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Taiwan is an island in East Asia. "Taiwan" is also commonly used to refer to the territories administered by the Republic of China (ROC), a state which governs the island of Taiwan, Lanyu (Orchid Island) and Green Island in the Pacific off the Taiwan coast, the Pescadores in the Taiwan Strait, and Kinmen and the Matsu Islands off the coast of mainland Fujian.
Taiwan's mainstream culture is primarily derived from traditional Chinese culture, with significant influences from Japanese and American cultures, especially in the areas of politics and architecture. Fine arts, folk traditions, and popular culture embody traditional and modern Asian and Western motifs.
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Full country name : Republic of China |
Area : 35,563 sq km (13,731 sq mi) |
Population : 22.5 million |
Capital city : Taipei (population 2.7 million) |
People : Taiwanese (84%), Aboriginal (2%), Chinese(14%) |
Language : Taiwanese, Mandarin Chinese |
Religion : Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism |
Government : Democratic Progressive Party |
President : Chen Shui-bian |
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Currency : New Taiwan dollar (NT$) |
GDP : US$247 billion |
GDP per head : US$16,100 |
Annual growth : 4.8% |
Inflation : 3.1% |
Major industries : Machinery, electrical equipment, electronic/computer goods, textiles, clothing |
Major trading partners : USA, Japan, Hong Kong |
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Visas : Some visitors from Western Europe, Australasia and the USA can stay in Taiwan for 14 days without a visa. Everyone else needs a visa, which allows a 30-day stay. Single entry visas are easy to get, but if you want a muliple entry visa get it before you leave home. Because the Republic of China (Taiwan) is not recognised by most countries, you'll have to get your visa from a Taiwanese 'pseudo embassy' - look for trade offices, travel services or friendship associations. |
Health risks : No particular risks, but you should consider vaccinations for hepatitis. |
Time : GMT/UTC plus eight hours |
Electricity : 110V, 60 Hz |
Weights & measures : Metric |
| Try to avoid major public holidays, especially Chinese New Year (usually early February), when transport will be full, shops and restaurants closed, and hotels unusually expensive. Summer weather can shorten tempers and increase the price of airfares. While October is climatically pleasant, it is also holiday-ridden - try November instead. In late August/early September it's Ghost Month, which means there will be no Chinese travellers on the road and temples will be at their most active. |
You'll need to get hold of a lunar calendar if you want to have any hope of attending Taiwan's big events - very few of them occur on the same date every year. If fireworks and crowds crank your engine, visit Yenshui, Luerhmen or Peikang for the Lantern Festival, on the 15th day of the first moon. Kuanyin's Birthday, on the 19th day of the second moon, is a good time to see temple festivities in full swing. During the Ghost Month, the seventh lunar month, ghosts from hell walk the earth. No one travels, swims, gets married or moves house, but everyone visits Taoist temples. National Day (10 October) is celebrated with gusto, fireworks and a light show in Taipei. Chinese New Year (first day of the first lunar month) should probably be avoided. |
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