TAIWAN
GEOGRAPHY
Introduction
Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), is an island nation located in East Asia. It is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes.
Taiwan is located off the southeastern coast of China, separated by the Taiwan Strait. It covers an area of approximately 36,000 square kilometers.
The island features a mountainous interior, with the Central Mountain Range running north to south.
Taiwan experiences a diverse climate, from tropical in the south to temperate in the north. The island is prone to typhoons, especially from June to October.
Taipei is the capital city, known for its modern skyline and cultural landmarks, Taipei mean in Chinese the city of the north.
The other important cities are Kaohsiung, a major port city with a vibrant arts scene,
Taichung known for its cultural institutions and parks and Tainan the Historical City.
Food tourism has also become significant, with visitors drawn to Taiwan’s food markets
LITTLE HISTORY ON TAIWAN.
Basically there is 6 major periods in the Taiwan history.
1.The Prehistoric and Indigenous Period
The history of Taiwan dates back around 6000 thousands years ago, with the first inhabitants being Austronesian peoples. They developed rich cultures and languages. There are approximately 16 recognized indigenous tribes, each with unique traditions and beliefs.
2 The European Colonization
Dutch and Spanish Influence.
In the 17th century, the Dutch and Spanish established colonies in Taiwan. The Dutch aimed to trade and convert locals to Christianity, while the Spanish sought to control parts of the north.
European colonization significantly impacted indigenous communities, leading to conflicts and cultural changes.
3 The Ming and Qing Dynasties
Koxinga’s Rule:
In 1662, Koxinga, a Ming loyalist, expelled the Dutch and established a short-lived kingdom.
Qing Dynasty Control: In 1683, Taiwan was annexed by the Qing Dynasty, which encouraged Han Chinese migration, altering the demographic landscape.
4 The Japanese Colonization
The Japanese Rule from 1895 to 1945, following the First Sino-Japanese War, Taiwan was ceded to Japan. This period saw significant infrastructure development and cultural assimilation.
Despite the modernization of the country, there was resistance from locals, including the Wushe Incident in 1930.
5 The Post-World War II Era
The end of the World War II, see the return to Chinese Nationalist Rule. After WWII, Taiwan was placed under the control of the ROC. The Chinese Civil War led to the retreat of the Nationalist government to Taiwan in 1949.
The subsequent decades saw martial law, economic reforms, and rapid industrialization.
6 The Modern Political Landscape.
The late 20th century saw Taiwan transition to a democracy, with its first direct presidential election in 1996.
Taiwan’s political status remains contentious, especially in relation to mainland China.