Taiwan

I

Introduction

Taiwan or Formosa, island in East Asia, and, since the Communist victory in 1949 on the Chinese mainland, the seat of the Chinese Nationalist government (not recognized by the People's Republic of China). It is separated from the Chinese mainland by the Taiwan (Formosa) Strait and is bordered on the north by the East China Sea, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, and on the south by the South China Sea. Taiwan also encompasses a number of island groups: the P'enghu Islands or Pescadores, the small Quemoy Islands off the mainland city of Amoy (Xiamen), and the Matsu group off Fuzhou (Foochow). The People's Republic of China claims Taiwan as one of the provinces of its republic. The area of Taiwan is about 36,000 sq km (13,900 sq mi). The capital and largest city of Taiwan is T’aipei.

II

Land and Resources

Throughout almost the entire length (about 360 km/225 mi) of the island of Taiwan extends a lofty, forested mountain range, reaching a maximum elevation of 3,997 m (13,113 ft) above sea level atop Yü Shan. East of this central chain the land is hilly, terminating in cliffs that rise precipitously from the ocean to heights of up to about 760 m (2,500 ft). To the west, a broad, fertile plain slopes gently down to the shallow Taiwan Strait. With the exception of this plain, the average elevation of Taiwan is some 1,220 m (4,000 ft).

A

Rivers and Lakes

All Taiwan’s rivers originate in the mountains and have short, rapid courses. The longest rivers are the Choshui, Kaop’ing, Tsengwen, and Tanshui, which is the only one that is navigable.

B

Climate

The warm, humid Taiwan summer extends from May until September; temperatures average about 28° C (82° F). The mild winter season lasts from December until February; January temperatures average about 18° C (64° F). Typhoons occur between June and October. Average annual precipitation is about 2,540 mm (100 in).