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Taiwan

T'ai-wan

Capital:Taipei
Population:23.6M
Currency:New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
Language:Chinese: Mandarin (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects
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Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Great importance on the concept of "face"." "Face" roughly equates to Western concepts of status and respect. Chinese people regard the respect of their elderly, peers, and colleagues as a matter of utmost importance. Conversely, to be humiliated or embarrassed in public is to be regarded with great shame. Taiwanese people are usually reserved, refined, and friendly.

Matters that foreigners may regard as funny may be a source of great humiliation to a Chinese person and it is therefore always necessary to be conscious of the public image of the person they deal with. Difficult situations should always be handled delicately and without showing anger. Never raise your voice, as this would cause the person you are angry with to lose face.

To shout at a Chinese person in public, correct them in front of their peers or raise your voice in public would cause them to lose face. Try to avoid situations that place a Chinese person on the spot. One of the most common ways for a Chinese person to gain face is to spend vast sums of money on food and entertainment.

If you are taken out to dinner by Chinese people, always compliment your host on his/her choice of restaurant, the quality of food, and entertainment, even if they personally criticize these things. This will give them face in the eyes of the other people at the table. An individual's actions reflect on the entire family.

In Business "Guanxi" (relationships or connections) is of paramount importance. Chinese prefer to deal with people they know and trust. Chinese people are superstitious about the number four, which signifies death.

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Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation

Holidays

  • Republic Day

    10/10

    Independence

    Anniversary of the Chinese Revolution

  • Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

    December 25 is not officially celebrated or legally recognized in Taiwan as Christmas, but it is inadvertently the Constitution Day, the date of the signing of the Constitutions of the republic of China in 1947. Despite this, there are still unofficial celebrations of Christmas. The Christmas trees are called "Trees of Light.” Christian children of Taiwan decorate their trees at home with colorful ornaments, made from paper in the shapes of flowers, chains and lanterns. They hang muslin stockings in the hopes that the Christmas Old Man will fill them with gifts and treats. Santa Clause is translated in their language as 聖誕老人, read as shengdan laoren, which means Christmas Old Men.

    Christmas is referred as the Spring Festival by the non-Christian Chinese who celebrate with various festivities that include eating and paying homage to their ancestors. Aside from the gifts, red packets or red envelopes with money inside are passed out during the Chinese New Year’s celebrations. Red packets are also known as the money used to suppress or put down the evil spirit during this period.

    The Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, or the Chinese New year often called the Lunar New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. This starts on the first day of the first month based on the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th. The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Every family should thoroughly clean the house to sweep away any ill-fortune in hopes to make way for good incoming luck. Red color paper-cuts and couplets with popular themes of “happiness”, “wealth”, and “longevity” adorn the doors and windows.

    Supper is a feast with families on the Chinese New Year’s eve. Foods range from pigs, to ducks, to chicken and sweet delicacies. Buddha’s delight (simplified Chinese: 罗汉斋; luóhàn zhai) is an elaborate vegetarian dish served by Chinese families on the eve and the first day of the New Year. Ingredients are cooked in soy sauce-based liquid with other seasonings until tender.

    The family will end the night with a colorful array of fireworks and noisy firecrackers to drive away bad luck. The next morning witnesses children greeting their parents with a healthy and happy new year, and receiveing money in red paper envelopes. The Chinese New Year is often accompanied by loud, enthusiastic greetings of Gong hei fat choi which loosely translates to "Congratulations and be prosperous". Though this may be different from Christmas in some way, the Chinese New Year tradition has the same spirit of forgetting all grudges, and sincerely wishing peace and happiness for everyone

Dates of Interest

  • October 10th

    Celebrated on October 10th, this is Taiwan's National Day, commemorating the establishment of the Republic of China (ROC). Festivities include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, fireworks, and cultural performances.

How do people greet each other in Taiwan?

A slight nod of the head shows respect; handshakes are becoming more common, especially in business, but greetings are typically accompanied by polite small talk about health, family, and work.

Do

  • Say "ni hao" for hello, or "nin hao" for older people or formal settings
  • Address people by formal title, such as "xiansheng" (Mr.) or "taitai" (Mrs.)
  • Greet and acknowledge the elderly first
  • Make small talk before moving to the main topic

Don’t

  • Don't interrupt or speak too loudly
  • Don't assume bowing is expected—it is not common

Good to know

  • Politeness and respect are highly valued
  • First impressions carry great weight

What are the dining customs in Taiwan?

Meals are important for building relationships and "face," and there are strict conventions around chopstick placement.

Do

  • Lay chopsticks horizontally across the rim of the bowl between courses
  • Compliment your host on the restaurant, food, and entertainment
  • Toast with "Kan-pie" (bottoms up)

Don’t

  • Never stick chopsticks vertically or at an angle in the rice bowl—it resembles funeral incense and is highly inauspicious

Good to know

  • Hosts often gain face by spending generously on food and entertainment
  • Karaoke is popular entertainment, especially at business dinners

What etiquette should I know in Taiwan?

The concept of "face" (status and respect) is central; humiliating someone in public brings great shame, and relationships ("guanxi") are paramount.

Do

  • Handle difficult situations delicately and calmly
  • Compliment your host to help them gain face
  • Present and receive gifts and business cards with both hands
  • Study a business card for several seconds when receiving it

Don’t

  • Never raise your voice or shout at someone in public
  • Don't correct someone in front of their peers
  • Don't write on the back of a card or immediately pocket it
  • Avoid placing a person on the spot

Good to know

  • Chinese people are superstitious about the number four, which signifies death
  • Chinese prefer to deal with people they know and trust
  • Social visits usually happen in the home, where you may be offered tea or a soft drink

How should I dress in Taiwan?

Western-style, conservative, and neat clothing is common; a suit is most appropriate for business.

Do

  • Wear a suit for business
  • For less formal settings, men can wear smart pants, shirt and tie; women a skirt and blouse
  • Present yourself well, prioritizing cleanliness and neatness

Good to know

  • Taiwanese place great emphasis on appearance

What gestures should I be aware of in Taiwan?

Good posture and respectful body language matter; some casual Western gestures are inappropriate.

Do

  • Maintain good posture—men sit with both feet on the floor, women cross legs at knees or ankles
  • Show respect to elders by covering your left fist with your right hand and raising both to your heart

Don’t

  • Don't put your arm around someone's shoulder or wink
  • Avoid touching a child on the top of the head

How does family life work in Taiwan?

Family includes children, parents, extended family, elders, and ancestors, with roles traditionally set by age, gender, and generation.

Good to know

  • The father is traditionally the breadwinner with unquestioned authority
  • Mothers take primary responsibility for children, with help from extended family
  • People are comfortable sitting or standing close together due to crowded living conditions
  • An individual's actions reflect on the entire family

What do people do for recreation in Taiwan?

Popular activities include golf, ping-pong, basketball, soccer, softball, badminton, karaoke, and gyms, with families spending weekends together.

Good to know

  • Senior men gather for the old men's tea ceremony (lao-ren ch'a)
  • Older women play ma-jong to stay mentally active
  • Families often picnic in the country on weekends
  • Evening night markets are popular and lively

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Taiwan

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
new Taiwan dollar (TWD)
Time Difference
UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
The Tropic of Cancer bisects the island, so the climate is sub-tropical with temperatures ranging from 12 to 35 degrees Celsius (54-95 degrees Fahrenheit). Northern Taiwan has two long seasons (summer & winter) and two short seasons (spring and autumn). Spring, mid-March to mid-May, is mostly sunny and mild with brief spells of cloudy skies and rain showers. Spring's average daily temperature is 17-25C or 62-77F. Summer, mid-May through late September, is hot with an average rainfall of 10 inches a month, mostly from afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Autumn, late September to early November, is characterized by mild temperatures and afternoon showers. Winter, November through mid-April, is characterized by low cloud drizzle, fog, and occasional winds. The daily temperatures range between 17 - 24 degrees C (62-75F) in November, dropping to 12 - 19C (54 - 66F) in January and then rising to 14 - 22C (57 - 72F) in March. Occasionally, the temperature drops below 1OC (50F), especially in mountainous areas. The typhoon season usually starts in mid-June and lasts through October. An average of 12 typhoons form in the Western Pacific each year. The average daily temperature range in Taipei is 21 - 29C (70 - 84F) in May; 24 - 35C (75 - 95F) in July and August; 23 - 33C (73 - 91F) in September; and 20 - 27C (68 - 81F) in October. Kaohsiung enjoys a milder, drier winter than Taipei, but summer temperatures average about the same. As a result of its subtropical position and heavy rainfall, Taiwan's natural landscape is constantly green with varied hues of forest, shrubs, and coarse tropical grass. All but the peaks of the highest mountains are covered with vegetation.
Airports
40
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Recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Aboriginal & Early Settlement

    13000 BCE – 1624

    Austronesian aboriginal peoples inhabited Taiwan for roughly 12,000 to 15,000 years before significant outside contact. Sporadic migration from mainland China began around A.D. 500, and Portuguese sailors dubbed the island Ilha Formosa — 'beautiful island' — in 1517. These centuries established the island's indigenous cultural foundations before European colonial ambitions arrived.

  2. European Colonial Era

    1624 – 1661

    The Dutch East India Company established a colonial administration in southern Taiwan in 1624, using the island as a trading hub linking Japan and the China coast. Spain simultaneously occupied the northwest coast from 1626 until the Dutch expelled them in 1642. Dutch rule accelerated the first major wave of Han Chinese migration from the mainland, driven by chaos during the collapse of the Ming Dynasty.

  3. Koxinga & Qing Rule

    1661 – 1895

    Ming loyalist Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) expelled the Dutch in 1661 and used Taiwan as a base to resist Manchu rule, though his heirs submitted to the Qing Dynasty in 1683. The Qing administered Taiwan as a prefecture and elevated it to a full province in 1887, while steady migration from Fujian and Guangdong transformed the island into a predominantly Han Chinese society. Taiwan was ceded to Japan in 1895 following China's defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War.

  4. Japanese Colonial Period

    1895 – 1945

    Japan governed Taiwan for fifty years under the Treaty of Shimonoseki, investing heavily in infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial development while enforcing cultural assimilation through compulsory Japanese education and the adoption of Japanese names. Resistance movements were suppressed, and aboriginal communities faced particularly harsh policies. Despite its exploitative character, Japanese colonial rule laid economic foundations that would later support Taiwan's rapid industrialization.

  5. KMT Rule & Authoritarian Era

    1945 – 1987

    Taiwan reverted to Nationalist Chinese (KMT) control in 1945, but early governance was marred by repression culminating in the brutal suppression of the February 28, 1947 uprising, in which thousands were killed. Following the Communist victory on the mainland, Chiang Kai-shek relocated the Republic of China government to Taipei in 1949 with two million refugees. The KMT ruled under martial law from 1949 to 1987, while simultaneously executing land reforms and steering Taiwan toward becoming one of Asia's foremost export-driven economies.

  6. Democratization & Modern Taiwan

    1987 – present

    The lifting of martial law in 1987 inaugurated a sweeping democratic transition; Taiwan held its first direct presidential election in 1996, and in 2000 a peaceful transfer of power to the Democratic Progressive Party marked the consolidation of multiparty democracy. Taiwan emerged as one of East Asia's economic 'Tigers,' a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and technology. Cross-strait relations with the People's Republic of China remain the defining geopolitical tension, with questions of sovereignty and potential unification unresolved.

