Taiwan Geography

What is the terrain and geography like in Taiwan?

Overview

Named "Ihla Formosa", or Beautiful Island, by the Portuguese, Taiwan is a land of contrasts. It has everything from industrial towns and cities to rural towns and spectacular mountain vistas, from centuries old Confucian ceremonies to modern music and chaotic traffic to friendly people willing to help a stranger.

Taiwan is a small island 394 kilometers (245 miles) long and 144 kilometers (89.5 miles) wide at its broadest point, and includes a number of smaller islands. Foothills and mountains covering over two thirds of the island. Yu Shan (Jade Mountain), Taiwan's highest peak at 3952 meters, is taller than Japan's Mount Fuji.

Taiwan is very active geologically, sitting as it does at the juncture of the Philippine and Eurasian tectonic plates. Steam vents and hot sulfur springs abound. Earthquakes are a common occurrence in Taiwan.

Geography - note

strategic location adjacent to both the Taiwan Strait and the Luzon Strait

Taiwan Use of Natural Resources

Geographic Location	Asia
Total Area	13,892 Square Miles 35,980 Square Kilometers
Land Area	12,456 Square Miles 32,260 Square Kilometers
Water Area	1,436 Square Miles 3,720 Square Kilometers
Coastline	973 Miles 1,566 Kilometers
Geographic Coordinates	23 30 N, 121 00 E
Terrain	eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in west
Highest Point	3,952 Meters
Highest Point Location	Yu Shan 3,952 m
Lowest Point Location	South China Sea 0 m
Natural Resources	small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos
Time Zone	UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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