Is Taiwan a province of China or a separate independent country? Open left menu Taiwan What does Taiwan belong to?
One of the largest countries in the world with the largest number of inhabitants is China. What is the administrative division of this country? Where is Taiwan and how is it connected to China? The answers to these questions are given in the text of the article.
What country is Taiwan located in? is the name of an autonomous province of China located on the islands near the Chinese southeast: Taiwan, Matsu, Penghu, Kinmen.
Recognized by many countries of the world. Leading world powers have economic ties with it. But the issue of the sovereignty of the Republic of China is unresolved. Therefore, it is difficult to answer unambiguously where Taiwan is located, in which country. Taiwan is the largest island or autonomous province of the People's Republic of China.
Geographical position
The island of Taiwan is located in the Pacific Ocean, 150 kilometers from China. Its vertical length is about 400 km, and its horizontal length is about 140 km. Taiwan is washed by the waters of three seas: in the south by the Philippine and South China seas, in the north by the East China Ocean and the Pacific Ocean in the east. The climate of the area where Taiwan is located is tropical (the south of the island) with a two-month rainy season, during which almost a year's rainfall falls. The north of the island falls on the zone of islands where Taiwan is located, separating the east of Asia from the Pacific Ocean. The relief of these islands is mainly mountainous. The Taiwan Mountains stretch across the island of Taiwan, consisting of four ridges that run parallel and are separated by valleys.
Historical reference
It is known that already at the beginning of the new millennium the Chinese knew where the island of Taiwan was located. Taiwan is mentioned as an island of the Liuqiu kingdom in Chinese chronicles of the 3rd century AD. In the same century, the Chinese made their first military visit to the island, after which trade relations between Taiwan and China began. Since the 12th century, the island has been considered Chinese territory, where settlers from the continent engaged in farming and fishing. During the period of colonial exploration of Asia by Europeans (17th century), there was a struggle for Taiwan between the Spaniards and the Dutch. The island went to Holland. However, possession of the island was short-lived: the Dutch capitulated to the thousands of adherents of the Ming dynasty, led by Koxing, who fled from the continent to Taiwan. At the end of the 17th century, mainland China managed to break Taiwanese resistance and incorporate the island into Fujian. Taiwan was also under Japanese rule for 50 years, until 1945, after which the island was incorporated into China. Since then, a time of uncertain position began for that island in the Pacific Ocean where Taiwan is located. A country within a state - this is how Taiwan's current situation can be described.
Population and culture
The island's population is more than 23 million people. Of these, only two percent of the inhabitants are not Chinese - these are the indigenous inhabitants of the island, Gaoshan. The official language is Guoyu, which exists in parallel with others. The main percentage of the population lives in large agglomerations on the west coast of the island: Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Taoyuan, Tainan and others.
The capital of Taiwan is Taipei. It is the largest city of the island, located in its northwest. Together with the agglomeration that surrounds the city, it is called New Taipei, Xinbei.
The island's culture is unique because it has been influenced by European countries, Asian countries, and indigenous peoples. The island observes centuries-old customs, which have recently been strongly influenced by the USA, Japan, and China. Taiwanese art is closely related to Chinese art. Their unity can be seen everywhere: in music, in painting, in literature. Taiwanese medicine is also similar to Chinese medicine and is based primarily on acupuncture and homeopathy. Taiwanese cuisine differs from the cuisine of mainland China in the abundance of seafood, which is associated with the place where Taiwan is located.
Attractions
The history of the island is ancient and interesting. In Taiwan you can find historical and cultural monuments from different eras. For example, the Longshan Temple, preserved in Taipei since the reign of the Qing Dynasty.
Kuantu is a 17th century temple in Taipei. It is dedicated to the goddess Maizu, the patroness of the sea. Another historical and cultural monument, Fort Santo Damingo in Taipei, dates back to the same period, built by the Spaniards for defense against the indigenous inhabitants of the island. In Taipei, the building of the 18th century merchant family Lin Antai has been preserved, where the flavor of that era remains intact. Since the time of Japanese rule, a building made in the Japanese style has been preserved on the island - this is the Presidential Palace in Taipei.
Taiwan has many modern architectural monuments. For example, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial in Taipei. This building from the 80s of the last century is made in the style of Ming architecture. Snow-white marble and blue tiles speak of the calm and tranquility that the Taiwanese people strive for. The symbol of Taiwan can be called one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world - Taipei 101, located in Taipei.
Useful information for tourists about Taiwan, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Taiwan, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions in Taiwan.
Geography of Taiwan
Taiwan is an island in the Pacific Ocean, 150 km from the eastern shores of mainland China, from which it is separated by the Taiwan Strait. The island belongs to China.
The island's coastline is bordered by the East China Sea to the north, the South China Sea and Philippine Sea to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the east.
The forested Taiwanese mountains stretch along the entire island (the highest point is Mount Yushan, 3997 m); in the north there is a group of extinct volcanoes, in the west there is a coastal plain.
State
State structure
Democratic Republic of Chinese Taipei (Republic of China). The head of state is the president. The head of government is the prime minister. The legislative branch is the unicameral Legislative Yuan.
Language
Official language: Chinese
Of the numerous dialects of Chinese, the northern (Beijing) dialect was chosen as the official one. But in everyday life, locals use the Fujianese dialect. Most Taiwanese speak fluent English, while the older generation speaks Japanese.
Religion
The most widespread and officially recognized religion is Buddhism (it is professed by about 4.9 million people). Also widespread are Taoism (3.64 million), new religious movements (over 1 million), Protestantism (over 374 thousand), Catholicism (296 thousand), Islam (52 thousand people). Confucianism retains a strong position as a moral and ethical teaching, although there are also temples of Confucius.
Currency
International name: TWD
In addition to banknotes of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 Taiwan dollars, the following coins are in circulation: 1, 5, 10, 50 Taiwan dollars.
All foreigners entering the country are required to declare the currency in their possession in writing upon entry. All exchange receipts must be retained until departure from the country.
Within the country, currency can be exchanged at authorized Taiwanese banks, hotels and some department stores. When exchanging currency, receipts are issued, on the basis of which you can make a reverse exchange when leaving the country.
Credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and stores nationwide. Travel checks can also be cashed at hotels or local branches of the Taiwanese banks that issued them.
Tourism in Taiwan
Where to stay
All hotels in Taiwan comply with the standard European classification: from one to five stars, however, it is used for the most objective assessment of hotel service. Very often, the overall standard of hotels - mainly in the business districts of Taipei - exceeds the level of the declared "stars". This is due to high competition.
The country is widely represented by both Asian hotel chains - Shangri-La, Landis Hotels & Resorts, and hotels of such international hotel chains as Novotel, Mandarin Oriental and Sheraton. In Taiwan there are both large hotel complexes and business hotels for business tourists, which are located mainly in the capital, and small family hotels in seaside resorts.
