Taiwan

Taiwan is an island nation in East Asia, officially known as the Republic of China, with its capital in Taipei. The territory has a population of about 23 million people and operates as a vibrant democracy with a highly developed economy centred on technology manufacturing, semiconductors, and electronics. Taiwan's currency is the New Taiwan dollar, and its semiconductor industry, led by companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, makes it a critical node in global supply chains. The island has a complex political status, with the government in Taipei claiming to be the legitimate government of all China, whilst the People's Republic of China on the mainland regards Taiwan as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified. Taiwan maintains formal diplomatic relations with only a handful of countries, including several African nations such as Eswatini, though it has extensive informal economic and cultural ties worldwide. The island is governed as a multi-party democracy with a president and legislature, and political debate often centres on the question of relations with mainland China. Taiwan's economy is export-oriented and ranks among the most competitive globally, with strengths in high-tech manufacturing and innovation. The territory is a member of the World Trade Organization and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, though its participation in international organisations is constrained by pressure from Beijing. Taiwan's geopolitical significance has grown as tensions with China have increased, making cross-strait relations a focal point of regional security discussions. The island was under Japanese colonial rule from 1895 to 1945, after which the Kuomintang government retreated there following defeat in the Chinese Civil War in 1949.