Location Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China

Geographic coordinates 23 30 N, 121 00 E

Map references Southeast Asia

Area
total: 35,980 sq km
note: includes the Pescadores, Matsu, and Quemoy
water: 3,720 sq km
land: 32,260 sq km

Area - comparative slightly smaller than Maryland and Delaware combined

Land boundaries 0 km

Coastline 1,566.3 km

Maritime claims
exclusive economic zone: 200 NM
territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year

Terrain eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in west

Elevation extremes
lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: Yu Shan 3,997 m

Natural resources small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos

Land use
arable land: 24%
permanent crops: 1%
other: 75%

Irrigated land NA sq km

Natural hazards earthquakes and typhoons

Environment - current issues air pollution; water pollution from industrial emissions, raw sewage; contamination of drinking water supplies; trade in endangered species; low-level radioactive waste disposal

Environment - international agreements
party to: none of the selected agreements because of Taiwan's international status
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements because of Taiwan's international status

Geography - note strategic location adjacent to both the Taiwan Strait and the Luzon Strait

NOTE: The information regarding Taiwan on this page is re-published from the 2002 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Taiwan Geography 2002 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Taiwan Geography 2002 should be addressed to the CIA.