The cost of staying in hotels in Taiwan is comparable to the prices for an overnight stay in European hotels. Pets are allowed in all small family hotels. Some hotels in the country prohibit smoking both in rooms and in the lobby. Violation of these rules will result in a fine.
Today, several dozen hotel business facilities are under construction in Taiwan, including hotels of the largest international hotel chains and boutique hotels, which is due to a certain increase in the country's tourist flow.
Popular hotels
Tips
Tips in many restaurants are included in the price. You can tip the porter at the airport or at the hotel, but this is not at all necessary, depending on the amount of luggage. Tipping is not accepted in taxis.
Visa
Office hours
Taiwanese banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 15.30.
Purchases
Shops in Taiwan are located in blocks, that is, nearby, in one block, there are pharmacies, in the next block, for example, electronics stores, and so on. Freestanding stores are a rarity.
Non-value added tax (VAT) in Taiwan is 5% and is automatically included in the price of the product or service. There is no tax refund when leaving the country.
Bargaining can and should be done in most private stores, markets and street stalls, and the art of bargaining is often more important for the seller than his result, so the better the buyer bargains, the greater his chances of getting good discounts. There is no point in haggling in most large stores - prices there are fixed, but often a small discount is immediately awarded. If the “language barrier” does not allow you to bargain, then you can use a calculator on which you type numbers one by one, or a piece of paper and a pen.
Emergency numbers
Ambulance and fire service - 119.
Police - 110.
TAIWAN
island off southeast coast of Asia, China. In the name tai "terrace", van "bay, bay", i.e. "a bay with a terrace-like structure of the shores". Discovered the island in 1516 G. Portuguese sailors named it Formosa (Portuguese formeso "Beautiful", "beautiful") ; this is the name until the middle of the 20th century V. was widespread.
Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001.
TAIWAN
island off the southeast. coast of Asia, separated from the mainland by the Taiwan Strait. Along the T. axis there are mountains (3550 m), on the 3. - lowlands, the banks are slightly indented. The climate is monsoon, precipitation is 1500-5000 mm per year, typhoons are frequent. Tropical forests, above 3000 m - shrubs and meadows. Province of China.
Concise geographical dictionary. EdwART. 2008.
Taiwan
(Taiwan), an island in the Pacific Ocean, off the southeast. coast of Asia, between South China And East China Seas
, separated from the mainland Taiwan Strait.
The length of the island from north to south is 395 km, maximum width is 145 km. In ancient times, Tajikistan was inhabited by the Gaoshan tribes. The first Chinese expedition to the island arrived in 230, and in the 13th century. it was annexed to China. In 1590, the Portuguese entered here and gave the island its name Formosa
("beautiful"). In 1624, the Dutch founded a settlement in the port of Anping, and the Spaniards - in 1626 in the port of Keelun. In 1646, the Dutch captured this Spanish settlement and established their dominance over the entire island. In 1662 they were expelled by the Chinese commander Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga). In 1895–1945 T. was a Japanese colony and was returned to China in 1945. In 1949, after the proclamation of the People's Republic of China, supporters of the Republic of China under the leadership of the Kuomintang Party were evacuated to the island. The PRC considers T. one of its provinces and is heading towards unification based on the principle of “one state – two systems”. For its part, the Government of the Republic of China in T. considers mainland China to be a “temporarily communist-occupied” part of the territory of its country, adhering to the formula “one country, two governments,” and is not inclined to officially proclaim the independence of T. Officially, T. is called the Republic of China, the head of which is the president. The National Assembly is a representative body. The city was declared the temporary capital. Taipei
; other major cities: Kaohsiung
, Taichung
, Tainan
. The authority of the Taiwanese administration also extends to the adjacent islands (Penghuledao archipelago of 64 islands and 22 other small islands), as well as several islands in the immediate vicinity of the coast of the Chinese province of Fujian - about. Jinmendao (near Xiamen) and Mazuledao Island (opposite the mouth of the Minjiang River). Total area 36 thousand km².
Population 23.4 million people. (2001); avg. density – 588 people. per 1 km². Chinese (Han) make up 98% (natives of the island - 84% and people from mainland China - 14%). The leading religions are Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism (Turkey is considered the main stronghold of Taoism, which has been preserved there in its traditional form). From north to south, a number of mountain ranges stretch along the entire T. (Yushan Range up to 3997 m); on the western islands – lowland. plain. The climate in the north is subtropical, in the south it is tropical monsoon. Typhoons are frequent in July, August and September. The rivers are short, mountainous, rich in hydropower and widely used for irrigation. Tropical rainforests occupy 55% of the territory; several national parks
After 1945, T. achieved great success in economics. development and became one of the so-called "newly industrialized countries" (Far Eastern "tigers"). Processing developed export industry: radio electronics, appliances, shipbuilding, as well as metallurgy, chemicals, textiles, leather footwear, clothing industries. There are 3 nuclear power plants in operation. Rural household the land occupies approx. 25% of the territory. Rice and sugar are cultivated on the coastal plains. cane, tea, camphor tree; pig-in and poultry-in. Fruit and fish are developed. Length d. – 3879 km (1994); highways - more than 19 thousand km (1994). 2 int. airport; ports of Keelong, Kaohsiung, Danshui, Suao and Hualien. Chinese Academy of Sciences ("Academia Sinica"), more than 100 universities; artist museums, concert halls, libraries. Cash unit – Taiwan dollar.
Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Ekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of academician. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .
Taiwan
an island occupying a nodal position between the vast tectonic basins of the South China and East China Seas and between the southern flank of the Japanese island arc and Southeast Mainland China. Separated from the continent by the Taiwan Strait. Pl. 36 thousand km². Length 395 km, width. 145 km. The relief is generally mountainous and has an asymmetrical structure. Along the east coast stretches ridge. Taiwanshan with the highest point of Yushan (3997 m). The eastern slope of the island is steep and short, of tectonic origin. The western one is longer and flatter, ending in a coastal lowland. The banks are slightly indented. Taiwan is a young, intensively developing uplift at the junction of the Eurasian continent and the marginal seas. This is a highly seismic area with a cluster of epicenters of strong and medium earthquakes. The climate is monsoon. Precipitation 1500–5000 mm per year, frequent typhoons. Moist evergreen tropical forests, above 3300 m - shrubs and meadows. Oil, gas, coal deposits. 
Geography. Modern illustrated encyclopedia. - M.: Rosman. Edited by prof. A. P. Gorkina. 2006 .
a large island located in the Pacific Ocean near the eastern coast of mainland China. Formally, Taiwan, together with the adjacent small islands, has the status of one of the provinces of China, but in fact, since 1949, it has functioned as an independent state - the Republic of China.
