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               Taiwan, island in East Asia. Taiwan is bordered on the west by the Taiwan Strait, which separates the island from mainland China, on the north by the East China Sea, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, and on the south by the South China Sea. The government on Taiwan also administers the P'enghu Islands (Pescadores), the Chinmen Islands (Quemoy Islands) offshore from the mainland city of Xiamen, and the Matsu Islands offshore from Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province.

            Taiwan Island's most distinct land feature is its Chungyang Range, covering about half the total land area. The mountains extend over the island's entire north-south length and reach a maximum elevation of 3,997 m (13,114 ft) at Yü Shan (Mount Jade). East of this central chain the land is rugged, terminating at precipitous cliffs that rise as high as 760 m (2,500 ft) from the Pacific Ocean. To the west, a broad, fertile plain and a series of connected basins slope gently to the shallow Taiwan Strait.

            Most people in Taiwan are ethnic Han Chinese and were born on the mainland or have ancestors that were. They are divided into three groups based on their native Chinese dialect: Taiwanese (who speak Taiwanese, also called Min), Hakka (who speak Hakka, also called Kejia), and Mandarin. Min, Hakka, and Mandarin all belong to the Sino-Tibetan languages family. Taiwan also has a small population of aborigines who comprise about 2 percent of the total population. There are nine major aborigine tribes, each speaking a different form of Formosan, a member of the Austronesian languages family. Mandarin Chinese is Taiwan's official language.

General Information

Taxi - Taxis are gauged by meter. there is a 20% surcharge between 11.00pm and 5.00am. Your destination should be 
         written in Chinese.

Bus - Fast, reliable and air-conditioned coaches link Taipei with major cities and many popular resorts. Private and 
         government lines operate in cities.

Railway - Express trains serving major cities and resorts are air-conditioned and comfortable.

Driving - Traffic keeps to the right. Urban traffic is congested.

Local calls from public phones cost NT$1 for 3 minutes. For overseas calls, call the operator at 100 or dial direct. There is 24-hour service for domestic telegram, telexes and fax.

Economy

Major Exports : Steel, textiles, plastics, electronics and foodstuffs.

Major Imports : Raw material, metal, machinery, vehicles, oil, petrochemicals and mineral.

Major Trading Partners : Hong Kong, Japan, US and ASEAN countries.

Business Hours

Government offices open from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday. Commercial offices open from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 12.00noon on Saturday.

Banks

There are over 35 international banks in Taiwan. Among the local banks are Bank of Taiwan, First Commercial Bank, Chong Hwa Commercial Bank. Banking hours are from 9.00am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 12.00noon on Saturday.

Health

Good medical facilities are available. Yellow fever and cholera vaccination required if arriving from infected areas. Drink only boiled or bottled water and ensure that food is well cooked.

Climate

Taiwan's climate is described as tropical and subtropical, and rainfall is abundant. The average annual precipitation is about 4,000 mm (about 160 in). During winter, northern Taiwan experiences the northeast monsoon, which brings heavy rain from October to March. The north is somewhat less wet in summer, when southern Taiwan receives heavy precipitation from the southwest monsoon. Typhoons occur between June and October. Frost and snow appear only at high elevations in the Chungyang Range. Summers are hot and humid, with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F). Winter lasts from December until February and is mild, with an average January temperature of 18°C (64°F).

Traveller's Tips

Dining out is an important part of business. Take a small gift when visiting homes.

Eating Out

Excellent Chinese, Japanese and international cuisine are readily available in every city and town. Restaurants usually open from 11.00am to 9.00pm.

Visas

A visa, which allows a 60-day stay is required. Visitors have to get their visa from a Taiwanese ‘pseudo embassy’ i.e. trade offices, travel services or friendship associations as the Republic of China (Taiwan) is not recognised by most countries.

Light and casual clothing for normal social engagements. Formal or lightweight suits are worn for business meetings and at deluxe restaurants.

For Further Information

Ministry of Transportation and Communication
9F 280 Jungshiau E.Rd. Sec 4
Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
Tel : (02) 349 - 1635
Fax : (02) 771 - 7036
Email : tbroc@tbroc.gov.tw

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