Taiwan Statistics - Page 2

Land and Resources

The island of Taiwan is about one-third the size of Ohio and has a north-south extent of about 400-km (245 mi) and an east-west extent of 145-km (90-mi.). Two-thirds of the land is mountainous, and only one-third is lowland suitable for agricultural and industrial uses. The mountains rise abruptly along the east coast, reaching elevations of more than 3,050 m (10,000 ft) at more than 60 peaks. Hsin-kao, the highest peak on Taiwan, rises to 3,997 m (13,113 ft).

The climate is of the subtropical monsoon type and marked by seasonal wind changes. In winter, cold, dry winds moistened somewhat as they cross the Taiwan (Formosa) Strait, blow out from central Asia toward Taiwan. In summer, hot, moist winds reach the island from the south and bring heavy rain. Rainfall is abundant and averages 2,590 mm (102 in) annually. Temperatures average 15 deg C (59 deg F) in winter (December to March) and 30 deg C (86 deg F) in summer (June to September). Typhoons occur at least once a year.

The natural resources of the small island are limited. Approximately 70% of the land is unsuitable for farming, and the 30% used for agriculture are concentrated on the alluvial western plains and terraced hillsides. Forests cover about 55% of Taiwan but are mostly inaccessible for commercial development. Numerous rivers are harnessed for hydroelectric power, but such power resources are unable to meet the nation's fast-growing power needs. Principal minerals include small deposits of coal, petroleum, and natural gas; salt produced from seawater; and gold, copper, sulfur, marble, and limestone.