Like the Philippines in the south and Japan in the north, the island of Taiwan is one of the links in the island chain separating the continental shelf of Asia from the Pacific Trench. Taiwan is separated from mainland China by the Taiwan Strait, whose width ranges from 130 to 220 km. The island itself has a length from north to south of 337 km. Where the Tropic of Cancer crosses, Taiwan is 142 km wide.
The total area of this country is 36,002 square meters. km. This includes 15 islands of the main group and 64 islands located in the Taiwan Strait, collectively called the Pescadores (Chinese - Penghu Islands). The islands of Quemoy (Kinmen) and Matsu are located in close proximity to the coast of the Chinese province of Fujian and are legally part of the latter.
NATURE
Taiwan is located in an area of increased volcanic activity, but its level is lower than in Japan and the Philippines.
Relief. The main form of relief in Taiwan is the mountain range that runs along the entire island somewhat to the east of its middle - the Taiwan Mountains (Zhongyangshan Range, or Taiwanshan). Among its many peaks, exceeding 3000 m above sea level, the highest is Mount Yushan (3997 m).
The macroslope of the Taiwanese mountains forms the entire eastern coast of the island, with the exception of a 160 km stretch between the cities of Hualien and Taitung. At this point, the highland terrain declines sharply to the east, towards a rift valley less than 16 km wide. This valley is separated from the sea by the low-mountain Taitung ridge. To the west of the Zhongyangshan Range are hilly plateaus and foothills, gradually sloping towards the flat coastal plain adjacent to the Taiwan Strait. This western third of the island, where most of the population lives, contains the main tracts of land suitable for agricultural use. Numerous water streams flow here, originating in the watershed ridge. Of these, only two rivers reach a length of 160 km: the Zhuoshuiqi River, known in its lower reaches as Silo, which flows into the Penghushuidao Strait, and the Xia (Lower) Danshuiqi River, which flows into the South China Sea east of the city of Kaohsiung. Both the Xia Danshuiqi River and the shorter Danshuihe River in the lower reaches are navigable.
Climate. The island is characterized by a humid subtropical climate in the northern part and a humid tropical climate in the southern part. The island is subject to the influence of the winter northeast and summer southwest monsoons, as well as powerful typhoons in the summer season. An additional climate-forming factor is the warm Japan Current (Kuroshio). The northeast monsoon between October and March causes cloudy and rainy weather in the northern part of the island. Most of the rainfall brought by the northeast monsoon falls high in the mountains along its route, where in one place the annual rainfall reaches 6578 mm. In Taipei, in the northwest of the island, annual rainfall exceeds 2000 mm. At the same time, sunny, dry weather may persist for months in the southwestern part of the island. In this area, the rainy season lasts from May to September, when the southwest monsoon dominates. Tainan has an annual rainfall of about 1830 mm. During the typhoon season, up to 2030 mm of precipitation can fall per day. The average air temperature varies from 20°C in April to 28°C in the summer months, dropping to 14.5°C in January. At the same time, the temperature on the island varies from north to south and in accordance with the height above sea level, so that the highest mountains are covered with snow in winter.
Natural vegetation and soils. More than half of the island's territory is occupied by dense forests. The highest mountains are covered with almost impenetrable forests of pine and other conifers. Cryptomeria, cypress, maple, and camphor laurel grow below. The plains are covered with natural bamboo thickets. In the drier southwestern part of the island, acacia grows. Tropical plants are common in warm and humid areas.
About a quarter of the island's territory, including most of the coastal plain, is covered with alluvial soils brought in from the mountainous areas by countless watercourses. These soils make up the bulk of land suitable for agricultural cultivation. In elevated areas, soils are mostly thin and acidic.
POPULATION
Demographic indicators. According to the official estimate as of January 1, 1998, Taiwan's population was 21,693,000. This is almost three times the population of the last wave of immigration from China, which took place in 1949, when the Communists established control over the entire Chinese mainland and c. 2 million refugees moved from the mainland to Taiwan, increasing the island's population by more than 30%. In 1997, the average population density on the island was 601 people per square meter. km (Taiwan ranks second in the world for this indicator). As a result of the government's population control program, annual population growth fell from 3.7% in 1950 to 1.0% in 1997. However, the island's population as a whole is young: in the 1990s, more than 25% of the population were people under the age of 15, and only 8% of the population were over 65 years of age.
Ethnic composition. With the exception of about 400,000 people who make up the island's indigenous population, almost all of Taiwan's inhabitants are descendants of immigrants from mainland China. The so-called aborigines speak languages of Malay, Indonesian or South Chinese origin. The island's Chinese population is not homogeneous. There are noticeable differences between the Taiwanese proper, whose ancestors moved to the island before the beginning of the 20th century, and the immigrants who arrived after 1949. The former arrived here mainly from Fujian and Guangdong, i.e. the closest provinces of mainland China to Taiwan, and their descendants speak a dialect commonly called Amoi. Later Chinese immigrants came from different areas of China, and the Mandarin dialect they spoke became the official language of Taiwan. Some older Taiwanese who were educated between 1895 and 1945 when the island was under Japanese rule also speak Japanese. Many educated Chinese, including some native Taiwanese, speak English. In the late 1980s, about 70,000 illegal immigrants, mostly from Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines, worked in manufacturing and construction in Taiwan.
About 55% of Taiwan's population identifies with one religious denomination or another. 22% of Taiwanese profess Buddhism, 20% Taoism and less than 4% Christianity.
Urban areas. Approximately 3/4 of Taiwan's population lives in cities. The post-war years saw phenomenal population growth in Taipei, the temporary capital of the Republic of China. If before World War II the population of Taipei was less than 300 thousand people, then according to estimates in 1996 it reached 2.6 million people. Taipei is also the main cultural, industrial and transport center of Taiwan. The second largest city in Taiwan is Kaohsiung (population as of 1996 - 1.4 million people), a southern port and the center of a large industrial complex, which also includes the city of Tainan (701 thousand people) located 32 km north of it. ). The other most significant cities in Taiwan are Taichung (876.6 thousand people), a cultural and tourist center located in the middle part of the western coastal plain, and Keelung City with a population of 375 thousand people, which serves as the port of Taipei. The capital of the province is the small city of Nantou (103 thousand people), located 25 km south of Taichung.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
In Taiwan, government structures at two levels function simultaneously. When the Nationalist government evacuated to Taiwan in 1949, most countries continued to recognize it as the legitimate government of China and it retained its seats in the UN, including China's permanent representative on the Security Council. The Constitution adopted by the Nationalists in 1946 continued to be in force, although the only part of Chinese territory where the Nationalists could enforce it was the province of Taiwan and two small islands of Fujian province opposite the city of Amoy (Amoy).
