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

Taiwan’s Economy Grows at Fastest Pace in 15 Years on AI Boom - BloombergTaiwan’s Economy Grows at Fastest Pace in 15 Years on AI Boom  Bloomberg Is Japan Prepared to Evacuate Its Nationals in a Taiwan War? - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineIs Japan Prepared to Evacuate Its Nationals in a Taiwan War?  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine Taiwan’s new opposition leader wants to talk to Xi Jinping - The EconomistTaiwan’s new opposition leader wants to talk to Xi Jinping  The Economist China counting how many missiles it needs to win a Taiwan war - Asia TimesChina counting how many missiles it needs to win a Taiwan war  Asia Times Taiwan builds 20-qubit quantum computer in domestic R&D push - Interesting EngineeringTaiwan builds 20-qubit quantum computer in domestic R&D push  Interesting Engineering Taiwan Completes Underwater Trial of Indigenous Submarine - GK TodayTaiwan Completes Underwater Trial of Indigenous Submarine  GK Today Taiwan detects Chinese PLA aircraft, vessels near its territory - Asianet NewsableTaiwan detects Chinese PLA aircraft, vessels near its territory  Asianet Newsable China’s Xi, Now Alone Atop His Military, Is the Sole Voice in Tackling Taiwan - Hindustan TimesChina’s Xi, Now Alone Atop His Military, Is the Sole Voice in Tackling Taiwan  Hindustan Times Taiwan's first indigenous submarine completes maiden underwater trials - JanesTaiwan's first indigenous submarine completes maiden underwater trials  Janes ’People’s dad’ Jensen Huang praises, pushes Nvidia suppliers on mobbed Taiwan visit By Reuters - Investing.com’People’s dad’ Jensen Huang praises, pushes Nvidia suppliers on mobbed Taiwan visit By Reuters  Investing.com China’s Xi, Now Alone Atop His Military, Is the Sole Voice in Tackling Taiwan - The Wall Street JournalChina’s Xi, Now Alone Atop His Military, Is the Sole Voice in Tackling Taiwan  The Wall Street Journal Taiwans economic growth hits 15-year high of 8.63% in 2025 - Tribune IndiaTaiwans economic growth hits 15-year high of 8.63% in 2025  Tribune India Thomas Hofmarcher: Endometrial Cancer Case Study in Taiwan - OncodailyThomas Hofmarcher: Endometrial Cancer Case Study in Taiwan  Oncodaily Cold air mass to bring temperatures down nationwide - Taipei TimesCold air mass to bring temperatures down nationwide  Taipei Times 'People's dad' Jensen Huang praises, pushes Nvidia suppliers on mobbed Taiwan visit - Reuters'People's dad' Jensen Huang praises, pushes Nvidia suppliers on mobbed Taiwan visit  Reuters FM Lin gives interview to Indonesia’s Tempo magazine - Taiwan TodayFM Lin gives interview to Indonesia’s Tempo magazine  Taiwan Today Japan's election exposes divide over China after Takaichi's Taiwan remarks - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWSJapan's election exposes divide over China after Takaichi's Taiwan remarks  Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS Taiwan’s Backdoor Currency Manipulation - Council on Foreign RelationsTaiwan’s Backdoor Currency Manipulation  Council on Foreign Relations China & Taiwan Update, January 30, 2026 - Institute for the Study of WarChina & Taiwan Update, January 30, 2026  Institute for the Study of War Is Russia Repositioning Itself Inside China’s Taiwan Strategy? - orfonline.orgIs Russia Repositioning Itself Inside China’s Taiwan Strategy?  orfonline.org China’s Redlines Aren’t Where You Think They Are | Proceedings - February 2026 Vol. 152/2/1,476 - U.S. Naval InstituteChina’s Redlines Aren’t Where You Think They Are | Proceedings - February 2026 Vol. 152/2/1,476  U.S. Naval Institute China Is Practicing A Taiwan Blockade With A Floating Great Wall - ForbesChina Is Practicing A Taiwan Blockade With A Floating Great Wall  Forbes Taiwan completes first undersea trial for domestically made submarine - ReutersTaiwan completes first undersea trial for domestically made submarine  Reuters Executive Yuan vows to seek legal remedies to bills - Taipei TimesExecutive Yuan vows to seek legal remedies to bills  Taipei Times Taiwan economy soars in Q4 on AI demand, 2025 expands at fastest rate in 15 years - ReutersTaiwan economy soars in