Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), is an island country in East Asia. Located off the southeastern coast of China, Taiwan is known for its bustling cities, traditional Chinese temples, lush green landscapes, and advanced technology industry.
Through this unit study, middle school students will explore Taiwan’s geography, history, government, economy, and vibrant culture.
Geography
- Location: East Asia
- Size: Approximately 36,193 square kilometers
- Continent: Asia
- Borders: Surrounded by the East China Sea to the north, the Philippine Sea to the east, the South China Sea to the south, and the Taiwan Strait to the west.
- Landforms: Features a rugged mountain range that spans the eastern two-thirds of the island, with rolling plains in the west. The highest peak is Yushan (Jade Mountain), which is also the tallest mountain in Northeast Asia.
- Climate zones: Tropical in the south, subtropical in the north, and marine influences, with a typhoon season from June to October.
- Divisions: Divided into 22 administrative divisions, including 6 special municipalities, 3 cities, and 13 counties.
History
Taiwan’s history is marked by the presence of indigenous peoples, colonization by the Dutch and Spanish in the 17th century, and subsequent control by the Qing Dynasty of China. It was ceded to Japan in 1895 after the First Sino-Japanese War and returned to Chinese rule after World War II. The island became the seat of the Republic of China government in 1949 following the Chinese Civil War, with the government in exile asserting its claim over all of China.
Government
- Political system: Semi-presidential system
- Type of government: Taiwan has a multi-party democracy. The President serves as the head of state, and the Premier is the head of government.
- Head of state: President
- Structure of power: The government is divided into five branches (Yuan): the Executive Yuan (cabinet), Legislative Yuan (unicameral legislature), Judicial Yuan, Control Yuan (audit agency), and Examination Yuan (civil service examination agency).
Economy
Taiwan boasts a dynamic capitalist economy, with significant contributions from electronics manufacturing, machinery, petrochemicals, and information and communication technology sectors. It is a global leader in semiconductor production, with Taiwanese companies playing crucial roles in the global supply chain. The country has a well-developed industrial base and is one of Asia’s major exporters.
Culture
Taiwanese culture is a blend of traditional Chinese practices, Japanese influences, and indigenous cultures. The island is known for its vibrant festivals, such as the Lantern Festival and Dragon Boat Festival, rich culinary traditions including night markets, and the practice of traditional Chinese arts. Mandarin is the official language, with Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka spoken by significant portions of the population.
People
Taiwan has a diverse society comprising various ethnic groups, including the majority Han Chinese and indigenous Austronesian peoples. It has a high level of education with a robust public schooling system and universal healthcare. The island is known for its high standard of living, low crime rate, and strong emphasis on environmental conservation.
Fun Facts
- Taiwan is home to the world’s former tallest building, Taipei 101, known for its distinctive pagoda-like design.
- The island is a major global producer of high-quality oolong tea and famous for inventing bubble tea.
- Taiwan’s Taroko Gorge, carved by the Liwu River, is known for its towering marble cliffs, deep valleys, and numerous hiking trails.
Additional Points
Environment
Taiwan is committed to environmental preservation, with numerous national parks and nature reserves protecting its diverse ecosystems. Efforts are being made to reduce pollution and promote renewable energy sources.
Infrastructure
Taiwan has an advanced infrastructure, including a high-speed rail network that connects major cities, modern airports, and a comprehensive public transportation system in urban areas.
Challenges and Opportunities
Taiwan faces geopolitical challenges due to its unique international status. However, it continues to seek opportunities in technology innovation, trade diversification, and cultural diplomacy to strengthen its position globally.
Global Connections
Despite its complex diplomatic status, Taiwan maintains extensive unofficial relationships with countries around the world, contributing significantly to global trade, technology, and cultural exchanges.