Overview

Taiwan’s aboriginal peoples, who originated in Austronesia and southern China, have lived on Taiwan for 12,000 to 15,000 years. Significant migration to Taiwan from the Chinese mainland began as early as A.D. 500. Dutch traders first claimed the island in 1624 as a base for Dutch commerce with Japan and the China coast. Two years later, the Spanish established a settlement on the northwest coast of Taiwan, which they occupied until 1642 when they were driven out by the Dutch.

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1517

    Portuguese sailors named Ilha Formosa (beautiful island), later known as Taiwan.

    Portuguese sailors named Ilha Formosa (beautiful island), later known as Taiwan.

  2. 1624

    The Dutch colonize the south of Formosa.

    The Dutch colonize the south of Formosa.

  3. 1626

    The Spanish colonize northern Taiwan.

    The Spanish colonize northern Taiwan.

  4. 1661

    Chinese Ming dynasty occupied Taiwan.

    Chinese Ming dynasty occupied Taiwan.

  5. 1683

    The Manchus (Tartars) conquer Taiwan which becomes part of the Chinese empire.

    The Manchus (Tartars) conquer Taiwan which becomes part of the Chinese empire.

  6. 1884

    French forces lead by Admiral Coubert invade northern Taiwan.

    French forces lead by Admiral Coubert invade northern Taiwan.

  7. 1895

    China cedes Taiwan to Japan.

    China ceded Taiwan to Japan under the Apr 17 Treaty of Shimonoseki. This followed a war over control of the Korean peninsula. Japanese occupation ended in 1945.

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Interesting Facts

  • When a child loses a tooth they throw their tooth on the roof.

  • The capital of Taiwan, Taipei, is built in a big, flat basin that used to be a lake.

  • The Chinese have an intricate culture which dates back at least 3000 years, making it one of the world's oldest surviving societies.

  • Taiwan has the second highest population density in the world. In downtown Taichung City, the population density is as high as 32,000 persons per square kilometre.

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Geography and Environment

Named "Ihla Formosa", or Beautiful Island, by the Portuguese, Taiwan is a land of contrasts. It has everything from industrial towns and cities to rural towns and spectacular mountain vistas, from centuries old Confucian ceremonies to modern music and chaotic traffic to friendly people willing to help a stranger. Taiwan is a small island 394 kilometers (245 miles) long and 144 kilometers (89.5 miles) wide at its broadest point, and includes a number of smaller islands.
Terrain
eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in west
Climate
The Tropic of Cancer bisects the island, so the climate is sub-tropica with temperatures ranging from 12 to 35 degrees Celsius (54-95 degrees Fahrenheit). Northern Taiwan has two long seasons (summer & winter) and two short seasons (spring & autumn). Spring, mid-March to mid-May, is mostly sunny and mild with brief spells of cloudy skies and rain showers. Spring's average daily temperature is 17-25C or 62-77F. Summer, mid-May through late September, is hot with an average rainfall of 10 inches a month, mostly from afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Autumn, late September to early November, is characterized by mild temperatures and afternoon showers. Winter, November through mid-April, is characterized by low cloud drizzle, fog and occasional winds. The daily temperatures range between 17 - 24 degrees C (62-75F) in November, dropping to 12 - 19C (54 - 66F) in January and then rising to 14 - 22C (57 - 72F) in March. Occasionally, the temperature drops below 1OC (50F), especially in the mountainous areas. The typhoon season usually starts in mid-June and lasts through October. An average of 12 typhoons form in the Western Pacific each year. The average daily temperature range in Taipei is 21 - 29C (70 - 84F) in May; 24 - 35C (75 - 95F) in July and August; 23 - 33C (73 - 91F) in September; and 20 - 27C (68 - 81F) in October. Kaohsiung enjoys a milder, drier winter than Taipei, but summer temperatures average about the same. As a result of its subtropical position and heavy rainfall, Taiwan's natural landscape is constantly green with the varied hues of forest, shrubs and coarse tropical grass. All but the peaks of the highest mountains are covered with vegetation.
Natural Hazards
earthquakes and typhoons
Current Environmental Issues
air pollution; water pollution from industrial emissions, raw sewage; contamination of drinking water supplies; trade in endangered species; low-level radioactive waste disposal
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Chinese: Mandarin (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects

  • Mandarin

Population

Population
23,593,794
Nationality Noun
Chinese/Taiwanese (singular and plural)
Ethnic Groups
Taiwanese (including Hakka) 84%, mainland Chinese 14%, aborigine 2%

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Taiwan ranks among the highest in Asia and compares favorably with leading developed nations worldwide. As of the most recent available data, the average life expectancy across the total population stands at approximately 80 years, with women typically living longer than men. Female life expectancy is approximately 83 years, while male life expectancy averages around 77 years. These figures reflect a modest but notable decline from pre-pandemic peaks, as COVID-19 and its downstream effects on healthcare utilization contributed to slight reductions in life expectancy across many high-income countries, including Taiwan. This strong overall performance reflects decades of investment in public health infrastructure, universal healthcare coverage, and rising living standards. Taiwan introduced its National Health Insurance program in 1995, which provides comprehensive medical coverage to virtually the entire population. The system has been widely credited with improving access to preventive care, early diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases, all of which contribute significantly to longer lifespans. Major causes of mortality in Taiwan include cancer, heart disease, and stroke — patterns consistent with other aging, high-income societies. The prevalence of these non-communicable diseases has prompted sustained public health campaigns focused on smoking cessation, dietary improvement, and regular health screenings. Taiwan's relatively low infant mortality rate, sitting well below 5 deaths per 1,000 live births, also contributes positively to overall life expectancy calculations. Taiwan's aging population presents both a testament to its healthcare success and a growing demographic challenge. The proportion of residents aged 65 and older has risen steadily and now exceeds 18 percent of the total population, placing increasing pressure on pension systems, elder care services, and the healthcare budget. Government planners have been actively developing and expanding long-term care policies to address the needs of a population that is living longer but may require more intensive medical and social support in later years. Urbanization, high educational attainment, and broad access to clean water and sanitation have all reinforced the conditions that support longer, healthier lives. Taiwan continues to perform well on international health indices, reflecting the combined effect of strong institutions, a culturally health-conscious population, and sustained policy commitment to public wellness.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Taiwan ranks among the highest in Asia and compares favorably with leading developed nations worldwide. As of the most recent available data, the average life expectancy across the total population stands at approximately 80 years, with women typically living longer than men. Female life expectancy is approximately 83 years, while male life expectancy averages around 77 years. These figures reflect a modest but notable decline from pre-pandemic peaks, as COVID-19 and its downstream effects on healthcare utilization contributed to slight reductions in life expectancy across many high-income countries, including Taiwan. This strong overall performance reflects decades of investment in public health infrastructure, universal healthcare coverage, and rising living standards. Taiwan introduced its National Health Insurance program in 1995, which provides comprehensive medical coverage to virtually the entire population. The system has been widely credited with improving access to preventive care, early diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases, all of which contribute significantly to longer lifespans. Major causes of mortality in Taiwan include cancer, heart disease, and stroke — patterns consistent with other aging, high-income societies. The prevalence of these non-communicable diseases has prompted sustained public health campaigns focused on smoking cessation, dietary improvement, and regular health screenings. Taiwan's relatively low infant mortality rate, sitting well below 5 deaths per 1,000 live births, also contributes positively to overall life expectancy calculations. Taiwan's aging population presents both a testament to its healthcare success and a growing demographic challenge. The proportion of residents aged 65 and older has risen steadily and now exceeds 18 percent of the total population, placing increasing pressure on pension systems, elder care services, and the healthcare budget. Government planners have been actively developing and expanding long-term care policies to address the needs of a population that is living longer but may require more intensive medical and social support in later years. Urbanization, high educational attainment, and broad access to clean water and sanitation have all reinforced the conditions that support longer, healthier lives. Taiwan continues to perform well on international health indices, reflecting the combined effect of strong institutions, a culturally health-conscious population, and sustained policy commitment to public wellness.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Taiwan
Full Country Name
Republic of China
Local - Short
T'ai-wan
Former Name
Formosa

