Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), is an island nation located in East Asia, nestled between the East China Sea to the north and the Philippine Sea to the south. With a total area of approximately 36,197 square kilometers (13,974 square miles), Taiwan is characterized by its mountainous terrain and lush landscapes. The island’s strategic location has made it a significant player in regional geopolitics, with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the west and Japan to the northeast. Taiwan is home to around 23 million inhabitants, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

The island boasts a rich cultural heritage influenced by its indigenous peoples, Chinese settlers, Japanese colonization, and modern globalization. This unique blend is reflected in its vibrant traditions, cuisine, and festivals. Taiwan is also recognized for its technological advancements and strong economy, often referred to as one of the “Four Asian Tigers.” The capital city, Taipei, is a bustling metropolis known for its night markets, skyscrapers like Taipei 101, and rich history.

Explore Taiwan

• Popular Museums To Visit In Taiwan
• Taiwan [Country Info]
• Top Historical Places To Visit In Taiwan

History of Taiwan

Taiwan’s history is complex and marked by various periods of colonization and governance. The island was first inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years before European explorers arrived in the 16th century. In 1626, the Spanish established a trading base on the northern coast, but they were expelled by the Dutch in 1642. The Dutch then set up their own settlements and allied with China’s Qing dynasty against other local powers.

In 1683, Taiwan was formally annexed by the Qing dynasty, becoming part of Fujian province. The island remained under Qing control until 1895 when it was ceded to Japan following China’s defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War. Under Japanese rule, Taiwan underwent significant industrialization and modernization but also faced harsh treatment from colonial authorities.

After World War II, Taiwan reverted to Chinese control but was soon embroiled in political turmoil following the Chinese Civil War. In 1949, the Kuomintang (KMT) government retreated to Taiwan after losing to communist forces on the mainland. This led to decades of authoritarian rule until Taiwan transitioned to a democracy in the late 20th century. Today, Taiwan continues to navigate its complex relationship with China while maintaining a distinct national identity.

See Top Historical Places To Visit In Taiwan

See Popular Museums In Taiwan

Landscapes of Taiwan

Taiwan’s geography is predominantly mountainous, with over two-thirds of its land covered by rugged mountain ranges that run from north to south. The Central Mountain Range features some of Taiwan’s highest peaks, including Yu Shan (Jade Mountain), which rises to 3,952 meters (12,966 feet), making it the tallest mountain in Northeast Asia. This mountainous terrain creates breathtaking landscapes characterized by deep gorges, lush forests, and diverse ecosystems.

The western part of Taiwan consists of flat to gently rolling plains where about 90% of the population resides. This region includes major urban centers such as Taipei and Kaohsiung. The eastern coastline is more rugged and features dramatic cliffs and rocky shores that contrast sharply with the fertile plains of the west. Additionally, numerous islands surround Taiwan, including the Penghu archipelago and smaller islets like Kinmen and Matsu.

Geographical Regions
Taiwan can be divided into several geographical regions:

• Western Plains: Urbanized areas including Taipei and Taichung.
• Central Mountain Range: Home to high peaks and national parks.
• Eastern Coast: Rugged cliffs and scenic coastlines.
• Offshore Islands: Including Penghu and Kinmen.

See Geographical Regions Of Taiwan

Tourism in Taiwan

Taiwan has emerged as a popular tourist destination due to its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and modern amenities. Visitors are drawn to attractions such as Taroko National Park with its breathtaking gorges and hiking trails, Sun Moon Lake known for its picturesque scenery, and historic sites like Fort Zeelandia in Tainan. The capital city Taipei offers a mix of traditional culture and modernity with landmarks like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and vibrant night markets.

Culinary tourism is also prominent in Taiwan; food lovers flock to night markets such as Shilin Night Market in Taipei to sample local delicacies like stinky tofu and bubble tea. Festivals throughout the year showcase traditional customs like Chinese New Year celebrations and Lantern Festival events. With efficient public transportation systems like high-speed trains (THSR), exploring Taiwan’s diverse regions is convenient for travelers.

See Top Things To Do In Taiwan

See Essential Travel Tips For Taiwan

Cuisines of Taiwan

Taiwanese cuisine reflects a fusion of flavors influenced by indigenous ingredients, Chinese culinary traditions, Japanese techniques from colonial times, and modern innovations. One iconic dish is Beef Noodle Soup, which combines tender beef shank with flavorful broth served over noodles—a comfort food beloved by locals.

Another staple is Oyster Omelette, made with fresh oysters mixed into an egg batter along with sweet potato starch for a unique texture. This dish exemplifies Taiwanese street food culture found at bustling night markets where vendors serve up a variety of snacks ranging from fried chicken cutlets to sweet desserts like shaved ice topped with fruit.

