July 12, 2016

Introduction: 10 surprising facts about Taiwan


On my recent visit to Taiwan, I found it to be a kinder, nicer, slower China. Here are

10 facts about Taiwan that might surprise you


●Taiwan is not a part of China.

●Taiwan is slightly bigger than Belgium.

●Taiwan was formerly known as Formosa.

●Taiwan has reached its 100th birthday in 2011.

●Taiwan has the world’s lowest birthrate.

●Taiwan is the first democratic country in Asia.

●Taiwan has the highest density of convenience stores (7-11s are everywhere).

●Taiwan is second only to Italy in the production of marble.

●Taiwan prohibits cutting down trees; all wood is imported.

●Director Ang Lee (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Eat Drink Man Woman,” “Brokeback Mountain”) is a native of Taiwan.

More information:  Taiwan Tourism Bureau 



city of Taipei as seen from Taipei 101 interior observation deck
city of Taipei as seen from Taipei 101 interior observation deck


time for ice cream at Miyahara in Taichung, Taiwan
time for ice cream at Miyahara in Taichung, Taiwan


taking pictures beside the entrance stone at Taroko Gorge National Park in Hualien, Taiwan
taking pictures beside the entrance stone at Taroko Gorge National Park
in Hualien, Taiwan


More things to do in Taiwan.

More things to do in Taipei.

Travel articles to inspire and help you plan some spectacular local and foreign getaways.

images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

7 comments:

  1. Interesting fast facts Carole! Dave worked in Taiwan for a couple of years and I visited often (loved it) so these facts brought back things I'd forgotten or didn't know :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. We were in Taroko Gorge in 2009. Didn't know Taiwan is second only to Italy in marble production. And we didn't have a picture taken by that stone!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Interesting facts - I knew a couple, but not all. The city of Taipei seems to stretch out forever!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Knew a few of those facts but not most. Thought Ang Lee was from PRC. Fun read!

    ReplyDelete
  5. We visited Taiwan in 1997 when my husband was invited to speak to pulmonary physicians in Taipei by a former Taiwanese trainee. Afterwards, we toured the country. It was fascinating and beautiful. We even brought home a jade vase from Hualien---it was heavy, but still reminds us of our time in that lovely country.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I spent only 48 hours in Taipei a few years ago - thanks for sharing these interesting facts. Didn't know quite a few.

    ReplyDelete

Popular Posts