Taiwan
Capital
Taipei
Population
~23.6 million
Currency
New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
Quick Facts
- Languages
- Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka
- Religion
- Mix of Buddhism, Taoism, folk religions, with Christian minority
- Climate
- Subtropical; hot humid summers and mild winters
Culture & History
Known for: being a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing (TSMC), vibrant democracy, and disputed political status with China
Also famous for: Taipei 101 skyscraper, night markets, bubble tea origin, and cycling culture
Food: Beef noodle soup, xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), oyster omelet
Brief History
Inhabited by Austronesian peoples for millennia; Dutch/Spanish colonies in 17th century; Qing Dynasty rule (1683-1895); Japanese colony (1895-1945); ROC government relocated here after Chinese Civil War (1949); developed into economic powerhouse with democratic reforms (1980s-90s)