Government Structure

Government Type
multiparty democratic regime headed by popularly-elected president and unicameral legislature
Legal System
based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive Branch
chief of state: President LAI Ching-te (since 20 May 2024) and Vice President HSIAO Bi-khim (since 20 May 2024) head of government: Premier (President of the Executive Yuan) CHO Jung-tai (since 20 May 2024) and Vice Premier (Vice President of the Executive Yuan) CHENG Li-chiun (since 20 May 2024) cabinet: Executive Yuan appointed by the president elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 13 January 2024 (next to be held in January 2028); premier appointed by the president; vice premiers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the premier election results: LAI Ching-te elected president; percent of vote - LAI Ching-te (DPP) 40.1%, HOU Yu-ih (KMT) 33.5%, KO Wen-je (TPP) 26.5%
Legislative Branch
Taiwan's legislature is unicameral, consisting of the Legislative Yuan with 113 seats. Of these, 73 members are elected by popular vote from single-member districts, 34 are elected based on the proportion of island-wide votes received by participating political parties, and six are elected by popular vote among indigenous (aboriginal) populations. Members serve four-year terms. The National Assembly, which was formerly a standing body, was abolished following constitutional amendments ratified in June 2005, leaving Taiwan with a unicameral legislature. Elections: Legislative Yuan - last held on 13 January 2024 (next to be held in January 2028). Election results: Legislative Yuan - percent of vote by party - Kuomintang (KMT) approximately 35.2%, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) approximately 34.3%, Taiwan People's Party (TPP) approximately 22.1%, others approximately 8.4%; seats by party - KMT 52, DPP 51, TPP 8, independents and others 2. No single party holds an outright majority, resulting in a hung legislature in which the KMT and TPP have at times coordinated to check the DPP-led executive branch.
Judicial Branch
Judicial Yuan (justices appointed by the president with consent of the Legislative Yuan)
Suffrage
20 years of age; universal
Constitution
25 December 1946, amended in 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999, and 2000
National Holiday
Republic Day (Anniversary of the Chinese Revolution), 10 October (1911)

Capital City

Capital Name
Taipei
Capital - geographic coordinate
25 02 N, 121 31 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

the Chinese meaning is "Northern Taiwan," reflecting the city's position in the far north of the island

Military

Branches: Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps), Air Force, Coast Guard Administration, Armed Forces Reserve Command, Combined Service Forces Command, Armed Forces Police Command

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

The American Institute in Taiwan

No.7 Lane 134

Xinyi Road Section 3

Taipei, Taiwan

Telephone: (886) 2-2162-2000

Facsimile: (886) 2-2162-2239

The American Institute in Taiwan (Kaohsiung Branch Office)

No. 2 Chung Cheng 3rd Road, 5th Floor

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Telephone: (886) 7-238-7744

Facsimile: (886) 7-238-5237

Email: amcit-ait-t@state.gov

Duty Officer After-Hours Emergency Telephone: (886) 2-2162-2000. Press “0” or “*”.

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Economy

Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy that has become one of the most technologically advanced in the world, with the government gradually reducing its guidance of investment and foreign trade.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
GDP — official exchange rate
$323,400,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
2.58%

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Climate Overview

The Tropic of Cancer bisects the island, so the climate is sub-tropical with temperatures ranging from 12 to 35 degrees Celsius (54-95 degrees Fahrenheit).

Northern Taiwan has two long seasons (summer & winter) and two short seasons (spring and autumn).

Spring, mid-March to mid-May, is mostly sunny and mild with brief spells of cloudy skies and rain showers. Spring's average daily temperature is 17-25C or 62-77F. Summer, mid-May through late September, is hot with an average rainfall of 10 inches a month, mostly from afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Autumn, late September to early November, is characterized by mild temperatures and afternoon showers. Winter, November through mid-April, is characterized by low cloud drizzle, fog, and occasional winds.

