It’s written a lot in many newspapers and magazines about Taiwan, there are lots of programs on TV that tells about Taiwan, but mostly we come across with labels on the clothes that says “Made in Taiwan” or “Made in R.O.C.” Yes, that is one of things Taiwan is popular for. But there are also many interesting information about this country. To begin with, the Taiwan Island is located on the South part of the East China Sea. There are rivers : long and slow, short and fast. Most of the rivers are in mountains. The longest river is Zhuoshui river (186 km). There are also some waterfalls and lakes. One of the most beautiful lakes is Zhiyuetan (the lake of Sun and Moon).
The territory of Taiwan is 36 000 km2. The population is more than 21 million people which are mostly Chinese people (97%). The birth rate is about 0.16% and the death rate is about 0.5%. The women live there something about 76 years and men 72 years. Most of Taiwan people are literate. 16% are involved in agricultural sphere; most of them are in trade and manufacture and in other administrative spheres. Religion plays important part in Taiwan. Most of people belong to mixture of Buddhist and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other 2.5%. Chinese is the official national language and is spoken by the vast majority of the population of Taiwan
Taiwan is governed by Constitution of the Republic of China The administration of Taiwan consists of five main chambers – yuans : legislative yuan, executive yuan, controlling yuan, juristic yuan and examinational yuan. Nowadays there are more than 40 registered parties. The leader among them is KMT.
Taiwan follows the democracy, where the rights of citizens are carefully treated and taken care of. In 2001 The Commission was opened in order to protect the human rights of Taiwan population, that plans and implements the policy of human rights.
Talking about Taiwan it, it is necessary to say some words about history of Taiwan. Before 17th century almost nothing was known about this Island. In the beginning of 17th century the Holland and Spanish researchers established a settlement on the western coast of the Island. In 1590 the Portuguese who gave a name Formosa to this Island were not so lucky ( on Portuguese “ilha formosa" – wonderful island).In 1661 Jheng Cheng-gong, who is also known as Koxinga, won in the battle with Holland people and got the island. 20 years later when something about 200 000 Chinese people came to this island where they found a refuge, this Island got occupied by China and was included to Fujian province. The most important years of Taiwan were:
1624 the occupation of Taiwan by East Indian trade company(European Colonization)
1661-1662 -Then the Jheng family rules the Island
1927—1950- Civil war
1930- Seediq war ruled by Mona Rudao.(Japanese Colonization)
1945 – Taiwan became part of China
1947-the event of 28th of February led to rebellion.
1949- KMT came to Taiwan
1987- Martial law was repealed.
1996- Taiwan got its first presidential elections.
The economical situation in Taiwan is capitalistic and very dynamic, where the government controls the investment less and less. As a result the privatization of big factories and banks takes place. The growth of GDP is 4 %per year and is quite stable in the latest 30 years. The inflations and unemployment have a very low percentage. Taiwan has a very close investment relations with China, Thailand, Indonesia, The Philippines and Vietnam. The rate of the labors gets lower in Taiwan, so that is why many people from other countries come here in order to earn some money. The currency in Taiwan is called the New Taiwan Dollar and is usually shown as NT$ or NTD. The main trade partners are USA, Japan and Hong Kong.
Nowadays there are not so many natural resources in Taiwan. However in past there were lots of sulfur, clay, coal and gold were in abundance. Marble, limestone, cement, gravel can be found here. Taiwan is called “international vault of gold”.
The system of education in Taiwan has peculiarities: since 1950 almost all the population of Taiwan gets the basic education. The second is that many of the best and qualified workers went to other countries. The 3d one is that the education was supposed to be developed according to economic. The basic education lasts 9 years and mostly consists of technical materials(classes).
The transport system started to be developed in the end of 1940(that gave some extra work places).The population is dense, that is the rail system is very helpful and quite popular. The system includes five main lines which make the circle around the island. The THSR is situated on the west coast and connect two cities. In Taiwan there are 40 airports, 32 heliports. And the length of the roads for cars is about 41475km.
Talking about people, they are very friendly and sociable, especially to foreign visitors. The reputation here plays a very important role that is why many things here are based on that, especially in business. That is why they try not to show their emotions and to say everything what they think about, but it doesn’t mean that they are liars, this is just a peculiarity to accept. They give you a smile, and they are always welcoming. So the same behavior is wanted from the visitors. In business they are very careful, and if they sign the agreement, so then they are going to follow the all items that were mentioned in it. Their logo is “All by rules». They very reliable partners.
One of the traditional aspects is giving a present. According to Taiwan people it has to be very symbolic and show respect. You are not supposed to present a handkerchief and watches, it is a bad luck. Taiwan people are very curious and ask many questions, so don’t be surprise. That doesn’t mean that they want to find out about your private live or something, it is just a sign of respect. The laugh is very significant that has many different meanings: happiness, regret of some unrealized plans or try to tune people up when something goes wrong.
Food is very important in Taiwan. The table is supposed to be round and food has to be served on the round big plates. All food has to be eaten with sticks, but it is not forbidden in some European restaurant to eat with table silver. It is interesting to mention, that if the table cloth gets dirty that is a hint that the food was delicious.
The clothes is just like almost ever where-European. And fashion plays very important part for Taiwan people. Suits and cocktail and classic dresses are very popular, so in some restaurant if you don’t have that kind of dress or you suit is without tie, you are not allowed to get there.
Talking about traditions, it is very important to mention, that when you come for a visit as a guest before get in a house , you have to take off shoes and put on other shoes that host and hostess have prepared for you, but in social places you are not supposed to do that.
Summing up, Taiwan is a very beautiful place to visit, to get an education and to deal with in business that has a stable economic and great perspectives in future!
Sources:
- Kirtley, Mathew. “The Railways of Taiwan “. Taiwan, July 2006 .Web.10th May 2007 -2006
- “Introducing Taiwan”. Lonely Planet, n.d. Web. April 2012
- “Taiwan”. The pew charitable trusts. The pew charitable trusts. n.d. Web.
- “Money in Taiwan”. Ah-Taiwan-Life in Formosa. Ah-Taiwan, n.d. Web.2008-20013 ”
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan#Opinions_within_Taiwan
- “Taiwan”.Freedom House. Freedom House,n.d.Web. 2008
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