Q4 on AI demand, 2025 expands at fastest rate in 15 years  Reuters Tensions rise in South China sea after Chinese drone violates Taiwan's airspace | World News - Hindustan TimesTensions rise in South China sea after Chinese drone violates Taiwan's airspace | World News  Hindustan Times Taiwan’s GDP continues to defy all expectations - ING THINK economic and financial analysis | ING THINKTaiwan’s GDP continues to defy all expectations  ING THINK economic and financial analysis | ING THINK Lai urges unity against external and hostile forces - Taipei TimesLai urges unity against external and hostile forces  Taipei Times How a purge of China's military leadership could impact the future of Taiwan - PBSHow a purge of China's military leadership could impact the future of Taiwan  PBS US defence strategy omission raises alarm in Taiwan over Trump’s intentions - South China Morning PostUS defence strategy omission raises alarm in Taiwan over Trump’s intentions  South China Morning Post Why Taiwan Matters To Global Technology – OpEd - Eurasia ReviewWhy Taiwan Matters To Global Technology – OpEd  Eurasia Review Taiwan rushes to beef up radar and surveillance at sea - Nikkei AsiaTaiwan rushes to beef up radar and surveillance at sea  Nikkei Asia China Watches India-Taiwan Ties with Unease - orfonline.orgChina Watches India-Taiwan Ties with Unease  orfonline.org Taiwan’s Indigenous Defense Submarine Hai Kun (SS-711) Conducts First Submerged Trial - navalnews.comTaiwan’s Indigenous Defense Submarine Hai Kun (SS-711) Conducts First Submerged Trial  navalnews.com Taiwan: actions signal preparation - The Australian Naval InstituteTaiwan: actions signal preparation  The Australian Naval Institute Taiwan stocks higher at close of trade; Taiwan Weighted up 1.50% - Investing.comTaiwan stocks higher at close of trade; Taiwan Weighted up 1.50%  Investing.com Taiwan military practices repelling a Chinese assault from the sea - ReutersTaiwan military practices repelling a Chinese assault from the sea  Reuters What is behind China’s latest military drills around Taiwan? | Explained - The HinduWhat is behind China’s latest military drills around Taiwan? | Explained  The Hindu Taiwan ‘very important’ to Japan: academic - Taipei TimesTaiwan ‘very important’ to Japan: academic  Taipei Times Taiwan detects 3 sorties of Chinese aircraft, 8 vessels - Awaz The VoiceTaiwan detects 3 sorties of Chinese aircraft, 8 vessels  Awaz The Voice Taiwan headline news - Focus TaiwanTaiwan headline news  Focus Taiwan What the U.S.-Taiwan deal means for the island's 'silicon shield' - CNBCWhat the U.S.-Taiwan deal means for the island's 'silicon shield'  CNBC Sub conducts shallow-water submerged tests - Taipei TimesSub conducts shallow-water submerged tests  Taipei Times South Korean Large Enterprises Outearn Japan, Taiwan in Starting Salaries - ????South Korean Large Enterprises Outearn Japan, Taiwan in Starting Salaries  ???? Why Bipartisanship Is Taiwan’s Best Defense in Paraguay (and Beyond) - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineWhy Bipartisanship Is Taiwan’s Best Defense in Paraguay (and Beyond)  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine Taiwan economic growth hits 8.63% in 2025, highest in 15 years - Focus TaiwanTaiwan economic growth hits 8.63% in 2025, highest in 15 years  Focus Taiwan Taiwan’s Xiaohongshu Ban and Freedom of Expression - VerfassungsblogTaiwan’s Xiaohongshu Ban and Freedom of Expression  Verfassungsblog Nvidia’s Jensen Huang Went To Taiwan To Ask For More Chips - FinimizeNvidia’s Jensen Huang Went To Taiwan To Ask For More Chips  Finimize Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Says AI Memory Needs Are Rising During Taiwan Trip, Backs TSMC's Global Expansion, Dismisses China H200 Rumors - Yahoo FinanceNvidia CEO Jensen Huang Says AI Memory Needs Are Rising During Taiwan Trip, Backs TSMC's Global Expansion, Dismisses China H200 Rumors  Yahoo Finance Nanya Technology stock price hits limit-up in Taiwan — equipment buy puts Monday in focus - TechStock²Nanya Technology stock price hits limit-up in Taiwan — equipment buy puts Monday in focus  TechStock² Taiwan’s Economy Grew at Fastest Pace in 15 Years - The Wall