Geography of Taiwan

Location: Taiwan is situated in the western Pacific Ocean, approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) east
of China's mainland, across the Taiwan Strait. It is bordered by the East China Sea to the north, the
Philippine Sea to the east, the Luzon Strait to the south, and the Taiwan Strait to the west.

Area: The total land area of Taiwan is around 36,190 square kilometers (13,974 square miles), making it
slightly smaller than Belgium or Maryland, USA.

Exports of Taiwan

Electronic Products: Taiwan is renowned for its electronics industry, and electronic products constitute a
significant portion of its exports. In 2020, electronic products accounted for around 35% of Taiwan's
total exports, with a value of approximately $132 billion.

Machinery: Taiwan is a major exporter of machinery and equipment. In 2020, machinery exports from
Taiwan amounted to about $52 billion, contributing significantly to the country's economy.

Imports of Taiwan

Machinery: Taiwan relies on imports of machinery and equipment to support its industrial sectors. In
2020, machinery imports amounted to about $75 billion, reflecting the country's need for advanced
machinery to sustain its manufacturing capabilities.

Electrical Machinery and Equipment: Taiwan imports a substantial amount of electrical machinery and
equipment to meet domestic demand and support its electronics industry. In 2020, electrical machinery
imports were valued at around $68 billion.’

Gross Domestic Product (GDP): In 2020, Taiwan's gross domestic product (GDP) was approximately $630
billion USD. Taiwan has a strong and resilient economy, with key sectors such as electronics,
manufacturing, and services driving its growth.

GDP per Capita: Taiwan has a relatively high GDP per capita due to its strong economic performance. In
2020, the GDP per capita of Taiwan was around $26,600 USD. Please note that this figure is an average
and can vary across different regions within the country.

Population: The population of Taiwan is approximately 23.6 million people. It is a densely populated
country with a high standard of living and a well-developed infrastructure.

Average Income: The average income in Taiwan can vary based on factors such as occupation,
education, and location. In 2020, the average monthly wage in Taiwan was around 50,000 New Taiwan
Dollars (NTD), equivalent to approximately $1,800 USD.

SWOT

Strengths
Technological Advancement: Taiwan is renowned for its high-tech industry, particularly in electronics,
semiconductors, and information technology. Companies like TSMC, MediaTek, and Asus have propelled
Taiwan to the forefront of global technological innovation.

Economic Resilience: Taiwan has built a robust and diverse economy that has consistently
demonstrated resilience, even in the face of global economic challenges. It boasts a strong
manufacturing sector, export-oriented industries, and a well-developed financial system, contributing to
its stability and economic growth.

Strategic Geopolitical Location: Situated in the heart of East Asia, Taiwan holds a strategic position in
international trade and security. Its proximity to major markets in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia,
coupled with its well-established logistics infrastructure, makes it an attractive investment destination
and a key player in regional economic integration.

Weaknesses

Limited International Recognition: One of the major weaknesses of Taiwan is its limited international
recognition as a sovereign state. Due to the complex political dynamics with China, Taiwan is only
recognized by a small number of countries, which restricts its participation in international organizations
and can pose challenges in diplomatic relations.

Geopolitical Vulnerability: Taiwan faces a constant threat of military aggression from China, which
claims the island as part of its territory. This vulnerability heightens security concerns and necessitates
significant defense expenditures. The potential for tensions and conflicts in the region adds a layer of
uncertainty to Taiwan's stability and long-term development.

Economic Dependence: Despite its economic strength, Taiwan heavily relies on global trade and export-
oriented industries, which makes it vulnerable to external shocks. Disruptions in international supply
chains or global economic downturns can impact Taiwan's economy significantly. Additionally, Taiwan's
economic reliance on mainland China as a trading partner exposes it to potential political and economic
risks in the event of strained relations.