Government. The elected bodies of the central government continued to function with the same composition in which the government evacuated to Taiwan in 1949. From time to time, they were replenished by introducing new members from among immigrants or Taiwanese. Since holding new elections in the manner prescribed by the constitution was impossible, the National Assembly adopted “temporary provisions in force during the period of the communist takeover” in order to legitimize its existence. In addition, the National Assembly, using its right to elect the head of state, elected Chiang Kai-shek to the presidency four times.
Under the constitution, the president appoints a premier, who heads the Executive Yuan (cabinet), which is responsible for enforcing laws passed by the Legislative Yuan, or council (parliament). Other government bodies include the Judicial Yuan (supreme court), all of whose members are appointed by the president, and the Control Yuan, which is designed to ensure that all officials perform their duties faithfully and supervises the Examination Yuan (the civil services department).
Provincial and local governments. The provincial government operates separately from the national government. It is headed by the governor, who is also the chairman of the provincial government council. The governor and council members are appointed by the president and, in turn, rely in their work on the elected provincial assembly. This Assembly, in legislative terms, has only advisory functions. It cannot pass any laws. Local government, under the jurisdiction of the Taiwan Provincial Government, is exercised in 5 cities (Keelun, Hsinchu, Taichung, Chiaye and Tainan) and 16 districts. Each district has a district self-government body. The activities of local government include education, health care, local economic problems, local policing, tax collection, and oversight of the application of provincial and national legislation at the local level. Taipei is a special administrative unit equal in status to a province, and is directly subordinate to the Executive Yuan. The Taipei City Council is an elected body, but the position of mayor is not elected.
Political parties. The leading political party in Taiwan is the Kuomintang. It ruled China until the communists forced its members to emigrate in 1949. In the late 1980s, the vast majority of seats in the National Assembly and Legislative Council were still held by elderly Kuomintang officials who fled China together in 1949 with Chiang Kai-shek. However, the real leadership has already passed into the hands of a new generation, which includes a steadily increasing number of people born in Taiwan. In 1988, presidential powers passed to Lee Denghui, who was born in 1923 in Taiwan. He was also elected chairman of the Kuomintang. Until 1986, the existence of any opposition parties was prohibited, and martial law remained on the island. With the abolition of martial law in 1987, a large opposition party was legalized - the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), whose members had previously acted politically as the so-called. "independent". Although agitation for Taiwanese independence or recognition by the mainland Chinese government remained prohibited, the DPP advocated the development of direct trade, tourism, and the establishment of postal links with China, and the right of the Taiwanese people to self-determination. In 1996, the first democratic presidential elections were held, with Li Tenghui receiving 54% of the vote. DPP candidate Peng Minmin received 21% of the vote. The other two candidates, the New Party's Lin Yankang and independent candidate Chen Lian, received 15% and 10% of the votes, respectively.
International relationships. For more than two decades, the government of the Republic of China on Taiwan saw its main task as establishing the right to be considered the legitimate government of all China. Year after year, the UN debated whether the place in the organization reserved for China should be occupied by the government of that country's island province. When the number of votes against this provision approached a majority, a draft provision on “two Chinas” was put forward, according to which the People's Republic of China and Taiwan could have separate representation at the UN. This project was rejected by both nationalists and communists.
During the period from early 1969 to early 1972, the number of countries that maintained diplomatic recognition of Taiwan decreased from 67 to 52, while the number of countries that declared diplomatic recognition of the PRC increased from 46 to 72. On October 25, 1971, at the session of the UN General Assembly, a resolution was approved on the expulsion of the Republic of China from the UN and on the transfer of representation in all bodies of this organization, including the Security Council, to the People's Republic of China. The resolution received 76 votes in favor, 35 against and 17 abstentions. In 1998, only 27 states fully maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The main support of the Republic of China in its opposition to communist China was the United States. When the Korean War began in 1950, the US 7th Fleet was sent to the Taiwan Strait to defend Taiwan from possible attack from mainland China. In 1954, a mutual security treaty was signed between the Republic of China and the United States, which entered into force in 1955. In accordance with this treaty, 10 thousand American troops were stationed in Taiwan. American military assistance to the Republic of China amounted to over $2.5 billion.
In April 1969, patrols by American warships in the Taiwan Strait were stopped. When President Nixon visited the PRC in 1972, he unequivocally recognized that Taiwan is one of the provinces of China and the solution of problems related to it is a matter of internal affairs of China. In 1979, the United States declared diplomatic recognition of one China in the person of the People's Republic of China and annulled the US-Taiwan Mutual Security Treaty. The 1996 presidential elections in Taiwan led to a new round of tension in relations between Taiwan and the PRC. The PRC government, which launched missiles in the Taiwan Strait, declared its intention to oppose by force any attempts by Taiwan to adopt an official declaration of its sovereignty.
At the same time, the United States again demonstrated its desire to provide full support to Taiwan and resumed patrols in the Taiwan Strait for the first time since 1969. In April 1998, however, the negotiation process between the PRC and Taiwan was resumed.
ECONOMY
After 1949, Taiwan's economy experienced rapid development and underwent significant structural changes. When the Japanese left this territory, Taiwan was an agricultural country, an exporter of rice and sugar. The Nationalist government continued to develop agriculture, as it had done under the Japanese, but in addition it improved industry and expanded the volume of exports of manufactured products. All of this was achieved with US financial support through a series of four-year development plans beginning in 1953. US aid payments offset Taiwan's foreign trade deficit, and during the 1950s the US share of investment in the island's industry was 25%. of all funds invested By 1965, when American economic subsidies were no longer necessary, the total volume of aid provided reached $1.7 billion. Taiwan's economic growth rate for the period from 1953 to 1986 averaged 8% per year, and for 1986–1997 – over 7%. The share of gross domestic product per capita was $13,232 in 1997.
Agriculture. Taiwan is a major food producer and almost completely meets its own food needs, but the share of agricultural products in the gross domestic product has been steadily declining (in 1997 it was only 2.7%). The most common staple food and main crop is rice. Other crops grown for domestic consumption include sweet potatoes, a staple food for farmers, groundnuts, and soybeans. Before World War II, the leading crops for export were rice and sugarcane. Some sugar is still produced for export, but the export of rice has almost ceased. The only food commodities imported are wheat, corn and soybeans. Taiwan's main export products are currently canned vegetables and fruits, as well as mushrooms, sugar and tea. In addition, Taiwan produces small quantities of cotton and jute, but its textile industry uses mainly imported raw materials.
Farm output grew at the same rate as population growth, despite the decline in the share of rural population in Taiwan from 50% in 1952 to 22% in 1986. Yields increased even though the total area of cultivated land (880 thousand sq. ha in 1985) remained virtually unchanged. Increased agricultural productivity was achieved through the use of better technology and inputs, such as improved varieties of rice, higher quality fertilizers, modern machinery instead of draft animals for cultivation, crop rotation technology, improved irrigation systems, pest control, and multiple harvests throughout the year. Agrarian reform tripled the number of full owners among peasants. In 1997, 86% of Taiwanese peasants owned their own land, 9% owned part of the cultivated land, and 5% leased land.
