Asia and Oceania

Taiwan

Last reviewed - 05 March 2012

Country information

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Map of Taiwan

Population: 23.2 million (January 2012)
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: Kuomintang (Chinese Nationalist) Party (KMT), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), People First Party (PFP), Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU), New Party (NP).
Government: Multiparty democracy with directly-elected President.
President: Ma Ying-Jeou (KMT)
Prime Minister/Premier: Sean Chen
Foreign Minister: Timothy Yang
Membership of international groupings/organisations: Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC), Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Olympic Committee, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), World Trade Organisation (WTO), Observer status in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Observer status in World Health Assembly (WHA), 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 as 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.