See Popular Foods To Try In Taiwan

Population and Demographics

Taiwan has an estimated population of approximately 23 million people as of 2023. The population density is notably high due to limited land area; urban centers are particularly crowded while rural regions remain less populated. The majority ethnic group is Han Chinese (over 95%), which includes various subgroups with distinct dialects and customs.

In addition to Han Chinese residents, there are also 16 officially recognized indigenous tribes who have lived on the island for thousands of years. These tribes contribute significantly to Taiwan’s cultural diversity through their languages, traditions, and customs. Recent years have seen an increase in new immigrants from Southeast Asia contributing further to this multicultural landscape.

Language

The official language spoken in Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, which serves as a lingua franca among its diverse population. However, various dialects such as Hokkien (Taiwanese) are widely spoken among locals due to historical migration patterns from Fujian province in China.

English proficiency has been increasing among younger generations due to educational reforms emphasizing foreign language learning; however, travelers may still encounter language barriers outside major urban areas. It can be helpful for visitors to learn basic Mandarin phrases or carry translation apps for effective communication.

See Language Guide For Travelers To Taiwan

Travel Safety

Taiwan is regarded as one of the safest travel destinations in Asia due to low crime rates and a well-developed infrastructure that ensures public safety. Violent crime is rare; however, petty crimes such as pickpocketing may occur in crowded tourist areas—travelers should remain vigilant regarding their belongings.

Emergency services are prompt; hospitals are well-equipped with English-speaking staff available in major cities catering specifically to foreign visitors’ needs. Travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local laws and customs for respectful interactions with locals.

Emergency Numbers

• Emergency Rescue (Fire & Ambulance): 119
• Medical Emergency: 119
• Police: 110

See Safety Guide For Visitors To Taiwan

Currency Used

The official currency used in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) symbolized by NT$ or simply T$. Introduced after World War II as part of economic reforms following Japanese colonial rule, it replaced earlier currencies at par value.

Banknotes come in denominations of NT$100; NT$500; NT$1,000 while coins are available in NT$1; NT$5; NT$10; NT$50; NT$100 denominations. Currency exchange services are readily available at banks or authorized exchange counters throughout major cities—credit cards are also widely accepted at hotels and restaurants.

See Currency Guide – Taiwan

See World Currencies

Top 20 Cities in Taiwan

1. Taipei
2. New Taipei City
3. Kaohsiung
4. Taichung
5. Tainan
6. Taoyuan
7. Hsinchu
8. Keelung
9. Changhua City
10. Pingtung City
11. Chiayi City
12. Yunlin County
13. Miaoli County
14. Taitung City
15. Hualien City
16. Nantou County
17. Ilan County
18. Penghu County
19. Kinmen County
20. Lienchiang County

See Popular Cities To Visit In Taiwan for more details

Interesting Facts about Taiwan

1. Home to one of Asia’s tallest skyscrapers—Taipei 101.
2. Known for its vibrant night markets offering diverse street food.
3. Features Taroko Gorge—one of Asia’s most stunning natural wonders.
4. Hosts over 20 national parks showcasing rich biodiversity.
5. Celebrates numerous festivals reflecting cultural heritage throughout the year.
6. Has a robust high-tech industry contributing significantly to its economy.
7. Recognized for its excellent healthcare system ranked among the best globally.
8. Features hot springs due to its geological activity—popular tourist attractions.
9. Boasts unique indigenous cultures preserved through traditional practices.
10. Offers visa-free access or visa-on-arrival for citizens from many countries.

Also Read Common Misconceptions About Taiwan and Taiwanese People

Customs, Norms, and Etiquettes

Greetings

In Taiwanese culture, greetings are important for establishing respect among individuals—bowing slightly while greeting elders signifies politeness rather than handshakes alone.

Dining Etiquette

When dining out or invited into someone’s home:

• Wait for elders before starting meals.
• Use both hands when passing items or accepting gifts.
• Do not stick chopsticks upright into rice bowls—this resembles funeral rituals.

Dress Code

Casual attire is generally acceptable; however formal clothing may be required during business meetings or official events reflecting professionalism.

Personal Space

Respecting personal space varies culturally; maintaining appropriate distance during conversations signifies respect while excessive closeness may be perceived negatively.

Gift Giving

Gift-giving plays an essential role during holidays or special occasions—common gifts include fruits or traditional sweets wrapped beautifully reflecting thoughtfulness towards recipients.

---

External Resources

• World Factbook – Taiwan:
  https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/taiwan/
• Wiki Travel – Taiwan:
  https://wikitravel.org/en/Taiwan
• State Travel Advisory – Taiwan:
  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/taiwan-travel-advisory.html

---

These external links are provided for convenience and informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or approval of any products, services, or opinions of the organizations or individuals associated with the external sites. GlobLeo bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of these external sites or for any subsequent links. For inquiries regarding the content of external sites, please contact them directly.