II.

Land and Resources of Taiwan

The total area of the islands administered by the government on Taiwan is about 36,000 sq km (about 13,900 sq mi). Taiwan Island accounts for about 98 percent of this. The island is shaped like a tobacco leaf, extending about 390 km (about 240 mi) from its stem in the south to its northern tip. At its widest east-west point, the island extends about 140 km (about 90 mi). P’enghu, the largest of the P’enghu Islands, constitutes approximately half the group’s total area of about 130 sq km (about 50 sq mi). The 12 small Chinmen Islands cover a total area of about 150 sq km (about 60 sq mi). The Matsu Islands, situated northwest of Taiwan Island outside the mouth of the Min River, consist of a small main island and several smaller islands. The main island has a total area of about 12 sq km (about 5 sq mi). Although administered by the government on Taiwan, the Matsu and Chinmen islands are officially part of Fujian Province.

Located about 1,800 km (about 1,100 mi) southwest of Taiwan in the South China Sea, the Spratly Islands are claimed by Taiwan, mainland China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines. A contingent of Taiwan’s Marine Corps is stationed on Itu Aba (called T’aip’ing Island in Taiwan) at the center of the group.

Taiwan Island’s most distinct land feature is its Chungyang Range, covering about half the total land area. The mountains extend over the island’s entire north-south length and reach a maximum elevation of 3,997 m (13,114 ft) at Yü Shan (Mount Jade). East of this central chain the land is rugged, terminating at precipitous cliffs that rise as high as 760 m (2,500 ft) from the Pacific Ocean. To the west, a broad, fertile plain and a series of connected basins slope gently to the shallow Taiwan Strait.

A.

Rivers and Lakes

All Taiwan’s rivers originate in the mountains and have short, rapid courses. The Tanshui is the only navigable stream. Taiwan’s longest river is the 186-km (116-mi) Choshui. It is also the most heavily tapped for hydroelectricity. Other rivers include the Taan, Tachia, Tatu, Kaop’ing, and Tsengwen. Among Taiwan’s lakes are Sun Moon Lake, a popular resort in the foothills of the Chungyang Range, and Coral Lake northeast of T’ainan.

B.

Plant and Animal Life

Taiwan has about 3,800 plant species, which vary by elevation. Between sea level and 2,000 m (6,500 ft), tropical and subtropical forests predominate. Deciduous and coniferous trees grow in the mountains between 2,000 and 3,000 m (6,500 and 10,000 ft). Above this level only coniferous forests are found, mainly cypress. Taiwan is home to the Dr. Cecilia Koo Botanic Conservation Center, which opened in 2008 for the conservation of rare and endangered tropical plant species from around the world. Animal life in Taiwan includes deer, wild boars, bears, monkeys, wildcats, panthers, and snakes. The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (also known as the Chinese white dolphin) is found in the waters of Taiwan’s west coast.

C.

Natural Resources

Taiwan’s most important natural resource is its land, one-quarter of which is suitable for cultivation. The Chungyang Range and the eastern coastal range contain deposits of gold and copper. Coal is mined in the north near the Tatu River. Petroleum and natural gas reserves are located in the northwest near the small city of Hsinchu and the town of Miaoli. The eastern side of the island has marble deposits near the town of Hualien. Taiwan’s many river beds provide sand, gravel, and rock for the construction industry.

D.

Climate

Taiwan’s climate is described as tropical and subtropical, and rainfall is abundant. The average annual precipitation is about 4,000 mm (about 160 in). During winter, northern Taiwan experiences the northeast monsoon, which brings heavy rain from October to March. The north is somewhat less wet in summer, when southern Taiwan receives heavy precipitation from the southwest monsoon. Typhoons occur between June and October. Frost and snow appear only at high elevations in the Chungyang Range. Summers are hot and humid, with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F). Winter lasts from December until February and is mild, with an average January temperature of 18°C (64°F).

E.

Environmental Issues

Air pollution is severe in Taiwan’s major cities due to manufacturing activities and vehicle emissions. Deforestation is a growing concern because mountain hillsides are being cleared for commercial crops. The hunting of wild animals for their organs, which are used to make traditional Chinese medicines, is threatening wildlife. The government has made efforts to curb Taiwan’s environmental problems by enforcing stricter wildlife and forest-resource protection laws. Of the total land area, 11.5 percent is protected.