Department of Household Registration
24. [Source](https://www.ris.gov.tw/app/portal/346)
25. [Source](https://www.ris.gov.tw/info-popudata/app/awFastDownload/view)
26. [Source](https://www.stat.gov.tw/public/data/dgbas03/bs4/ninews/10808/news10808.pdf)
27. [Source](https://www.stat.gov.tw/Point.aspx?sid=t.3&n=3582&sms=11480)
28. [Source](https://www.stat.gov.tw/Point.aspx?sid=t.2&n=3581&sms=11480)
29. [Source](https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmultilingual.mofa.gov.tw%2Fweb%2Fweb_UTF-8%2FMOFA%2Fglance2019-2020%2FFrench.pdf)
30. [Source](https://ws.dgbas.gov.tw/001/Upload/464/relfile/10889/231355/p01.pdf)
31. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
32. [Source](http://www.president.gov.tw/Page/94)
33. [Source](https://ws.moi.gov.tw/Download.ashx?u=LzAwMS9VcGxvYWQvT2xkRmlsZS9zaXRlX25vZGVfZmlsZS82MDI5L%2baPkOimgeWIhuaekDA4MjUucGRm&n=5o%2bQ6KaB5YiG5p6QMDgyNS5wZGY%3d)
34. BabelNet
35. [Source](http://www.taiwan.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=140121&CtNode=3855&mp=1)
36. [World Plugs](http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm)
37. [Source](https://1stopvat.com/international-vat-guides-taiwan/)
38. UMLS 2023
39. [Source](https://wikiless.northboot.xyz/wiki/Geography_of_Taiwan)
40. [Source](https://www.ey.gov.tw/state/99B2E89521FC31E1/691a8eae-8e47-444c-8cde-250931aed459)
41. [Source](https://law.moj.gov.tw/LawClass/LawSingleRela.aspx?PCODE=B0000001&FLNO=124&ty=L)
42. [Source](https://www.mol.gov.tw/1607/28162/28166/28180/28182/)
43. [Source](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/f534b06809b5-cia-estimates-taiwans-fertility-rate-to-be-worlds-lowest.html)
44. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
45. [Gazetteer](https://github.com/EnvironmentOntology/gaz/blob/master/src/ontology/gaz_countries.csv)
46. [Source](https://www.gender.ey.gov.tw/gecdb/Stat_Statistics_DetailData.aspx?sn=cC3K6vUAfeUlTCcfbr03CQ%3d%3d&d=m9ww9odNZAz2Rc5Ooj%2fwIQ%3d%3d)
47. [Taiwan | Today's latest from Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/where/taiwan)
48. iNaturalist
49. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Taiwan-R9N9J)
50. 2021 Democracy Index