Country	Taiwan
Capital	Taipei
Continent	Asia
Currency	New Taiwan dollar(TWD)
Languages	Standard Chinese, Hokkien, Hakka, Formosan languages & Fuzhou dialect

Locaion

Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China

Geographic Co ordinates

23 30 N, 121 00 E

Land Boundries

0 km

Geography - note

strategic location adjacent to both the Taiwan Strait and the Luzon Strait

Population

23,024,956 (July 2010 est.)
Country comparison to the world:49

Nationality

Noun:Taiwan (singular and plural)
note: example - he or she is from Taiwan; they are from Taiwan
Adjective:Taiwan

Ethnic groups

Taiwanese (including Hakka) 84%, mainland Chinese 14%, indigenous 2%

Religions

mixture of Buddhist and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other 2.5%

Languages

Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects

Country Name

Conventional long form:none
Conventional short form:Taiwan
Local long form:none
Local short form:T'ai-wan
Former:Formosa

Government Type

multiparty democracy

Capital

Name:Taipei
Geographic coordinates:25 03 N, 121 30 E
Time difference:UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions

includes main island of Taiwan plus smaller islands nearby and off coast of China's Fujian Province; Taiwan is divided into 18 counties (hsien, singular and plural), 5 municipalities (shih, singular and plural), and 2 special municipalities (chih-hsia-shih, singular and plural)
note: Taiwan uses a variety of romanization systems; while a modified Wade-Giles system still dominates, the city of Taipei has adopted a Pinyin romanization for street and place names within its boundaries; other local authorities use different romanization systems; names for administrative divisions that follow are taken from the Taiwan Yearbook 2007 published by the Government Information Office in Taipei.
counties: Changhua, Chiayi [county], Hsinchu [county], Hualien, Kaohsiung [county], Kinmen, Lienchiang, Miaoli, Nantou, Penghu, Pingtung, Taichung [county], Tainan [county], Taipei [county], Taitung, Taoyuan, Yilan, and Yunlin
municipalities: Chiayi [city], Hsinchu [city], Keelung, Taichung [city], Tainan [city]
special municipalities: Kaohsiung [city], Taipei [city]

National Holiday

Republic Day (Anniversary of the Chinese Revolution), 10 October (1911)

Constitution

adopted on 25 December 1946; promulgated on 1 January 1947; effective 25 December 1947; amended numerous times

Legal system

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage

20 years of age; universal

Executive branch

Chief of state: President MA Ying-jeou (since 20 May 2008); Vice President Vincent SIEW (since 20 May 2008)
Head of government:Premier (President of the Executive Yuan) WU Den-yih (since 10 September 2009); Vice Premier (Vice President of Executive Yuan) Sean CHEN (since 17 May 2010)
Cabinet:Executive Yuan - (ministers appointed by president on recommendation of premier)
(For more information visit the World Leaders website)
Elections:president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 March 2008 (next to be held in March 2012); premier appointed by the president; vice premiers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the premier
Election results:MA Ying-jeou elected president; percent of vote - MA Ying-jeou 58.45%, Frank HSIEH 41.55%

Legislative branch

unicameral Legislative Yuan (113 seats - 73 district members elected by popular vote, 34 at-large members elected on basis of proportion of islandwide votes received by participating political parties, 6 elected by popular vote among aboriginal populations; members to serve four-year terms); parties must receive 5% of vote to qualify for at-large seats
Elections:Legislative Yuan - last held on 12 January 2008 (next to be held in December 2011 or January 2012)
Election results:Legislative Yuan - percent of vote by party - KMT 53.5%, DPP 38.2%, NPSU 2.4%, PFP 0.3%, others 1.6%, independents 4%; seats by party - KMT 81, DPP 27, NPSU 3, PFP 1, independent 1; note - seats by party as of April 2010 - KMT 74, DPP 33, NPSU 1, PFP 1, independent 2

Judicial branch

Judicial Yuan (justices appointed by the president with consent of the Legislative Yuan)

