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Taiwan Overview
- Officially known as the Republic of China (ROC)
- Located in East Asia, between East and South China Seas
- Area: 35,808 sq km; densely populated with about 23.9 million inhabitants
- Major cities: Taipei, New Taipei City, and Keelung
Historical Background
- Settled for 25,000 years; indigenous peoples present for 6,000 years
- Han Chinese immigration started in the 17th century
- Annexed by Qing dynasty in 1683; ceded to Japan in 1895
- ROC took control after WWII; relocated to Taiwan in 1949
Economic Growth and Development
- Experienced rapid economic growth in the 1960s, known as the "Taiwan Miracle"
- Transitioned to a democracy in the late 1980s; first elected president in 1996
- Major industries: steel, machinery, electronics, and chemicals
- Highly ranked in civil liberties, healthcare, and human development
Political Status
- Contentious international status; recognized as representative of China by UN until 1971
- Claims over Taiwan by PRC; maintains relations with 11 UN members
- Political divisions: Pan-Blue Coalition (unification) vs. Pan-Green Coalition (independence)