Taiwan is a modern industrialised megalopolis clinging to the fringes of
an ancient culture; a string of teeming cities at the feet of a glorious
mountain range.
June 2, 2006 (Press Release) --
Intro
Taiwan is a modern industrialised megalopolis clinging to the fringes of
an ancient culture; a string of teeming cities at the feet of a glorious
mountain range. It's traditional noodles from a 7-Eleven, aboriginal
tribes in mini-skirts and a day of temple rituals followed by waterslide
rides. The human tide of Taipei will sweep you off your feet, but if you
step outside the city limits you'll discover why Taiwan is known as Ilha
Formosa, 'the beautiful island'. Mountain peaks puncture a sea of clouds,
slick black volcanic rock wraps the coastlines and waterfalls shroud
themselves in mist: Taiwan is a computer-generated Chinese watercolour.
But it is precisely Taiwan's history with China that has caused the most
friction and heartache for the Taiwanese. The continuing tug-of-war
between the People's Republic of China on the mainland and the Democratic
Progressive Party on Taiwan is often prone to take on the pasty complexion
of a civil war albeit one that has not, as yet, developed into an all-out
brawl. Mainland China insists on the truth of 'one China' while Taiwan has
managed the impossible tightrope act of agreeing, in principle, to one
China but acting, in practice, like an independant republic.
Destination Facts
Full country name: Republic of China
Area: 35,563 sq km (13,731 sq mi)
Population: 22.5 million
Capital city: Taipei (population 2.7 million)
People: Taiwanese (84%), Aboriginal (2%), Chinese(14%)
Language: Taiwanese, Mandarin Chinese
Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism
Government: Democratic Progressive Party
President: Chen Shui-bian
Economy Facts
GDP: US$247 billion
GDP per head: US$16,100
Annual growth: 4.8%
Inflation: 3.1%
Major industries: Machinery, electrical equipment, electronic/computer
goods, textiles, clothing
Major trading partners: USA, Japan, Hong Kong
Facts for the Traveller
Visas: Some visitors from Western Europe, Australasia and the USA can stay
in Taiwan for 14 days without a visa. Everyone else needs a visa, which
allows a 30-day stay. Single entry visas are easy to get, but if you want
a muliple entry visa get it before you leave home. Because the Republic of
China (Taiwan) is not recognised by most countries, you'll have to get
your visa from a Taiwanese 'pseudo embassy' - look for trade offices,
travel services or friendship associations.
Health risks: No particular risks, but you should consider vaccinations
for hepatitis.
Time: GMT/UTC plus eight hours
Electricity: 110V, 60 Hz
Weights & measures: Metric
Source: http://www.yahoo.com
Taiwan is a modern industrialised megalopolis clinging to the fringes of
an ancient culture; a string of teeming cities at the feet of a glorious
mountain range. It's traditional noodles from a 7-Eleven, aboriginal
tribes in mini-skirts and a day of temple rituals followed by waterslide
rides. The human tide of Taipei will sweep you off your feet, but if you
step outside the city limits you'll discover why Taiwan is known as Ilha
Formosa, 'the beautiful island'. Mountain peaks puncture a sea of clouds,
slick black volcanic rock wraps the coastlines and waterfalls shroud
themselves in mist: Taiwan is a computer-generated Chinese watercolour.
But it is precisely Taiwan's history with China that has caused the most
friction and heartache for the Taiwanese. The continuing tug-of-war
between the People's Republic of China on the mainland and the Democratic
Progressive Party on Taiwan is often prone to take on the pasty complexion
of a civil war albeit one that has not, as yet, developed into an all-out
brawl. Mainland China insists on the truth of 'one China' while Taiwan has
managed the impossible tightrope act of agreeing, in principle, to one
China but acting, in practice, like an independant republic.
Destination Facts
Full country name: Republic of China
Area: 35,563 sq km (13,731 sq mi)
Population: 22.5 million
Capital city: Taipei (population 2.7 million)
People: Taiwanese (84%), Aboriginal (2%), Chinese(14%)
Language: Taiwanese, Mandarin Chinese
Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism
Government: Democratic Progressive Party
President: Chen Shui-bian
Economy Facts
GDP: US$247 billion
GDP per head: US$16,100
Annual growth: 4.8%
Inflation: 3.1%
Major industries: Machinery, electrical equipment, electronic/computer
goods, textiles, clothing
Major trading partners: USA, Japan, Hong Kong
Facts for the Traveller
Visas: Some visitors from Western Europe, Australasia and the USA can stay
in Taiwan for 14 days without a visa. Everyone else needs a visa, which
allows a 30-day stay. Single entry visas are easy to get, but if you want
a muliple entry visa get it before you leave home. Because the Republic of
China (Taiwan) is not recognised by most countries, you'll have to get
your visa from a Taiwanese 'pseudo embassy' - look for trade offices,
travel services or friendship associations.
Health risks: No particular risks, but you should consider vaccinations
for hepatitis.
Time: GMT/UTC plus eight hours
Electricity: 110V, 60 Hz
Weights & measures: Metric
Source: http://www.yahoo.com
Email
Print
SPAM
LEAVE A COMMENT
