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About Taiwan

Map of Taiwan Land area:
  • Total: 35,980 sq km
    including the Pescadores, Matsu, and Quemoy
Population:
  • 22,548,009 [July 2002 estimate]
Languages:
  • Mandarin Chinese [official]
  • Taiwanese [Min]
  • Hakka dialects
Major Industries:
  • Electronics
  • Petroleum Refining
  • Chemicals
  • Textiles
  • Iron & Steel
  • Machinery
  • Cement
  • Food Processing

Per capita GDP:
  • US$17,200 [2001 est.]
Foreign Trade:
  • US$288.33 billion
Literacy:
  • 98.12%
Mobile Phone Penetration:
  • 23.01 million [June 2002]
Internet Accounts
[Subscribers]
  • 7.07 million [June 2002]

Taipei - Capital City: pop. 2,640,000

Taipei is the political, economic, financial and cultural center of Taiwan. With a population of approximately 2,640,000, it has a thriving arts and academic scene. Taipei's vibrant cultural and economic growth has made it a modern international metropolis.

Taipei is approximately 45 minutes from the CKS International Airport.

Hsinchu - pop. 370,000

The town of Hsinchu is famous for its Science-based Industrial Park - first developed in 1723! It has gained considerable prosperity and an international reputation since the creation of the Hsinchu Science-based industrial Park where many large international semi-conductor, electronic and technology companies have been hosted. The Industrial Technology Research Institute [ITRI], is also located in the city.

Taichung - pop. 1,470,000

Taichung is the third-largest metropolitan area on Taiwan and is known as an educational and cultural center. Its commercial districts, abundant cultural activities, and the warmth of its residents make Taichung an attractive city.

Tainan - pop. 700,000+

Tainan is Taiwan's fourth largest city and is the ancient capital of Taiwan. With its long history, Tainan is rich in historic sites and cultural heritage.

Kaohsiung - pop. 1,508,000

Located in the southern part of Taiwan, the city of Kaohsiung is the island's largest industrial center.It has stayed abreast of Taiwan's recent progress and prosperity; expanding and modernizing, the city strides into the 21st century as a newly emerging international metropolis.

The Kaohsiung International Airport links the city to Japan, Hong Kong and other major South East Asian cities.