What is the terrain and geography like in Taiwan?
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.
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) |