Taiwan Geography:
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:
Area:
total:
35,980 sq km
land:
32,260 sq km
water:
3,720 sq km
note: Includes the Pescadores, Matsu, and Quemoy
Area - comparative:
Slightly smaller than Maryland and Delaware combined
Land boundaries:
total: 0 km
border countries: NA
Coastline:
1,566 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 NM
exclusive economic zone: 200 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 3,952 m
Natural resources:
Small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos
Land use:
arable land: 24%
permanent crops: 1%
other: 75%
(2001)
Irrigated land:
NA
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 (not ratified)
Geography - Note:
Strategic location adjacent to both the Taiwan Strait and the Luzon Strait |
