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Taiwan

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description Taiwan Overview

Taiwan is an island in East Asia with a densely populated western plain, a mountainous interior, and climates ranging from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south. Taipei is the seat of the central government, while cities such as Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung have distinct industrial, historical, and cultural roles. Taiwan combines Chinese, Indigenous, Japanese, and international influences in its food, temples, festivals, and built heritage. It is also a major center for semiconductor manufacturing and electronic technology.

help Taiwan FAQ

What currency does Taiwan use?

Taiwan uses the New Taiwan dollar, usually abbreviated as TWD or NT$. Many shops in Taipei also accept major credit cards, but cash is still king at street stalls and night market vendors.

Why is Taiwan so important to the global chip industry?

Taiwan is home to TSMC, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, which was founded in 1987 and is the world's largest contract chipmaker. It produces the majority of the world's most advanced processor chips used in phones, computers, and AI hardware.

What foods should I try at Taiwan's night markets?

Classic night market eats include beef noodle soup, stinky tofu, oyster omelets, and bubble tea, which was invented in Taiwan in the 1980s. Shilin Night Market in Taipei is the largest and most famous of them.

How tall is Taipei 101, and was it ever the world's tallest building?

Taipei 101 stands 508 metres tall and held the title of the world's tallest building from its completion in 2004 until the Burj Khalifa surpassed it in 2010. It remains the tallest green building and one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in Asia.