Every year approx. 12.0 million pigs; Pig products are almost entirely intended for domestic consumption. Chickens and ducks are also raised. Fish products, including mainly shellfish, shrimp, crabs, eels and oysters, are obtained not only from the sea, but also from special farms.
Forestry and mining. More than half the island's area is covered by forests, but much of this forest is inaccessible, so a significant amount of wood is imported. The central mountainous regions contain about 75% mixed deciduous forests, 20% coniferous forests and 5% bamboo groves.
Taiwan is relatively poor in proven mineral resources. The island's reserves of low-quality coal are close to complete depletion. The maximum level of its production occurred in the 1960s and amounted to 5 million tons per year. In 1986, coal production barely reached 1.7 million tons. Other minerals include natural gas, oil, copper, gold, sulfur, salt, limestone and dolomite. Their reserves are insignificant.
Industrial production. The rate of industrialization in Taiwan from the 1950s to the 1970s was truly phenomenal, and Taiwan emerged as a major exporter of manufactured goods in the 1970s. In the early 1950s, Taiwan's main and only significant products were cotton textiles and chemicals. Both the textile and chemical industries continue to develop. However, since the 1950s, a number of new industries have emerged in Taiwan. During the first four-year plan, which began in 1953, emphasis was placed on developing the production of cement, steel and aluminum. Since 1957, the production of glass, steel fittings, canned fruit, as well as mechanical engineering has developed. Finally, since 1963, the creation of an industrial base for the production of consumer goods, including household electrical appliances and radio electronics, has become important. In the early 1970s, synthetic fabrics replaced cotton as the main product of the textile industry. Taiwan's important exports include textiles, plastic products, electrical appliances, metal products and non-electrical equipment. Most of the enterprises in basic industries are concentrated in the vicinity of Kaohsiung, where there are excellent conditions for their development. Taipei and its associated port city of Keelung specialize in textile production.
In the 1980s, Taiwan became the largest manufacturer and exporter of high-tech electronic products. In the 1990s, it played a leading role in the global production of computer parts, monitors and chips. In 1998, 90% of all scanners produced in the world, more than 50% of monitors and more than a third of portable personal computers “laptops” were assembled in Taiwan. At the same time, Taiwan continued to expand its heavy industrial base.
Energy. Like Japan, Taiwan depends on imports of oil, coal and uranium to meet its electricity generation needs. At the end of the 1980s, almost 90% of energy consumption was produced by imported fuel. The rest of the energy resources were domestic coal, firewood and hydroelectricity.
Transport. In 1997, the total length of railways in Taiwan was 2673 km. The Eastern Railway starts from Suao and runs along the east coast of the island to Taitung. The Western Railway's main line runs from Keelung in the north through Taipei to Kaohsiung in the south and has several branches. As of 1997, Taiwan had approximately 19,600 km of paved highways. The main trading ports are Kaohsiung and Keelung. Taiwan's main international airport is located in Taipei.
International trade. Taiwan's economy has achieved significant development thanks to the full use of foreign trade relations. In 1997, Taiwan's foreign trade turnover (the total volume of exports and imports) amounted to 96% of the gross national product (in Japan - only 19%). Since 1970, the value of Taiwan's exported goods has consistently exceeded the value of imported goods, and this excess has tended to continually increase. This accumulation of income has made Taiwan the world's second-largest creditor after Japan. In 1986, the net income from Taiwanese investment abroad amounted to almost 3% of the country's national income.
Taiwan exports a wide variety of goods, most notably textiles and footwear, industrial equipment, consumer electronics and all kinds of plastic products. Major imports include crude oil, minerals and scrap metal, machine tools, chemical products and food products. Almost half of Taiwan's exports go to the United States and about 1/8 to Japan. About 1/3 of Taiwan's imports come from Japan and about 1/4 from the United States.
Banking and finance. The currency of Taiwan is the Taiwan dollar. The issuance of money, as well as regulation of the money market, foreign exchange transactions and servicing of government financial activities fall under the purview of the Central Bank of China in Taipei. Taiwan has a well-developed commercial banking system, and many foreign banks have branches in Taipei. The financial and economic crisis of 1997 had less impact on Taiwan than on other countries in Southeast Asia.
SOCIETY AND CULTURE
The Taiwanese way of life is characterized by a mixture of Chinese and Japanese traditions, modernized by Western influence. Taiwanese society has a very small group of wealthy people and a large, growing middle class. The majority of Taiwan's population are farmers and urban workers. Many are organized into government-controlled organizations such as trade unions, agricultural cooperatives or veterans' associations. The China Federation of Labor (CFT) includes trade unions of workers and craftsmen. Until 1987, strikes and industrial action were prohibited in Taiwan, and the CFT focused on improving industrial safety, worker welfare, and improving the pension system. There are also youth and women's organizations.
Free secondary school education is guaranteed for all children and is compulsory and universal. In 1997, there were 1.9 million students in primary schools, 1.7 million in high schools and vocational schools, and 738 thousand students in colleges and universities, the most significant of which is National Taiwan University in Taipei.
Taiwan has several research institutes, the most famous of which are the Academia Sinica (Academy of China), consisting of 12 separate institutes, and the Academia Historica (Academy of History), which studies the modern history of China. The National Palace Museum houses a large collection of art treasures and a library containing almost 200,000 rare publications. The National History Museum in Taipei has a significant collection of Chinese antiquities.
Taiwan is a major publishing center. In 1997, there were 335 newspapers published in Taiwan. There are also four television networks (one of them is state-owned), and cable television is widespread.
Health standards in Taiwan are no less high than in Japan. In 1997 there were about 26,000 doctors, many of whom were highly trained in traditional Chinese healing methods based on the use of acupuncture and medicinal plants. Beginning in 1947, the provincial government introduced free medical care for the poor. Most workers are covered by the government's health insurance program, which provides benefits for sickness, injury, maternity and old age. These types of programs also cover government employees and the military.
STORY
Until the 17th century Taiwan is mentioned only sporadically in Chinese history. At the beginning of the 17th century. Dutch and Spanish explorers established settlements on the west coast of the island. The Portuguese, who gave the island the name Formosa in 1590 (Portuguese ilha formosa - beautiful island), were not so lucky. In 1661, Zheng Chenggong, also known as Cosinga, who fled from mainland China, recaptured the island from the Dutch. 20 years after some 200,000 Chinese took refuge in Taiwan, the island was occupied by China and incorporated into Fujian Province. The influx of population from the mainland continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. By the time of the first census in 1905, carried out by the Japanese, the Chinese population of the island had reached almost 3 million people. The Manchu dynasty that ruled China was always too preoccupied with internal problems to pay close attention to Taiwan. In 1886, the island was given provincial status, but 9 years later, Taiwan, along with the Pescadores Islands (Penghu Islands) and Ryukyu Island, was transferred to Japan under the terms of the Treaty of Shimonoseki, which ended the Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895.