Political Parties and Leaders

Democratic Progressive Party or DPP [TSAI Ing-wen]; Kuomintang or KMT (Nationalist Party) [MA Ying-jeou]; Non-Partisan Solidarity Union or NPSU [LIN Pin-kuan]; People First Party or PFP [James SOONG]

Political pressure groups and leaders

environmental groups; independence movement; various business groups
note: debate on Taiwan independence has become acceptable within the mainstream of domestic politics on Taiwan; political liberalization and the increased representation of opposition parties in Taiwan's legislature have opened public debate on the island's national identity; a broad public consensus has developed that the government enjoys popular sovereignty and - whatever the ultimate outcome regarding unification or independence - that Taiwan's people must have the deciding voice; public opinion polls consistently show a substantial majority of Taiwan people supports maintaining Taiwan's status quo for the foreseeable future; advocates of Taiwan independence oppose the stand that the island will eventually unify with mainland China; goals of the Taiwan independence movement include establishing a sovereign nation on Taiwan and entering the UN; advocates of eventual unification predicate their goal on the democratic transformation of the mainland

International organization participation

ADB, APEC, BCIE, ICC, IOC, ITUC, WFTU, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US

none; commercial and cultural relations with the people in the United States are maintained through an unofficial instrumentality, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO), a private nonprofit corporation that performs citizen and consular services similar to those at diplomatic posts
representative: Jason C. YUAN
office: 4201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] 202 895-1800
Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices (branch offices): Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Guam, Houston, Honolulu, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

Diplomatic representation from the US

none; commercial and cultural relations with the people on Taiwan are maintained through an unofficial instrumentality, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a private nonprofit corporation that performs citizen and consular services similar to those at diplomatic posts
director: William A. STANTON
office: #7 Lane 134, Hsin Yi Road, Section 3, Taipei, Taiwan
telephone: [1] [886] (02) 2162-2000
FAX: [1] [886] (07) 238-7744
other offices: Kaohsiung

Flag description

red field with a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white sun with 12 triangular rays

Video

View Larger Map

Government - Government - Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry Of Education
Newspapers - Sina Taipei Times Taiwan News The Central News Agency The China Post
                             The Taiwan Economic News Apple Daily China Times Epochtimes
                             Liberty Times Merit Times Taipei Soir Taiwan Info UDN.com
Tourism -         Ministry Of Tourism