Street JournalTaiwan’s Economy Grew at Fastest Pace in 15 Years  The Wall Street Journal China & Taiwan Update, Special Report: Xi Jinping’s Military Purges Leave Him Increasingly Powerful but Isolated - American Enterprise Institute - AEIChina & Taiwan Update, Special Report: Xi Jinping’s Military Purges Leave Him Increasingly Powerful but Isolated  American Enterprise Institute - AEI China flies drone into Taiwan’s airspace for first time - Financial TimesChina flies drone into Taiwan’s airspace for first time  Financial Times Xi’s Military Purge May Set Back His Taiwan Ambitions - The New York TimesXi’s Military Purge May Set Back His Taiwan Ambitions  The New York Times Taiwan’s economy grows at fastest pace since 2010 on AI boom - Investing.com IndiaTaiwan’s economy grows at fastest pace since 2010 on AI boom  Investing.com India Children with disabilities find joy and support through horse therapy in Taiwan - ABC NewsChildren with disabilities find joy and support through horse therapy in Taiwan  ABC News Taiwan’s First Domestically Built Submarine Completes Maiden Underwater Trial - Marine InsightTaiwan’s First Domestically Built Submarine Completes Maiden Underwater Trial  Marine Insight Taiwan detects 3 sorties of Chinese aircraft, 8 vessels - Tribune IndiaTaiwan detects 3 sorties of Chinese aircraft, 8 vessels  Tribune India The Truth About China Development Financial: Is This Low-Key Taiwan Stock a Hidden Money Glitch? - AD HOC NEWSThe Truth About China Development Financial: Is This Low-Key Taiwan Stock a Hidden Money Glitch?  AD HOC NEWS Chef Eric Sze’s Guide to Eating in Taipei, Taiwan - EaterChef Eric Sze’s Guide to Eating in Taipei, Taiwan  Eater China pressing European countries to bar Taiwan politicians or face crossing a ‘red line’ - The GuardianChina pressing European countries to bar Taiwan politicians or face crossing a ‘red line’  The Guardian 'People's dad' Jensen Huang praises, pushes Nvidia suppliers on mobbed Taiwan visit - CNA'People's dad' Jensen Huang praises, pushes Nvidia suppliers on mobbed Taiwan visit  CNA Understanding Global South Perspectives on Taiwan - CSIS | Center for Strategic and International StudiesUnderstanding Global South Perspectives on Taiwan  CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies US foreign relations committee advances Taiwan-related bills - Taipei TimesUS foreign relations committee advances Taiwan-related bills  Taipei Times Trump’s Taiwan retreat - PoliticoTrump’s Taiwan retreat  Politico Taiwan fears U.S. ouster of Maduro may embolden China to mimic the move - PBSTaiwan fears U.S. ouster of Maduro may embolden China to mimic the move  PBS Taiwan Showcases Its Attack Drones to Deter China for First Time - BloombergTaiwan Showcases Its Attack Drones to Deter China for First Time  Bloomberg Why Is Taiwan Building Its Own Submarines? First Underwater Trial Signals Strategic Shift - Adda247Why Is Taiwan Building Its Own Submarines? First Underwater Trial Signals Strategic Shift  Adda247 Assessing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM) Valuation After Strong Multi-Period Shareholder Returns - simplywall.stAssessing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM) Valuation After Strong Multi-Period Shareholder Returns  simplywall.st Dream team - Taipei TimesDream team  Taipei Times Engaging Exchange with Renowned Indian Journalist Ms. Palki Sharma - ROC-Taiwan.orgEngaging Exchange with Renowned Indian Journalist Ms. Palki Sharma  ROC-Taiwan.org Global Innovation Hub, Taipei - Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die FreiheitGlobal Innovation Hub, Taipei  Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit Mental health group: loneliness a growing problem - Taipei TimesMental health group: loneliness a growing problem  Taipei Times Force won't bring true peace for Taiwan, president tells Pope Leo in letter - ReutersForce won't bring true peace for Taiwan, president tells Pope Leo in letter  Reuters Taiwan 'very important' to Japan for 3 strategic reasons: Japanese scholar - Focus TaiwanTaiwan 'very important' to Japan for 3 strategic reasons: Japanese scholar  Focus Taiwan Taiwan confident in economic growth but guarded