Taiwan is an island group located in East Asia. It currently consists of five main islands: Kinmen (金門), Taiwan, Penghu (澎湖), Matsu (馬祖), and Wuqiu (烏坵), along with numerous smaller islands. The entire area is collectively referred to as the “Taiwan Area.”

The main island of Taiwan covers an area of 36,197 square kilometers (13,826 square miles). It is characterized by mountain ranges covering two-thirds of the eastern region and densely populated urban plains in the west. Taiwan is bordered by mainland China to the west, Japan to the east and northeast, and the Philippines to the south. Taipei serves as its capital, while New Taipei City is a newly established administrative area encompassing Taipei and currently the most densely populated region. Other major cities include Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan, and Taoyuan. With a population of 23.3 million, Taiwan is one of the most densely populated places in the world.

♦ Area
36,197 square kilometers. It is an island stretching from north to south with a mountain range running through its central part. It is located in a volcanic and seismic zone.

♦ Capital
Taipei (with a population of approximately 2.70 million).

♦ Population
23.3 million (as of 2023). The majority are Han Chinese, with 14 significant indigenous tribes: Ami, Atayal, Paiwan, Bunun, Puyuma, Rukai, Tsou, Saisiyat, Yami, Thao, Kavalan, Truku, Sakizaya, and Sediq.

♦ Climate
Tropical and humid.
– Summer (May to September): Average temperature 27 – 38°C (typhoon season from August to October annually).
– Autumn typhoon season (October to November): Average temperature 25 – 30°C.
– Winter (December to February): Average temperature 10 – 15°C.
– Spring (February to April): Average temperature 15 – 24°C.

♦ Official Language
Mandarin is the official language. Hokkien (Minnan) is a widely spoken local language alongside Mandarin. Senior government officials generally can use English.

♦ Religion
Mahayana Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Christianity.

§ Currency
New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). 1 US Dollar (USD) = 32.80 NTD, or 1 NTD = 1.11 Thai Baht (as of July 2024).

∏ Major Cities
♦ Taipei
The capital and economic and development center, with the highest population density on the island.

♦ Kaohsiung
A port city and business hub in the south, Taiwan’s second-largest city, with one of the top 10 busiest ports in the world.

♦ Taichung
The business and industrial center of central Taiwan, and the third-largest city after Kaohsiung.

♦ Taoyuan
An important industrial city in Taiwan with the largest number of Thai workers.

♦ Keelung
The most important port city in the north.

Ξ Residing in Taiwan
⊕ Transportation
1. By Air: Several airlines operate domestic and international flights. Airlines servicing routes between Thailand and Taiwan include:
– Bangkok – Taipei: Thai Airways, AirAsia, Thai VietJet Air, Thai Lion Air, China Airlines, EVA Air, StarLux Airlines, Tiger Air.
– Bangkok – Kaohsiung: China Airlines, Thai Smile.
– Chiang Mai – Taipei: China Airlines, EVA Air, AirAsia.
There are also chartered flights from Phuket to Taipei.

Taiwan’s international airport is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, located at No. 337, Hangzhan South Road, Dayuan District, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Phone: 03-398-3728, 03-398-2050, 03-398-2006, 03-398-2059.

The domestic airport is Taipei Songshan Airport, located at No. 340-9, Dunhua North Road, Songshan District, Taipei.
Phone: 02-8770-3456.

2. By Car: Traffic rules in Taiwan require driving on the right. Roads connect all cities, with multiple highways and signs in Chinese and English.
⇔ Intercity buses include regular buses and coaches.
Public buses in Taipei operate from 05:00 to 24:00, with some routes running 24 hours. The standard fare is 15 NTD, with discounted fares of 12 NTD for children and students. For convenience, residents in Taipei can use EasyCard, iPass, or iCash for payment, which can be purchased and topped up at MRT stations or convenience stores.

Taxis are widely available, with fares starting at 70 NTD (in Taipei). It is advisable to inform the driver of the destination in Chinese or have it written down by someone who knows Chinese.

Car rentals are available in major cities, but an international driver’s license is required.

3. By Train:
Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) offers key tourist routes such as Taipei-Taichung and Chiayi-Kaohsiung. For mountain lovers, the Chiayi-Alishan route is recommended, while the Taipei-Hualien-Taitung route offers coastal views. Trains are air-conditioned, with some having dining cars. Children under 3 travel free, while those aged 3-13 pay half fare. Tickets can be purchased at train stations or some hotels in Taiwan. Phone: 02-2381-5226 or visit www.railway.gov.tw/en/.

4. High-Speed Rail:
Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) operates from Taipei to Kaohsiung, taking 1 hour and 36 minutes, with a maximum speed of 298 km/h. For more details, call 02-6626-8000 or visit https://www.thsrc.com.tw/index_en.html.

5. Taipei MRT:
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is the fastest and most modern way to travel in Taipei, with 6 lines operating from 06:00 to 24:00. Tickets can be purchased at automated ticket machines at every station, or for convenience, use EasyCard, iPass, or iCash. Fares start at 20 – 25 NTD, depending on the route. For inquiries, contact the MRT Service Center at 02-2181-2345 (24 hours) or visit http://english.metro.taipei/.

6. Kaohsiung MRT:
The Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation (KRTC) is the fastest and most modern way to travel in Kaohsiung, with 3 lines operating from 06:00 to 24:00. Fares start at 20 – 25 NTD, depending on the route. For inquiries, contact the KRTC Service Center at 07-7938-888 (24 hours) or visit www.krtc.com.tw.