Google News

China defends patrols east of Taiwan after three European nations raise alarm - The HinduChina defends patrols east of Taiwan after three European nations raise alarm  The Hindu China defends Taiwan east coast patrols after Europe raises alarm - India TodayChina defends Taiwan east coast patrols after Europe raises alarm  India Today China rejects US, European 'concerns' over its legitimate Taiwan island patrols - Global TimesChina rejects US, European 'concerns' over its legitimate Taiwan island patrols  Global Times Senior US diplomat says Taiwan arms sale does not hinge on China - ThePrintSenior US diplomat says Taiwan arms sale does not hinge on China  ThePrint A Taiwan Crisis and America’s Industrial Base - The Diplomat – Asia-PacificA Taiwan Crisis and America’s Industrial Base  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific China Warns Trump Over Taiwan as Beijing Slams U.S. Allies for ‘Crossing the Line’ - The Times of IndiaChina Warns Trump Over Taiwan as Beijing Slams U.S. Allies for ‘Crossing the Line’  The Times of India How can Indians invest in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan markets? Key risks and tax rules explained - MintHow can Indians invest in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan markets? Key risks and tax rules explained  Mint Tibet–Taiwan Roundtable in Geneva Highlights Human Rights, Democracy, and Regional Security Concerns - Central Tibetan AdministrationTibet–Taiwan Roundtable in Geneva Highlights Human Rights, Democracy, and Regional Security Concerns  Central Tibetan Administration The Weight of US Ideological Control in Taiwan - Tricontinental: Institute for Social ResearchThe Weight of US Ideological Control in Taiwan  Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research Qatar Signs Crude Deal With Taiwan as Gulf Oil Trade Recovers - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.comQatar Signs Crude Deal With Taiwan as Gulf Oil Trade Recovers  Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com Taiwan stocks lower at close of trade; Taiwan Weighted down 1.34% - Investing.comTaiwan stocks lower at close of trade; Taiwan Weighted down 1.34%  Investing.com China’s dilemma over Taiwan - The TribuneChina’s dilemma over Taiwan  The Tribune Taiwan’s defence deadlock is weakening deterrence - East Asia ForumTaiwan’s defence deadlock is weakening deterrence  East Asia Forum China's ethnic unity law sparks fears of cross-border repression targeting Taiwan - ANI NewsChina's ethnic unity law sparks fears of cross-border repression targeting Taiwan  ANI News China's import of custard apples is sparking fears in Taiwan - BBCChina's import of custard apples is sparking fears in Taiwan  BBC Heavy rains from nearby typhoon pound Taiwan, 200 to be evacuated on east coast - ReutersHeavy rains from nearby typhoon pound Taiwan, 200 to be evacuated on east coast  Reuters China’s Assertions of Authority Over Foreign Ships Near Taiwan Draw U.S. Rebuke - WSJChina’s Assertions of Authority Over Foreign Ships Near Taiwan Draw U.S. Rebuke  WSJ 300 Taiwanese firms invested $5.7bn in India, generated 2.14lakh jobs: TECC - WION300 Taiwanese firms invested $5.7bn in India, generated 2.14lakh jobs: TECC  WION Taiwan Brings New Animated Projects and a Whole Lot of Music to Annecy - VarietyTaiwan Brings New Animated Projects and a Whole Lot of Music to Annecy  Variety What The U.S. Must Do To Save Taiwan From China’s Clutches - ForbesWhat The U.S. Must Do To Save Taiwan From China’s Clutches  Forbes Four countries try to team up to back 'Taiwan independence'? Not a chance: Global Times editorial - Global TimesFour countries try to team up to back 'Taiwan independence'? Not a chance: Global Times editorial  Global Times Taiwan’s supercomputers make it to the TOP500 list - Taipei TimesTaiwan’s supercomputers make it to the TOP500 list  Taipei Times Taiwan Drill Simulates Maritime ‘Quarantine’ by Chinese Forces - BloombergTaiwan Drill Simulates Maritime ‘Quarantine’ by Chinese Forces  Bloomberg US says China trying to discourage states, businesses from engaging with Taiwan - ReutersUS says China trying to discourage states, businesses from engaging with Taiwan  Reuters Taiwan Drill Simulates Maritime ‘Quarantine’ by Chinese Forces - Taipei TimesTaiwan Drill Simulates Maritime ‘Quarantine’ by Chinese Forces  Taipei Times China Defends Patrols Near Taiwan After European Powers Raise Alarm - Outlook IndiaChina Defends Patrols Near Taiwan After European Powers Raise Alarm  Outlook India From Hormuz to Taiwan: Why It’s Worth Revisiting Ratzel - SLDinfo.comFrom Hormuz to Taiwan: Why It’s Worth Revisiting Ratzel  SLDinfo.com Nightfood Signs LOI to Acquire 51% of Taiwan Semiconductor Automation Manufacturer - TradingViewNightfood Signs LOI to Acquire 51% of Taiwan Semiconductor Automation Manufacturer  TradingView US Congress welcomes Taiwan's parliamentary leader to Washington, affirms support for the island - AP NewsUS Congress welcomes Taiwan's parliamentary leader to Washington, affirms support for the island  AP News Taiwan thanks US for warning to governors - Taipei TimesTaiwan thanks US for warning to governors  Taipei Times US lawmakers vow support for Taiwan - Taipei TimesUS lawmakers vow support for Taiwan  Taipei Times Funds available to other European countries: MOFA - Taipei TimesFunds available to other European countries: MOFA  Taipei Times China’s Maritime Moves Around Taiwan Trigger US & Europe Alarm Over Regional Stability - WIONChina’s Maritime Moves Around Taiwan Trigger US & Europe Alarm Over Regional Stability  WION Taiwan simulates countering a Chinese maritime blockade in tabletop drill - ReutersTaiwan simulates countering a Chinese maritime blockade in tabletop drill  Reuters Taiwan says warning time for any China attack is shortening - ReutersTaiwan says warning time for any China attack is shortening  Reuters AEPC Seeks India–Taiwan MMF Partnership - Maritime GatewayAEPC Seeks India–Taiwan MMF Partnership  Maritime Gateway Welcome to the Luxury City Built by Taiwan’s A.I. Boom - The New York TimesWelcome to the Luxury City Built by Taiwan’s A.I. Boom  The New York Times Cabinet proposes tax relief for families - Taipei TimesCabinet proposes tax relief for families  Taipei Times China always opposes any form of official exchanges between US, Taiwan region, FM says on claims that Chinese embassy dissuades US states, businesses from engaging with island - Global TimesChina always opposes any form of official exchanges between US, Taiwan region, FM says on claims that Chinese embassy dissuades US states, businesses from engaging with island  Global Times Taiwan begins 5-day military drill with tanks patrolling streets - AP NewsTaiwan begins 5-day military drill with tanks patrolling streets  AP News M1A2T Abrams tanks deployed in combat readiness drill - Focus TaiwanM1A2T Abrams tanks deployed in combat readiness drill  Focus Taiwan Trump backs ‘Six Assurances’ to Taiwan but no arms sale timeline: US diplomat - South China Morning PostTrump backs ‘Six Assurances’ to Taiwan but no arms sale timeline: US diplomat  South China Morning Post China rebuffs European claims its Taiwan activity threatens regional stability - TRT WorldChina rebuffs European claims its Taiwan activity threatens regional stability  TRT World A thousand years old and 20 storeys high: tracking down Taiwan’s tallest trees - The GuardianA thousand years old and 20 storeys high: tracking down Taiwan’s tallest trees  The Guardian Taiwan international dilemma 'like being able to date but not marry': Speaker Han - Focus TaiwanTaiwan international dilemma 'like being able to date but not marry': Speaker Han  Focus Taiwan China angered, Taiwan cheered by Western allies' alarm over Chinese Coast Guard activities - ReutersChina angered, Taiwan cheered by Western allies' alarm over Chinese Coast Guard activities  Reuters AI still driving business confidence - Taipei TimesAI still driving business confidence  Taipei Times US Diplomacy and the Taiwan Arms Sale Dilemma - DevdiscourseUS Diplomacy and the Taiwan Arms Sale Dilemma  Devdiscourse Taiwan launches national AI strategy committee - Digital Watch ObservatoryTaiwan launches national AI strategy committee  Digital Watch Observatory Taiwan’s AI ambitions are colliding with entry-level reality - Taipei TimesTaiwan’s AI ambitions are colliding with entry-level reality  Taipei Times How China’s Navy Is Tightening the Noose on Taiwan - WSJHow China’s Navy Is Tightening the Noose on Taiwan  WSJ China's new 'ethnic unity' law raises legal risk concerns