Nestled at the vibrant crossroads of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific, Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), stands as a captivating nation in East Asia. This island nation shares its maritime borders with the People's Republic of China (PRC) to its northwest, Japan to its northeast, and the Philippines to its south. The territories under the ROC's effective control encompass 168 islands, collectively spanning an area of 36,193 square kilometres (approximately 13,974 sq mi). The main island, a place once fondly referred to as Formosa, accounts for the vast majority of this land at 35,808 square kilometres (13,826 sq mi). Its landscape is remarkably diverse, with dramatic mountain ranges dominating the eastern two-thirds, while the western third unfolds into fertile plains where Taiwan's highly urbanised population thrives. The bustling capital city, Taipei, forms the core of Taiwan's largest metropolitan area alongside New Taipei City and Keelung. Other significant urban centres include Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan, and Taoyuan. With a population of 23.45 million, Taiwan is recognised as one of the most densely populated countries globally.

A Journey Through Time: Taiwan's Rich History

The story of Taiwan stretches back approximately 6,000 years, beginning with the arrival of Austronesian-speaking ancestors of the indigenous peoples who first settled the island. Fast forward to the 17th century, and a new chapter began with large-scale Han Chinese immigration to western Taiwan, initially under a Dutch colonial presence and later under the short-lived Kingdom of Tungning. In 1683, the powerful Qing dynasty of China asserted control, annexing the island. However, this sovereignty was ceded to the burgeoning Empire of Japan in 1895 following the First Sino-Japanese War. The Republic of China, which had emerged in 1911 after overthrowing the Qing dynasty, eventually took administrative control of Taiwan on behalf of the World War II Allies after Japan's surrender in 1945. Yet, the peace was fleeting. The resumption of the Chinese Civil War saw the ROC government lose mainland China to the forces of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), leading to its dramatic retreat to Taiwan in 1949. Since that pivotal moment, the ROC's effective jurisdiction has largely been confined to the main island of Taiwan and its surrounding smaller islands.

The "Taiwan Miracle" and Democratic Transformation

The early 1960s ushered in a transformative era for Taiwan, marked by a period of exceptional economic growth and rapid industrialisation, widely celebrated as the "Taiwan Miracle." This remarkable economic ascent laid the groundwork for significant societal changes. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Republic of China embarked on a profound political transition, moving away from its previous status as a one-party military dictatorship towards a robust multi-party democracy, adopting a semi-presidential system. Today, Taiwan's export-oriented industrial economy is a global powerhouse, ranking as the 21st-largest in the world by nominal GDP and the 20th-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP) measures. Key contributions stem from its advanced manufacturing sectors, including steel, machinery, electronics, and chemicals. As a developed country, Taiwan boasts a high standard of living, reflected in its 15th-place ranking for GDP per capita. It consistently receives high marks for political and civil liberties, quality of education, comprehensive health care, and overall human development.

Navigating a Complex Political Landscape

The international political status of Taiwan remains a deeply contentious and intricate issue. The Republic of China ceased to represent China as a member of the United Nations in 1971, when UN member states voted to recognise the People's Republic of China instead. Although the ROC initially maintained its claim of being the sole legitimate representative of all China, this position has been considerably downplayed since its democratisation in the 1990s. Taiwan is vehemently claimed by the PRC, which adamantly refuses diplomatic relations with any country that officially recognises the ROC. Consequently, Taiwan maintains formal diplomatic ties with only a handful of the world's 193 UN member states (currently 13) and the Holy See. Nevertheless, many other nations sustain robust unofficial diplomatic ties through representative offices and institutions that effectively function as de facto embassies and consulates. Within international organisations where the PRC participates, Taiwan is often either denied membership outright or permitted to participate only on a non-state basis under various alternative names. Domestically, Taiwan's political discourse is largely shaped by a fundamental contention between parties favouring eventual Chinese unification and promoting a pan-Chinese identity, and those advocating for formal international recognition and promoting a distinct Taiwanese identity. In the 21st century, both political camps have strategically moderated their positions to broaden their appeal among the electorate.

The 228 Hand-in-Hand Rally: A Nation United

A powerful moment in Taiwan's recent history was the 228 Hand-in-Hand rally, a striking demonstration that took place on February 28, 2004. This event, commemorating the 57th anniversary of the tragic February 28 Incident, saw approximately two million Taiwanese citizens (estimates ranged from 1.9 to 2.3 million) form an extraordinary 500-kilometer (310 mi) long human chain. This living tapestry of people stretched from the northernmost harbour city of Keelung all the way to the island's southern tip at Eluanbi in Pingtung County. The rally served multiple purposes: to solemnly commemorate the historic incident, to issue a heartfelt call for peace, and to protest the deployment of missiles by the People's Republic of China aimed at Taiwan from along the mainland coast. This impactful demonstration drew inspiration from the famous Baltic Way, a similar human chain involving two million people organised across the Baltic states in 1989. While officially billed as "non-political," the 228 Hand-in-Hand rally was orchestrated by the Pan-Green Coalition and occurred just weeks before the crucial 2004 ROC presidential election. Certain symbolic aspects of the demonstration, particularly the poignant moment when participants "turned away from China," clearly conveyed support for Taiwanese independence, leading to a notable absence of participation from members of the Pan-Blue Coalition, who countered the event with an island-wide rally of their own days later.

Frequently Asked Questions about Taiwan

Who is Taiwan? What is the Republic of China (ROC)?

Taiwan is an island nation in East Asia, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC). It is a democratic, self-governing entity that effectively governs Taiwan and several smaller islands. The ROC was founded in mainland China in 1912 but retreated to Taiwan in 1949 after the Chinese Civil War.

Where is Taiwan located?

Taiwan is situated in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, at the junction of the East and South China Seas. It is geographically positioned off the southeastern coast of mainland China, with Japan to its northeast and the Philippines to its south.

What is the capital of Taiwan?

The bustling capital city of Taiwan is Taipei, which also forms the core of its largest metropolitan area, encompassing New Taipei City and Keelung.

What is the "Taiwan Miracle"?

The "Taiwan Miracle" refers to a period of rapid economic growth and industrialisation that Taiwan experienced starting in the early 1960s. This transformation propelled Taiwan from an agrarian society to a highly industrialised, export-oriented economy, significantly raising living standards.

What is Taiwan famous for?

Taiwan is renowned for its advanced technology manufacturing (especially semiconductors), vibrant democracy, stunning natural landscapes including high mountains, rich cultural heritage, delicious street food, and its complex political status in the international arena.

Why is the political status of Taiwan contentious?

The political status of Taiwan is contentious because the People's Republic of China (PRC) claims Taiwan as its territory, while Taiwan (the ROC) views itself as a sovereign, democratic state. Most countries do not officially recognise the ROC diplomatically due to pressure from the PRC, but many maintain strong unofficial ties.

What was the 228 Hand-in-Hand rally?

The 228 Hand-in-Hand rally was a massive human chain demonstration held on February 28, 2004, involving approximately two million Taiwanese people. It stretched 500 kilometers across the island to commemorate the 1947 February 28 Incident, advocate for peace, and protest the PRC's missile deployment aimed at Taiwan.