Taiwan

Taiwan is an island in the western Pacific Ocean off the coast of China. It is a busy, modern place famous for its night markets, high-tech industry, and beautiful mountain scenery. Taiwan is a leader in making computer chips.

Land and People

About 24 million people live in Taiwan. The capital is Taipei. The island has a mountain range running down the middle with peaks over 12,000 feet. The western side has flat plains and big cities. Hot springs and forests dot the landscape.

A small jade ornament carved in a special shape.
A small jade ornament carved in a special shape. (Pbdragonwang / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Taiwan's night markets are famous for street food like bubble tea, stinky tofu, and pork buns. Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the world until 2010. Taiwan makes most of the world's advanced computer chips. The island has a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous cultures.

Fun Facts

  • Bubble tea was invented in Taiwan in the 1980s.
  • Taiwan produces most of the world's most advanced computer chips.
  • Taiwan has over 200 mountain peaks higher than 10,000 feet.

Did You Know?

Bubble tea, the drink with chewy tapioca balls at the bottom, was invented in Taiwan in the 1980s. What started as a fun experiment in a tea shop has become one of the most popular drinks in the world. Millions of cups are sold every day.