in Taiwan - Focus TaiwanChina's new 'ethnic unity' law raises legal risk concerns in Taiwan  Focus Taiwan U.S. Arms Sale to Taiwan Unlinked to China Talks - DevdiscourseU.S. Arms Sale to Taiwan Unlinked to China Talks  Devdiscourse Beijing slams US, European concerns over coastguard patrols near Taiwan - South China Morning PostBeijing slams US, European concerns over coastguard patrols near Taiwan  South China Morning Post China commends Honduras for rejecting Taiwan's false claims, reaffirming one-China principle as international consensus: FM - Global TimesChina commends Honduras for rejecting Taiwan's false claims, reaffirming one-China principle as international consensus: FM  Global Times Scenic Jiji Line resumes full services after 4 years - Taipei TimesScenic Jiji Line resumes full services after 4 years  Taipei Times Taiwanese Whisky in 2026: Why Kavalan Isn’t the Only One Anymore - The Whiskey WashTaiwanese Whisky in 2026: Why Kavalan Isn’t the Only One Anymore  The Whiskey Wash US, UK, France, Germany raise alarm about Chinese patrols off eastern Taiwan - ReutersUS, UK, France, Germany raise alarm about Chinese patrols off eastern Taiwan  Reuters Taiwan Budget Calls for $6.6B for Attack Drones, Unmanned Surface Vessels - USNI NewsTaiwan Budget Calls for $6.6B for Attack Drones, Unmanned Surface Vessels  USNI News Heavy rain triggers flooding across Taiwan - Focus TaiwanHeavy rain triggers flooding across Taiwan  Focus Taiwan China's 'law enforcement' in waters east of Taiwan draws pushback - Nikkei AsiaChina's 'law enforcement' in waters east of Taiwan draws pushback  Nikkei Asia Historic ceremony marks 1st Jewish burial in Taiwan following opening of Jewish cemetery - YnetnewsHistoric ceremony marks 1st Jewish burial in Taiwan following opening of Jewish cemetery  Ynetnews Agencies warn of major floods - Taipei TimesAgencies warn of major floods  Taipei Times Lai reiterates self-defense resolve, says China altering regional status quo - Focus TaiwanLai reiterates self-defense resolve, says China altering regional status quo  Focus Taiwan Inspired by Ukraine, and worried by China: Taiwan teaches its citizens how to fly drones - The GuardianInspired by Ukraine, and worried by China: Taiwan teaches its citizens how to fly drones  The Guardian TAIWAN – UNITED STATES Direct flights between Taipei and Washington, on the semiconductor route - AsiaNews.itTAIWAN – UNITED STATES Direct flights between Taipei and Washington, on the semiconductor route  AsiaNews.it Taiwan funds accessible to other European nations besides Lithuania: MOFA - Focus TaiwanTaiwan funds accessible to other European nations besides Lithuania: MOFA  Focus Taiwan TAIWAN – UNITED STATES Direct lights between Taipei and Washington, on the semiconductor route - AsiaNews.itTAIWAN – UNITED STATES Direct lights between Taipei and Washington, on the semiconductor route  AsiaNews.it China's new ethnic unity law vague: MAC - Focus TaiwanChina's new ethnic unity law vague: MAC  Focus Taiwan Bad News and Good News for Taiwan - RealClearDefenseBad News and Good News for Taiwan  RealClearDefense China’s newest aircraft carrier sails through the Taiwan Strait - AP NewsChina’s newest aircraft carrier sails through the Taiwan Strait  AP News Strong Earnings Demonstrate Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited’s (TSM) Key Role in The AI-Capex Cycle - Insider MonkeyStrong Earnings Demonstrate Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited’s (TSM) Key Role in The AI-Capex Cycle  Insider Monkey Taiwanese mangoes enter U.K. market, draw praise from local consumers - Focus TaiwanTaiwanese mangoes enter U.K. market, draw praise from local consumers  Focus Taiwan Senior US diplomat says Taiwan arms sale does not hinge on China - InternazionaleSenior US diplomat says Taiwan arms sale does not hinge on China  Internazionale ‘Salami slicing’: How China is trying to increase control in the Pacific - CNN‘Salami slicing’: How China is trying to increase control in the Pacific  CNN Tropical storm causes flight changes between Taiwan, Okinawa Friday - Focus TaiwanTropical storm causes flight changes between Taiwan, Okinawa Friday  Focus Taiwan UK, Germany and France express concern over Chinese actions east of Taiwan - AP NewsUK, Germany and France