on risks, central bank minutes show - ReutersTaiwan confident in economic growth but guarded on risks, central bank minutes show  Reuters Venezuela-style strike on Taiwan's leader could prove tricky for China - ReutersVenezuela-style strike on Taiwan's leader could prove tricky for China  Reuters Senate bills give clear message to Trump to back Taiwan as Xi meeting approaches - South China Morning PostSenate bills give clear message to Trump to back Taiwan as Xi meeting approaches  South China Morning Post Freeway No. 3 leads roadkill rankings - Taipei TimesFreeway No. 3 leads roadkill rankings  Taipei Times CTBC Financial tops board pay list; TSMC ranks No. 3 - Focus TaiwanCTBC Financial tops board pay list; TSMC ranks No. 3  Focus Taiwan Taiwan on currency watchlist - Taipei TimesTaiwan on currency watchlist  Taipei Times Taiwan's Economy Grows 8.6% in 2025, Fastest Rate in 15 years, Turbocharged by AI Boom - Broadband BreakfastTaiwan's Economy Grows 8.6% in 2025, Fastest Rate in 15 years, Turbocharged by AI Boom  Broadband Breakfast Japanese public figures criticize PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks, warn against military expansion - XinhuaJapanese public figures criticize PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks, warn against military expansion  Xinhua A Perfect Storm for Taiwan in 2026? - Foreign AffairsA Perfect Storm for Taiwan in 2026?  Foreign Affairs Fitch raises Taiwan banks' outlook after tariff deal with U.S. - Focus TaiwanFitch raises Taiwan banks' outlook after tariff deal with U.S.  Focus Taiwan Japanese public figures criticize PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks, warn against military expansion - XinhuaJapanese public figures criticize PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks, warn against military expansion  Xinhua Taiwan's capital markets reach new highs, signaling broader global role - digitimesTaiwan's capital markets reach new highs, signaling broader global role  digitimes Forging India-Taiwan Engagement: Theoretical Foundations, Policy Debates, and Pragmatic Pathways - orfonline.orgForging India-Taiwan Engagement: Theoretical Foundations, Policy Debates, and Pragmatic Pathways  orfonline.org China’s Xi says ‘reunification’ with Taiwan ‘unstoppable’ - Al JazeeraChina’s Xi says ‘reunification’ with Taiwan ‘unstoppable’  Al Jazeera Fujitsu's Leadership in the Age of AI - Fujitsu GlobalFujitsu's Leadership in the Age of AI  Fujitsu Global INTERVIEW AIDC turns to drones as its next growth engine: Chairman - Focus TaiwanINTERVIEW AIDC turns to drones as its next growth engine: Chairman  Focus Taiwan Taiwan's first submarine completes initial submerged sea trial - upi.comTaiwan's first submarine completes initial submerged sea trial  upi.com Leveraging Taiwan: India’s strategic counterbalance to China - Lowy InstituteLeveraging Taiwan: India’s strategic counterbalance to China  Lowy Institute Horse therapy brings joy and support to children with disabilities in Taiwan - United News of BangladeshHorse therapy brings joy and support to children with disabilities in Taiwan  United News of Bangladesh Taiwan's economy grows 8.6% in 2025, fastest rate in 15 years, turbocharged by the AI boom - ABC NewsTaiwan's economy grows 8.6% in 2025, fastest rate in 15 years, turbocharged by the AI boom  ABC News Office helping foreigners moving to Taiwan - Taipei TimesOffice helping foreigners moving to Taiwan  Taipei Times ‘People’s dad’ Jensen Huang praises, pushes Nvidia suppliers on mobbed Taiwan visit - The Straits Times‘People’s dad’ Jensen Huang praises, pushes Nvidia suppliers on mobbed Taiwan visit  The Straits Times Taiwan’s economy grows at fastest pace in 15 years on AI boom - Yahoo Finance SingaporeTaiwan’s economy grows at fastest pace in 15 years on AI boom  Yahoo Finance Singapore If China Invades Taiwan, What Would Japan Do? - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineIf China Invades Taiwan, What Would Japan Do?  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine The 2027 question: Will Xi Jinping annex Taiwan this soon, or not? - SMH.com.auThe 2027 question: Will Xi Jinping annex Taiwan this soon, or not?  SMH.com.au