The Japanese introduced their language to the island, improved means of communication and transportation, the health care system, agricultural methods and the use of energy resources. During World War II, the island served as Japan's base for penetration into the South Pacific, and was therefore subject to Allied bombing.
In 1945 the island was returned to China. The first post-war governor, General Chen Yi, abused his power so much that in early 1947, outraged Taiwanese rebelled. Thousands of people were killed before government troops from the mainland crushed the uprising. Two years later, when the Chinese Civil War ended with Communist victory on the mainland, the entire government of the Republic of China and about 2 million more Chinese left for Taiwan. President Chiang Kai-shek hoped to gather forces here that could regain power over mainland China. Later, under US pressure, Chiang Kai-shek declared that the return of mainland China to his rule would be accomplished “by 70% political and 30% military means,” including turning Taiwan into a “model province.” Relying on large-scale American assistance, Chiang Kai-shek carried out agrarian reform in Taiwan, restored the railways, took measures to develop industry and improve the level of education. The United States never supplied Taiwan with the weapons and military equipment necessary for an attack on the mainland, and in 1969 it stopped naval patrols in the Taiwan Strait, introduced in 1950 in connection with the outbreak of the Korean War. Nevertheless, the mutual security treaty signed in 1954 remained in force. In 1971, the PRC was admitted to the UN, and the Republic of China () left its place in this international organization. By the early 1970s, most countries around the world began to view their trade ties with Taiwan as separate from the issue of diplomatic recognition of the country. In 1972, the United States declared that the question of the future of Taiwan should be decided by the Chinese themselves. In 1979, the United States established diplomatic relations with the PRC, recalling its diplomatic representatives from Taiwan. The mutual security treaty was terminated.
In 1975, Chiang Kai-shek died, and the post of head of the Republic of China was taken by his son, Jiang Jingguo, who served as premier and then president until 1978. Under the leadership of Jiang Chingguo, Taiwan has completed the process of transforming a small, poor and backward island province into a modern, dynamic, industrialized country.
Taiwan's dynamic economic development for a long time was accompanied by almost complete stagnation in the political field. The parliament was composed of elderly people who only nominally represented the various regions of mainland China. Thus, there was no possibility of holding elections even to replace deceased or completely decrepit deputies. The ban on any contacts with mainland China or representatives of the PRC remained.
Jiang Jingguo became President of the Republic of China just at the moment when the PRC, under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, itself took the path of accelerated economic development and moderate political liberalization. Jiang initiated a similar reform program in Taiwan. It should be noted that local elections were held in Taiwan, during which native Taiwanese received the right to participate as “independent candidates”, young members of the Kuomintang, many of them native Taiwanese, were nominated to the leadership of the party, and the rapid growth of trade with mainland China via Hong Kong, the government simply turned a blind eye. In 1986, the activities of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party were officially allowed, and residents of Taiwan were given the right to visit their relatives living in the PRC. In 1987, the martial law law that had been in force since 1949 was repealed. Jiang Ching-kuo died in 1988, and the post of President and leader of the Kuomintang was taken by Lee Teng-hui, a native of Taiwan and a strong supporter of the liberalization policies begun under Jiang. In 1996, Lee Teng-hui, in Taiwan's first democratic presidential election, received 54% of the vote, ahead of three other candidates, and became president for a 4-year term.
LITERATURE
Toder F.I. and his story(XIX century). M., 1978
Sycheva V.A. : economic development and the working class. – Working class and the modern world, 1987, No. 6
Encyclopedia of New China. M., 1989
Modern Taiwan. Edited by P.M. Ivanov. Irkutsk, 1994
Encyclopedia Around the World. 2008 .
TAIWAN
REPUBLIC OF CHINA
An island in East Asia that is home to the government of the Republic of China. China (People's Republic of China) claims rights to the island, considering it its province. Taiwan is separated from the mainland by the Taiwan (Formosan) Strait. In the north, the island is washed by the East China Sea, in the east by the Pacific Ocean, and in the south by the South China Sea. Taiwan also owns small groups of islands. The total area of Taiwan is about 36,000 km2. A forested mountain range runs along almost the entire length of Taiwan, reaching a height of 3997 m (Mount Yushan). To the east of the mountain range there is a hilly area, to the west there is a vast plain. All of Taiwan's rivers, very fast and short, originate in the mountains. The main rivers of Taiwan are the Cuoxu, Tsengweg and Tangxu.
The island's population (1998 estimate) is about 21,908,000 people, with an average population density of about 609 people per km2. Ethnic groups: Taiwanese (descendants of the Chinese who emigrated in the 18th and 19th centuries from the provinces of Fujian and Guangzhou) - 84%, Chinese (who emigrated to the island after the Second World War) - 14%. Language: Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese, Hakka. Religion: Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism - 93%, Christianity (mainly Catholicism) - 4.5%, Islam - less than 1%. The capital is Taipei. Largest cities: Taipei (2,658,685 people), Kaohsiung (1,397,000 people), Taichung (774,000 people), Tainan (690,000 people). The government system is a democratic republic. The head of state is President Li Tengui (in office since January 13, 1988, re-elected in March 1996). The head of government is Prime Minister Lien Chan (in office since February 10, 1993). The currency is the New Taiwan dollar. Average life expectancy (as of 1998): 72 years - men, 78 years - women. The birth rate (per 1000 people) is 14.8. The mortality rate (per 1000 people) is 5.4.
According to Chinese chronicles, China's first attempts to subjugate the island were made back in 603. In the 12th century, the Japanese captured small areas of the island, and from the 15th century, Japan considered the eastern half of the island its property. The first Europeans to arrive on the island were the Portuguese in 1590, who named it Formosa - “beautiful”. Later, the Dutch settled on the island and stayed on its southeastern shore for 37 years. At the end of the 17th century, the island became part of the Chinese Empire, and Europeans were expelled from the island. However, in the mid-19th century, Taiwan's ports were open to foreign ships, and Catholic and Protestant missions began operating on the island. At the end of the 19th century, as a result of the Sino-Japanese War, Taiwan ceded to Japan, which at the beginning of the Second World War declared Taiwan an integral part of the empire. After Japan's defeat, Taiwan was returned to China in 1945. In 1949, as a result of the communist takeover of mainland China, the government of the Republic of China fled to Taiwan. Although Taiwan is considered a province of China, a fairly large part of its population wants independence. Taiwan is not a member of international organizations because it is not recognized as an independent state.