express concern over Chinese actions east of Taiwan  AP News Allies in Taipei condemn Chinese drills off eastern Taiwan - Taipei TimesAllies in Taipei condemn Chinese drills off eastern Taiwan  Taipei Times Middle East oil boost gathers pace as Qatar cranks up activity, sells to Asia - Taipei TimesMiddle East oil boost gathers pace as Qatar cranks up activity, sells to Asia  Taipei Times Taiwan's legislative leader visits Phoenix to see why companies are choosing Arizona - The Business JournalsTaiwan's legislative leader visits Phoenix to see why companies are choosing Arizona  The Business Journals Taiwan business sentiment rises across major sectors in May - Focus TaiwanTaiwan business sentiment rises across major sectors in May  Focus Taiwan Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun’s Regular Press Conference on June 25, 2026 - ??????Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun’s Regular Press Conference on June 25, 2026  ?????? Taiwan to impose stiff penalties on e-cigarettes to curb drug use - Nikkei AsiaTaiwan to impose stiff penalties on e-cigarettes to curb drug use  Nikkei Asia Taiwan’s opposition leader faced a tough crowd in America - The EconomistTaiwan’s opposition leader faced a tough crowd in America  The Economist Parts of southern Taiwan forecast to receive heavy rain on Thursday - Focus TaiwanParts of southern Taiwan forecast to receive heavy rain on Thursday  Focus Taiwan Apply for MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027 | Taiwan Government Fully Funded Research Program 2026 - Global South OpportunitiesApply for MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2027 | Taiwan Government Fully Funded Research Program 2026  Global South Opportunities Taiwan Builds World-Class Products. It Forgets to Tell Anyone|Insight|2026-06-25|web only - ????Taiwan Builds World-Class Products. It Forgets to Tell Anyone|Insight|2026-06-25|web only  ???? Senior US diplomat says Taiwan arms sale does not hinge on China - The Straits TimesSenior US diplomat says Taiwan arms sale does not hinge on China  The Straits Times China Presses Taiwan by Querying Foreign Ships for First Time - BloombergChina Presses Taiwan by Querying Foreign Ships for First Time  Bloomberg Taiwan Unearths New Precious Metals Opportunity: ‘Urban Mining’|Politics & Society|2026-06-25|web only - ????Taiwan Unearths New Precious Metals Opportunity: ‘Urban Mining’|Politics & Society|2026-06-25|web only  ???? Taiwan simulates countering a Chinese maritime blockade in tabletop drill - InternazionaleTaiwan simulates countering a Chinese maritime blockade in tabletop drill  Internazionale Taiwan shares close up 0.46% - Focus TaiwanTaiwan shares close up 0.46%  Focus Taiwan Taiwan hopes US arms sale package can be approved soon, president says - Al JazeeraTaiwan hopes US arms sale package can be approved soon, president says  Al Jazeera U.S. dollar closes higher on Taipei forex market - Focus TaiwanU.S. dollar closes higher on Taipei forex market  Focus Taiwan What Makes Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) One of the Best AI Chip Stock to Buy for the Long Term - Yahoo FinanceWhat Makes Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) One of the Best AI Chip Stock to Buy for the Long Term  Yahoo Finance DEFENSE Long-delayed 1st indigenous submarine 'on track' for 2026 delivery: CSBC - Focus TaiwanDEFENSE Long-delayed 1st indigenous submarine 'on track' for 2026 delivery: CSBC  Focus Taiwan DEFENSE M1A2T Abrams tanks deployed in combat readiness drill - Focus TaiwanDEFENSE M1A2T Abrams tanks deployed in combat readiness drill  Focus Taiwan Taiwan Military Drills Show U.S.-China Rivalry Persists in the Pacific After Trump' Defeat in Middle East - Left VoiceTaiwan Military Drills Show U.S.-China Rivalry Persists in the Pacific After Trump' Defeat in Middle East  Left Voice China bans four New Zealand lawmakers over visit to Taiwan - Al JazeeraChina bans four New Zealand lawmakers over visit to Taiwan  Al Jazeera Taiwan headline news - Focus TaiwanTaiwan headline news  Focus Taiwan Taiwan's Jewish community establishes first-ever cemetery in Taipei, buries 74-year-old man - The Jerusalem PostTaiwan's Jewish community establishes first-ever cemetery in Taipei, buries 74-year-old man  The Jerusalem Post