Geographical Information of Taiwan

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Size of Taiwan

• The total area of Taiwan is 35 980 sq km, comprising of 21 small islands in the Taiwan group and 64 islands in the Penghu group.

Population

• The population of Taiwan according to 2006 statistics is 22 805 547.

Climate of Taiwan

• Varies widely in the Northern part and the mountain ares.

• Warm and humid all year in the Southern part.

• May to June: Rainy Season (daily rainfall)• July to October: Typhoons are most likely to

strike

Natural Resources

• Taiwan has small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos for the country's mineral, petroleum, hydropower, and other resources of commercial importance.

Natural Hazards

• Earthquakes and Typhoons are the major natural hazards

• Other hazards include air pollution; water pollution from industrial emissions and raw sewage; contamination of drinking water supplies; and trade in endangered species. Though regulation of sulfate aerosol emissions from petroleum production is becoming stringent, acid rain remains to be a threat to the health of the residents and the forests. Scholars in Taiwan point out that more than half of its acid rain is actually brought by monsoon rains from mainland China

Mountains Ranges

• 5 major Major Mountains Ranges:1.Central2.Hseuhshan3.Yushan4.Alishan5.Haian Range

1. Central• The Central Mountain Range extends from Su-ao in the

north to Eluanbi in the south, forming a ridge of high mountains and serving as the island's major watershed for rivers and streams. The mountains are predominantly composed of hard rock formations resistant to weathering and erosion, although heavy rainfall has deeply scarred the sides with gorges and sharp valleys. The relative relief of the terrain is usually extensive, and the forest-clad mountains with their extreme ruggedness are almost impenetrable. The east side of the Central Mountain Range is the steepest mountain slope in Taiwan, with fault scarps ranging in height from 120 to 1,200 m (3,937 ft).

2. Hseuhshan

• The Syue Mountain Range lies northwest of the Central Mountain Range, beginning at Sandiaojiao in the northeast and gaining elevation as it extends toward the southwest. Syue Mountain, the main peak, is 3,886 m (12,749 ft) high.

3. Yushan

• The Yushan Mountain Range runs along the southwestern flank of the Central Mountain Range. It includes the island's tallest peak, the 3,952 m (12,966 ft) Jade Mountain.

4. Alishan

• The Alishan Mountain Range lies west of the Yushan Mountain Range, with major elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 m (6,562 ft). The main peak, Data Mountain, towers 2,663 m (8,737 ft).

5. Haian Range• The East Coast Mountain Range extends from the

mouth of the Hualien River in the north to Taitung County in the south, and chiefly consist of sandstone and shale. Although Hsinkangshan, the highest peak, reaches an elevation of 1,682 m (5,518 ft), most of the range is composed of large hills. Small streams have developed on the flanks, but only one large river cuts across the range. Badlands are located at the western foot of the range, where the ground water level is the lowest and rock formations are the least resistant to weathering. Raised coral reefs along the east coast and the frequent occurrences of earthquakes in the rift valley indicate that the fault block is still rising.

Transportation

• Transportation to the centre of Taipei is handled by private buses and taxis.

• Six coach companies provide frequent and reliable service on a set route schedule which covers the major tourist points in Taipei. The bus journey takes about 40 minutes. Taxis are available 24 hours from the Arrivals area, though they are a bit more expensive than taking the bus.

• The nation’s state-run train system has some excellent services to most of the accessible cities along the western and eastern coasts.

• Private coaches provide the other main source of transport around Taiwan.

• Car hire is also available in most large towns.• MRT network consisting of a monorail train

and underground metro serving all of Taipei and its suburbs.