The climate in Taiwan is mild. Warm summers (average temperature about 28°C) last from May to September, very mild winters (average temperature about 18°C) - from December to February. The average annual precipitation is 2540 mm. There are about 3,800 plant species in Taiwan. Tropical and subtropical forests grow up to an altitude of 1980 m; deciduous and coniferous forests grow from 1980 to 3050 m; above 3050 m only coniferous forests grow. There are about 60 species of mammals in Taiwan, including squirrel, deer, wild boar and Formosan black bear. The island has a large number of birds, reptiles and insects.
In Taiwan, as in mainland China, various festivals are popular. The most significant are the Dragon Boat Festival, the Autumn Festival and the Lantern Festival. The main museums in Taiwan are concentrated in Taipei: the HwaKang Museum with a collection of folk and contemporary Chinese art; The National Palace Museum, which displays artifacts from the mainland spanning the period from the 2nd millennium BC. to this day; National Historical Museum. Other attractions in Taipei include: several Buddhist shrines; the Chiang Kai-shek memorial made of white marble, surrounded by a large garden where residents of the capital like to relax. In Panchiao there is the famous oriental garden of the Lipenyan Mansion. Chiay has several Buddhist shrines, and not far from the city there are hot sulfur springs.
Encyclopedia: cities and countries. 2008 .
Taiwan is a state entity in southeastern China (cm. China), consists of the island of Taiwan, the Penghuledao archipelago (Pescadores Islands), the Jimen Islands, the Matsu Islands (all of which are in the Taiwan Strait), the Xishaquundao (Paracel Islands), Dongshaqundao (Pratas Islands), Nanshaqundao (Spratly Islands) and Zhongshaqundao archipelagos (all of them located in the South China Sea), with a total area of 35.9 thousand sq. km. The population is 22.8 million, of which 98% are Chinese (Han), and the rest are descendants of the indigenous population (Guoashan). The official language is Chinese, of which the northern (Beijing) dialect has been chosen as the “national language”.
The most widespread and officially recognized religion is Buddhism; Taoism, Protestantism, and Catholicism are also common. Confucianism is used mainly as a moral and ethical teaching, although there are communities at Confucius temples.
The administrative center is Taipei, other major cities are Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan. Administratively, the territory is divided into the province of Taiwan, 2 cities of central subordination (Taipei and Kaohsiung) and 2 counties that were previously part of the mainland Chinese province of Fujian. The province of Taiwan itself is divided into 16 counties and 5 provincial cities.
According to the 1946 Chinese Constitution in force in Taiwan, Taiwan is headed by a president elected for a term of six years. Taiwan's highest representative body is the National Assembly, which decides constitutional issues and elects the president and vice president. The system of supreme authorities also includes five yuan. The Legislative Yuan serves as a parliament with somewhat limited powers. The Executive Yuan represents the government headed by the Prime Minister. The Judicial, Control and Examination Yuans control the implementation of laws, develop legislation, and examine candidates for government positions.
In general, Taiwan is diplomatically isolated from the countries of the world community. But a number of countries, mainly small states in Latin America, Africa and Oceania, recognize the Taiwanese government. Economic, scientific, technical, and cultural ties between Taiwan and the rest of the world are possible strictly on an unofficial, non-state basis.
The island of Taiwan is separated from the mainland by a strait 142 km wide, and most of its territory is occupied by mountains. The central mountain range crosses the entire island from north to south and at its highest point (Mount Yushan) reaches 3950 m above sea level. Only 30% of the island's territory is suitable for cultivation of agricultural crops. Taiwan's climate is humid (average 2580 mm of precipitation per year), subtropical in the north, tropical in the south, which allows for two to three harvests per year. Typhoons often occur in summer and autumn. The average temperature in January is +15°C, in July +28°C. Tropical rainforests grow on the island.
Man settled in Taiwan during the Paleolithic period. Chinese attempts to conquer Taiwan began in 230 AD, when the ruler of the state of Wu (in southern China), Sun Quan, first sent a military expedition to the island. During the short period of the Sui dynasty (581-618), expeditions were sent to explore Taiwan three times. After the fall of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), China experienced a period of political instability and civil strife, and the population of the southern provinces of Fujian and Guangdong began to settle in large groups in Taiwan. From 1335, the emperors of the Mongol Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) began to appoint a special official to govern Taiwan and the Penghuledao Islands.
Europeans first saw Taiwan in 1544. These were Portuguese sailors. The shores of Taiwan amazed them with their beauty and they named it Formosa, which means “beautiful.” Since 1590, a fierce struggle began between European powers for possession of the island. The Portuguese were replaced by the Dutch, then by the Spaniards.
The Chinese did not remain indifferent to the fate of the island, and in 1662 Taiwan was liberated from Europeans by the troops of the South Chinese ruler Zheng Chenggong, who fought against the Manchu invaders. After the death of Zheng Chenggong, the island was inherited by his son and then grandson, who created their own small state. In 1683, the Manchus captured Taiwan and incorporated it into Fujian Province. In 1887, a separate province of Taiwan was created.
As a result of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, Taiwan was annexed by Japan (cm. Japan) and was returned to China only after World War II in 1945. After the defeat in the civil war, the remnants of the Kuomintang regime led by Chiang Kai-shek found themselves in Taiwan. The leadership of Taiwan and communist China pursued hostile policies towards each other; Taiwan lived for decades under martial law and restrictions on democracy.
In the post-war decades, Taiwan's economy developed at an increasingly accelerating pace. Taiwan's economic growth rates were among the highest in the world. Having created a modern and efficient industry, Taiwan became one of the newly industrialized countries, acquiring the fame of an “economic tiger” along with Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea.
Since the mid-1980s, Chiang Kai-shek's son, President Jiang Ching-kuo, carried out liberal reforms in Taiwan: martial law was abolished and political parties were legalized. In the 1990s, economic and cultural contacts between Taiwan and mainland China began to develop. In 1993, indirect (mainly through Hong Kong) trade between the two countries reached $15.1 billion. In the political sphere, the People's Republic of China and Taiwan have not yet found a common language. The government of Taiwan officially refers to itself as the "government of the Republic of China" and the Chinese mainland as "temporarily occupied by the Communists." Beijing's proposals for the peaceful unification of the country based on the “one state, two systems” formula, according to which Taiwan can maintain its socio-economic structure, do not find understanding in Taiwan.
Taiwan is one of the twenty most economically powerful countries in the world and maintains a high rate of growth in economic potential. The economic development strategy is determined by the official six-year national development plans. In the manufacturing industry, the most developed are radio-electronic, chemical, shipbuilding, textile, leather and footwear, and clothing industries. Taiwan occupies a leading position in the world production of computer equipment, electronic household equipment, clothing, footwear, sports yachts, and camphor. Products from furniture, metallurgical, chemical and precision engineering industries are supplied to the world market on a significant scale.
Compared to industry, Taiwan's agriculture occupies a modest place. However, the island has significant production of rice, cereals, sugarcane, betel nut, coconuts, bamboo, sorghum, tea, tropical fruits and vegetables. In livestock farming, the leading place belongs to the breeding of pigs and poultry. Fishing is well developed in Taiwan.