The daily temperatures range between 17 - 24 degrees C (62-75F) in November, dropping to 12 - 19C (54 - 66F) in January and then rising to 14 - 22C (57 - 72F) in March. Occasionally, the temperature drops below 1OC (50F), especially in mountainous areas.

The typhoon season usually starts in mid-June and lasts through October. An average of 12 typhoons form in the Western Pacific each year. The average daily temperature range in Taipei is 21 - 29C (70 - 84F) in May; 24 - 35C (75 - 95F) in July and August; 23 - 33C (73 - 91F) in September; and 20 - 27C (68 - 81F) in October.

Kaohsiung enjoys a milder, drier winter than Taipei, but summer temperatures average about the same.

As a result of its subtropical position and heavy rainfall, Taiwan's natural landscape is constantly green with varied hues of forest, shrubs, and coarse tropical grass. All but the peaks of the highest mountains are covered with vegetation.

Videos

1 curated YouTube videos.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Taiwan?
The population of Taiwan is approximately 23.6M.
How do people greet each other in Taiwan?
A slight nod of the head shows respect; handshakes are becoming more common, especially in business, but greetings are typically accompanied by polite small talk about health, family, and work. Do: Say "ni hao" for hello, or "nin hao" for older people or formal settings Address people by formal title, such as "xiansheng" (Mr.) or "taitai" (Mrs.) Greet and acknowledge the elderly first Make small talk before moving to the main topic Don't: Don't interrupt or speak too loudly Don't assume bowing is expected—it is not common Politeness and respect are highly valued First impressions carry great weight
What are the dining customs in Taiwan?
Meals are important for building relationships and "face," and there are strict conventions around chopstick placement. Do: Lay chopsticks horizontally across the rim of the bowl between courses Compliment your host on the restaurant, food, and entertainment Toast with "Kan-pie" (bottoms up) Don't: Never stick chopsticks vertically or at an angle in the rice bowl—it resembles funeral incense and is highly inauspicious Hosts often gain face by spending generously on food and entertainment Karaoke is popular entertainment, especially at business dinners
What etiquette should I know in Taiwan?
The concept of "face" (status and respect) is central; humiliating someone in public brings great shame, and relationships ("guanxi") are paramount. Do: Handle difficult situations delicately and calmly Compliment your host to help them gain face Present and receive gifts and business cards with both hands Study a business card for several seconds when receiving it Don't: Never raise your voice or shout at someone in public Don't correct someone in front of their peers Don't write on the back of a card or immediately pocket it Avoid placing a person on the spot Chinese people are superstitious about the number four, which signifies death Chinese prefer to deal with people they know and trust Social visits usually happen in the home, where you may be offered tea or a soft drink
How should I dress in Taiwan?
Western-style, conservative, and neat clothing is common; a suit is most appropriate for business. Do: Wear a suit for business For less formal settings, men can wear smart pants, shirt and tie; women a skirt and blouse Present yourself well, prioritizing cleanliness and neatness Taiwanese place great emphasis on appearance
What gestures should I be aware of in Taiwan?
Good posture and respectful body language matter; some casual Western gestures are inappropriate. Do: Maintain good posture—men sit with both feet on the floor, women cross legs at knees or ankles Show respect to elders by covering your left fist with your right hand and raising both to your heart Don't: Don't put your arm around someone's shoulder or wink Avoid touching a child on the top of the head
How does family life work in Taiwan?
Family includes children, parents, extended family, elders, and ancestors, with roles traditionally set by age, gender, and generation. The father is traditionally the breadwinner with unquestioned authority Mothers take primary responsibility for children, with help from extended family People are comfortable sitting or standing close together due to crowded living conditions An individual's actions reflect on the entire family
What do people do for recreation in Taiwan?
Popular activities include golf, ping-pong, basketball, soccer, softball, badminton, karaoke, and gyms, with families spending weekends together. Senior men gather for the old men's tea ceremony (lao-ren ch'a) Older women play ma-jong to stay mentally active Families often picnic in the country on weekends Evening night markets are popular and lively
