The island of Taiwan is adrift 160km off the coast of mainland China. Taiwan's spine is a ridge of steep mountains, falling away to a rocky coastline on the east and a narrow, fertile plain on the west. Taiwan is a modern industrialized megalopolis clinging to the fringes of an ancient culture, a string of teeming cities at the feet of a glorious mountain range. Taiwan is known as Ilha Formosa, "the beautiful island".

Area: 35,563 sq km

Population: 22.5 million

Capital: Taipei

People: Taiwanese (84%), Aboriginal (2%), Chinese (14%)

Language: Chinese

Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism

Government: Democratic Progressive Party

GDP: US$247 billion

Major Industries: Machinery, electrical equipment, electronic/computer goods, textiles, and clothing

Major Trading Partners: USA, Japan, and Hong Kong