Updated: March 2009
Taiwan
Overview | World Vision's history in Taiwan | World Vision in Taiwan today
OverviewIncluding the Pescadores, Matsu, and Quemoy islands, Taiwan is formally referred to as the Republic of China. Located off the southeast coast of China, it is surrounded by the East China Sea, the Philippine Sea, the South China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait. In the south lie the Philippines, separated from Taiwan by the Luzon Strait. Covered with persistent clouds, Taiwan experiences a wet, tropical climate with a monsoon season that lasts from June to August. Hills and mountains in the east cover nearly two-thirds of the country, while the western third consists of flat to rolling plains. Taiwan is home to more than 100 mountain peaks extending beyond 9,843 ft. Natural resources include coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos. |  |
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| Native Taiwanese, descendants of settlers from the Fujian and Guangdong Provinces in China, comprise 84 percent of the population. In contrast to “mainlanders,” who arrived on the island after leaving China in the mid-1900s, the history of “natives” dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. An aboriginal population of around 485,000 lives in the mountains. Though Mandarin Chinese is the official language, spoken by a majority of the population, some speak Japanese or Taiwanese—a Fujianese dialect also known as Min-Nin. In 1664, after a period of Dutch administration, the island of Taiwan fell into Chinese hands as Ming supporters attempted to restore their dynasty. Though these attempts were unsuccessful, Taiwan remained a prefecture of China until 1887 when it became a Chinese province. During this period, an influx of Chinese migrants pushed out aboriginal settlers. In 1895, following the Sino-Japanese war, China ceded control of Taiwan to Japan. Japanese rule lasted for 50 years, until the end of World War II, when Taiwan was returned to China. In 1949, with the success of communism on mainland China, some 2 million Nationalists, who had battled with communist groups since the 1920s, escaped to Taiwan, incorporating Aborigines and previous settlers to establish their own government. In 2000, Nationalist rule came to an end when Taiwanese voters elected a president from the Democratic Progressive Party. China refused to recognize Taiwan as an independent country, and over the years, the relationship between the island and the mainland has remained tense. On several occasions, China has threatened violence should Taiwan attempt to gain independence, and Taiwan has occasionally taken moves in that direction. In recent years, peaceful relations have begun to develop, as China and Taiwan are important trade partners. Once an agricultural island, Taiwan is now a highly industrialized country with a flourishing economy. Agriculture accounts for only 1.4 percent of the gross domestic product, while services and industries carry increased importance. Exports of electronics, metals, textiles, plastics, chemicals, and auto parts are a key economic contributor, one that Taiwan continues to increase. Taiwan has an aid donor, foreign investor, and creditor economy. The country maintains a 98 percent primary school attendance rate. Compulsory education is provided for nine years—six in elementary and three in junior high school. Approximately 92.6 percent of students pursue higher education, and the average Taiwanese adult has 14 years of schooling. Back to top World Vision’s history in TaiwanIn World Vision first opened an office in Taiwan in 1964. Initial efforts focused on strengthening the capacity of homes, medical clinics, and churches in rural areas. With the help of donors, World Vision purchased 22,960 square feet of land to build dormitories and began funding child-care service centers. Bethany Children’s Home, the Puli Christian Hospital, and Shelter Homes for leprosy patients were established to bring medical and emotional assistance to the people of Taiwan. By 1990, the Taiwan office had grown into a self-funded entity, supporting both local and international projects.Back to top World Vision in Taiwan todayToday, World Vision is the largest Christian agency in Taiwan. Thanks to thousands of Taiwanese donors, World Vision’s child sponsorship programs are helping countless numbers of children around the world. These children and their families are learning to become self-sufficient.For more information on World Vision’s office in Taiwan, please contact the United States office. Back to top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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