What is the capital of Taiwan?
Taipei is the capital and largest city of Taiwan, serving as the island's political, economic, and cultural hub. Situated in the northern part of the island, the city is built on a broad, flat basin that was once a lake. Taipei is home to landmark institutions of government and commerce, and its skyline is dominated by Taipei 101, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. The city blends modernist urban development with historic temples and vibrant night markets.
Where is Taiwan located?
Taiwan is an island nation located in East Asia, situated in the western Pacific Ocean approximately 180 kilometers off the southeastern coast of mainland China. It lies north of the Philippines, separated by the Luzon Strait, and is flanked by the East China Sea to the north and the South China Sea to the south. The Taiwan Strait, roughly 130–180 kilometers wide, separates the island from the People's Republic of China. Taiwan is considered part of the broader Asia-Pacific region.
What are Taiwan's ocean and sea borders?
As an island nation, Taiwan has no land borders. It is bounded by the Taiwan Strait to the west, the East China Sea to the northeast, the Philippine Sea to the east, and the South China Sea to the southwest. The island's coastline stretches for approximately 1,566 kilometers, encompassing rugged eastern cliffs that drop sharply to the Pacific and gentler, more developed western plains facing the strait. Several smaller outlying island groups, including Kinmen and the Matsu Islands, also fall under Taiwan's jurisdiction.
What religion is practiced in Taiwan?
Taiwan's religious landscape is defined by a syncretic blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucian ethics, collectively practiced by roughly 93% of the population. These traditions are often observed simultaneously rather than exclusively, reflecting centuries of intertwined philosophical and spiritual heritage. Christianity accounts for approximately 4.5% of the population. The deep influence of Confucian values — emphasizing family hierarchy, social harmony, and the concept of 'face' — shapes everyday conduct and social relationships across all religious affiliations.
What is the currency of Taiwan?
The official currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar, with the ISO code TWD. Introduced in 1949 when the Nationalist government relocated to the island, the New Taiwan Dollar replaced the old Taiwan Dollar as part of efforts to stabilize a hyperinflation-stricken economy. The currency has since become a symbol of Taiwan's remarkable economic transformation into one of East Asia's leading economies. It is issued and regulated by the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
What language is spoken in Taiwan?
Mandarin Chinese is the official language of Taiwan and is used in government, education, and formal media. However, a significant portion of the population also speaks Taiwanese (Min Nan, or Hokkien), which is widely used in everyday conversation, particularly among older generations and in southern Taiwan. Hakka dialects are spoken by a notable minority community. Indigenous Austronesian languages are also recognized and preserved among Taiwan's approximately 16 officially acknowledged indigenous peoples.
What is the geography of Taiwan like?
Taiwan covers an area of approximately 36,193 square kilometers, making it a relatively compact island with remarkably varied terrain. A central mountain range, the Central Mountain Range, runs along the island's north–south axis, with peaks exceeding 3,900 meters; Yu Shan (Jade Mountain) is the highest point in Northeast Asia. The rugged eastern coast drops steeply into the Pacific, while the western coastal plain is flat, densely populated, and heavily cultivated. The island lies in a typhoon belt and is seismically active, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
What is Taiwan known for?
Taiwan is internationally recognized for its night market food culture, producing iconic dishes such as beef noodle soup, scallion pancakes, and stinky tofu that draw culinary tourists from across the globe. The island is also a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, with companies like TSMC producing a dominant share of the world's advanced microchips. Taiwan's democratic transition — culminating in its first peaceful transfer of power in 2000 — is celebrated as a landmark in Asian political history. The annual Lantern Festival and the release of thousands of sky lanterns at Pingxi are among Asia's most visually striking cultural events.

Last reviewed 2026