Taiwan, officially called the Republic of China (ROC), is a sovereign island nation located in East Asia. It consists of the main island of Taiwan, as well as numerous smaller islands and islets. Taiwan is bordered by China to the west, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south.
Taiwan has a population of approximately 23.5 million people, with the majority living in urban areas. Its official language is Mandarin Chinese, but many people also speak Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka, and indigenous languages.
Taiwan has a developed, export-oriented economy that is highly dependent on trade. Major industries include electronics, semiconductors, petrochemicals, and steel. It is a member of the World Trade Organization and has free trade agreements with many other countries.
Taiwan is a democratic country with a presidential system of government. The president is both the head of state and the head of government, and is elected to a four-year term. The country has a multi-party system and a unicameral legislature, the Legislative Yuan.
Taiwan has a diverse culture that reflects its history of colonization by various countries, including the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, and China. The country has a rich culinary tradition that includes dishes such as beef noodle soup, oyster omelette, and bubble tea. Taiwan is also known for its night markets, which are bustling centers of street food, shopping, and entertainment.
Taiwan is home to a number of famous landmarks, including Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest buildings, and Sun Moon Lake, a picturesque lake surrounded by mountains. The country also has a number of cultural and historical sites, including the National Palace Museum, which houses one of the world's largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts.