Country Profile: Taiwan

Last reviewed - 20 June 2008

Country information

Map of Taiwan

Population: 22.9 million (June 2007)
Language(s): Mandarin Chinese (official); Taiwanese, Hakka.
Religion(s): Buddhist, Taoist 93%; Christian 4.5%; other 2.5%
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NTD)
Major political parties: Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Kuomintang (Nationalist) Party (KMT), People First Party (PFP), Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU), New Party (NP).
Government: Multiparty democracy with directly-elected President.
President: Ma Ying-Jeou
Prime Minister/Premier: Liu Chao-Shiuan
Foreign Minister:Francisco H.L. Ou
Membership of international groupings/organisations: Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), World Trade Organisation (WTO), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD): Observer status in OECD Committee, Member of the International Association of Judges.

DID YOU KNOW

The People's Republic of China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and regards Taiwan as a province of China. The United Kingdom acknowledges the position of the Chinese Government that Taiwan is a province of China and recognises the Chinese Government as the sole legal government of China. The United Kingdom does not recognise Taiwan as a state and does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The United Kingdom considers the Taiwan issue is one to be settled by the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. We are strongly opposed to any use of force and urge both sides to engage in constructive dialogue.

The United Kingdom enjoys a flourishing relationship with Taiwan based on trade, investment, financial, educational, cultural and other exchanges. The information provided below and all references to Taiwan and the Taiwan authorities should be read in this context.

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