The island is covered by a dense network of railways. The main ports of Taiwan are Kaohsiung, Keelung, Taichung, Hualien, Suao. Taiwan's export and import volumes exceed one hundred billion dollars annually. Main trading partners: USA (cm. USA), Japan, Hong Kong. China does not directly trade with Taiwan, however, such trade exists and occupies a very significant place. The currency of Taiwan is the Taiwan dollar.
Taipei Dictionary of Russian synonyms. Taiwan noun, number of synonyms: 4 island (218) country ... Synonym dictionary
Taiwan- TAIWAN, and, w. (less often me, m.), own. name pub opposite the Chinese embassy near Moscow State University. From the name island states; Poss. also semantic contamination with Shanghai... Dictionary of Russian argot
- (Taiwan), an island in the China Sea, formerly known as the Portuguese. name Formosa. Since the 18th century. T. part of the Qing Empire, occupied by Japan in 1895, which was secured by the Treaty of Shimonoseki, remained under Japanese rule until the end. 2nd World War... ... The World History
A large island located in the Pacific Ocean off the eastern coast of mainland China. Formally, Taiwan, together with the adjacent small islands, has the status of one of the provinces of China, but in fact, since 1949 it has... ... Collier's Encyclopedia
Territory in southeast China, on the island of Taiwan (Formosa) and adjacent islands (Penghuledao, etc.) off the southeast coast of Asia. Area 36 thousand km2. Population 21 million people (1996), mostly Chinese (97%). Official language … … encyclopedic Dictionary
This term has other meanings, see Taiwan (meanings). The request "Formosa" is redirected here; see also other meanings. Taiwan China trad. 臺灣, ex. 台湾, pinyin: Táiwān ... Wikipedia
- (Chinese, lit. terrace bay) island in the Pacific Ocean. at the southeast coast of Asia, separated from the mainland by the Taiwan Strait. The area of Penghuledao is 36 thousand km2; forms a wire. China. Us. OK. 15 million people (1971). Adm. c. Taipei. In ancient China... ... Soviet historical encyclopedia
TAIWAN- REPUBLIC OF CHINA An island in East Asia where the government of the Republic of China is located. China (People's Republic of China) claims rights to the island, considering it its province. Taiwan is separated from the mainland by the Taiwan... ... Cities and countries
There are surprisingly warm and beautiful places with magnificent pearl beaches and comfortable conditions for tourists to relax. In this article you can get acquainted with a small and very cozy corner of the Earth called Taiwan. What is it like, where is it located, and who lives in it? This and much more will be briefly discussed below.
But first let us note that this is a land of amazing contrasts. Luxurious snow-white seashores and bustling modern cities coexist perfectly here. A huge variety of sugar cane plantations grow next to numerous temples and ultra-modern resorts.
The island of Taiwan is located in the Pacific Ocean (in the western part). It is separated from China (the mainland) by the Gulf of Taiwan (or Formosa), whose width is 160 km.
For many centuries, throughout the world, this piece of land was called the island of Formosa, which means “beautiful” in Portuguese. This romantic name was given to it in the 16th century by Portuguese sailors, amazed by the unimaginable beauty of the island.
In Asia, Taiwan is one of the largest islands. The total area is about 36 thousand square meters. km. It is washed by waters: from the north by the East China Sea, from the east by the Pacific Ocean, and from the south by the South China Sea. From Taiwan the distance to Hong Kong and Shanghai is exactly the same.
What country is Taiwan in? This place is a partially recognized state in East Asia, located off the southeastern coast of China, its mainland. It includes the territories of the islands of Taiwan, Kinmen, Penghu, Matsu and a number of smaller ones.
Administrative division
Taiwan is a democratic republic in its form of government. What kind of country? Being one of the many in the opinion of the PRC government, Taiwan is in fact a separate state, practically not recognized by either the UN or any country in the world. It is believed that its recognition means a severance of relations with mainland China, which no state can afford.
The president is the head of state, the prime minister is the head of government.
In total, the island has 2 large cities under central control: Taipei (in the north of the island) and the economic center of Kaohsiung (industrial center in the south), and 5 more provincial cities: Taichung, Keelung, Hsinchu, Tainan and Chiayi. There are also 16 counties in the Republic.
Language and religion
Chinese is the official language of Taiwan. Northern, or Beijing in other words, was chosen as the national language from among many dialects.
The very colorful state of Taiwan. What country is this in terms of religion? The most widespread religion is Buddhism. It is professed by approximately 5 million people. Taoism is the second most popular religion. It is also considered as a philosophical doctrine.
Christianity also came here from outside. Approximately 430 thousand Taiwanese residents consider themselves Protestants, and 300 thousand consider themselves Catholics. There are also Muslims - about 50 thousand.
Climatic conditions
What is the weather like in the Republic of Taiwan? This is a country with mild climatic conditions on the island itself, with subtropical ones in the north and tropical ones in the south.
Summer here is usually warm (about 27°C), and lasts from April to October. And the winter is quite mild (15°C), which lasts from December to February. There is an average annual precipitation of 2550 mm and humidity is 80%. From June to August it is the rainy season on the island during the dominance of the southwest monsoon.
Economy
Taiwan is part of the In 1995, its annual income was about 263 billion dollars, which allows the state to occupy 19th place worldwide. Per capita GNP is $12,439; dollar reserves are 89.5 billion. Taiwan ranks second in the world after Japan.
Kitchen
Where can you try a wide variety of Chinese cuisine? You should go to Taiwan. What other country can offer guests Sichuan, Guangdong, Shanghai, Huang, Beijing and Taiwanese cuisines in such variety?
Taiwan is also famous for its excellent French, Italian, Swiss and German restaurants. American KFC and McDonald's have also taken root here.
Amazing, varied dishes are prepared from seafood and exotic fruits. It’s not for nothing that subtropical Taiwan is home to more than 45 types of fruit.
In conclusion, about the features of life and everyday life
To go on vacation, you need to know the unique way of life and communication of the peoples of the Republic of Taiwan. What country is this? Let's look at some of these features.
- In this republic, smoking in public places has been prohibited since 2009.
- Despite the fact that the Taiwanese do not pay any attention to a person who sneezes, they can quite easily blow their nose on the street even without using a handkerchief, which is considered a completely normal occurrence.
- It’s not customary to address people by last name or first name here. It is imperative to use connecting words: title, position, other address ("miss", "madam", "mister", etc.).
- Friendly pats on the back, kisses and all other similar forms of contact can greatly shock local people.
- They don't like being called Chinese. Only in cases of a more global discussion about the culture of ancient times can such a word be allowed into conversation.
- As in many countries, here you can bargain in private shops and markets, and for sellers the art of bargaining is more important than its result.