Geography
Taiwan, which the 16th century Portuguese mariners christened "Ilha Formosa" (beautiful island), is situated between Korea and Japan to the north, Hong Kong and the Philippines to the south, and about 160 kilometers (100 miles) off the southeastern coast of mainland China.

Taiwan and the adjacent islands have an area of approximately 36,000 sq. km (14,000 sq. miles). The main island of Taiwan, slightly smaller than the Netherlands, is about 394 km (245 miles) long and 144 km (89 miles) at its broadest point.

People
The total population of Taiwan stood at more than 23 million, which is the second-most densely populated area in the world, with an average of 590 persons per sq. km. Taipei, the capital, is Taiwan's most populous city (2.6 million) followed by Kaohsiung (1.4 million).

Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in Taiwan, which is also home to nearly 400,000 aborigines of nine major tribes: Atayal, Saisiyat, Bunun, Tsou, Puyuma, Rukai, Paiwan, Ami, and Yami.

Language
The official language of the Taiwan area is Mandarin Chinese, while the major spoken dialects are Taiwanese and Hakka. Many people speak some English, which is the most widely studied foreign language.

Travel Tips Climate Taiwan's climate is subtropical in the north and tropical in the south, with temperatures ranging from absout 28C in July to 14C in January. Summers, which last from May through September, are usually hot and humid with daytime temperatures from 27C to 35C. Winters, from December through February, are short and mild. Snow falls only on the higher mountains. Rainfall varies greatly according to season, location, and altitude. It frequently rains from May through September. Currency The Republic of China's unit of currency is the New Taiwan dollar (NT$).  The exchange rate is around NT$32 ~ 33 to 1US$. Electricity & Water Electric current used throughout Taiwan is 110 volts AC, 60 cycles.  Drinking water served at hotels and restaurants is distilled or boiled. Visa Tourist visas for the Republic of China can be obtained from the R.O.C. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies, consulates, or designated representative offices in foreign countries.  Visa is not required for the following countries' citizens for visits of less than 30 days to Taiwan: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, and USA.  Information for Visas Tourism Bureau, Taiwan