Taiwan

Taiwan is an island located off the southeastern coast of mainland China in East Asia, separated from the mainland by the Taiwan Strait. The island covers approximately 36,000 km² and is accompanied by several smaller islands, including Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. Taiwan occupies a strategic position between the East China Sea and the South China Sea and lies along major maritime trade routes in the western Pacific. The island is characterized by a rugged mountainous interior, with the Central Mountain Range extending from north to south and containing peaks exceeding 3,000 meters. Narrow coastal plains, particularly in the west, support the majority of the population and economic activity. Taiwan has a subtropical climate in the north and a tropical climate in the south, with abundant rainfall, frequent typhoons, and significant regional climatic variation.

Taiwan’s physical geography is shaped by active tectonic processes resulting from the collision of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Consequently, earthquakes are common, and the island features steep mountains, deep valleys, and rapidly flowing rivers. The mountainous terrain limits the amount of arable land but creates diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical forests to alpine environments. Taiwan possesses rich biodiversity, with many endemic plant and animal species. Its coastal waters and surrounding marine ecosystems are also ecologically significant, supporting fisheries and maritime industries.

The history of Taiwan reflects a complex interaction of indigenous cultures, migration, colonial rule, and political transformation. Indigenous Austronesian peoples inhabited the island for thousands of years before large-scale migration from mainland China began. During the seventeenth century, parts of Taiwan were colonized by the Dutch and briefly by the Spanish. The island later came under the control of the Qing Dynasty and was ceded to Japan in 1895 following the First Sino-Japanese War. Japanese rule lasted until the end of the Second World War in 1945 and brought extensive infrastructure development and industrial modernization. After the Chinese Civil War, the Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan in 1949. Since then, Taiwan has evolved from an authoritarian political system into a vibrant multiparty democracy. Today, Taiwan is internationally recognized for its advanced economy, technological innovation, and democratic institutions, although its political status remains a subject of international debate.

Agriculture played a central role in Taiwan’s economic development and continues to contribute to rural livelihoods and food production. Despite limited agricultural land, intensive farming methods and advanced technologies have enabled high productivity. Rice remains the most important staple crop, cultivated primarily in the fertile western plains. Other major agricultural products include vegetables, fruits, tea, sugarcane, and flowers. Taiwan is particularly known for high-value horticultural products such as mangoes, pineapples, bananas, guavas, and specialty teas. Agricultural policies increasingly emphasize quality, food safety, sustainability, and export-oriented production. However, the sector faces challenges including urban expansion, labor shortages, and an aging farming population.

Fisheries are an important component of Taiwan’s economy and food system. Surrounded by productive marine waters, Taiwan has developed both coastal and distant-water fishing industries. Its fishing fleets operate throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans, harvesting species such as tuna, squid, and mackerel. Aquaculture is also highly developed and includes the production of milkfish, tilapia, grouper, shrimp, and shellfish. Fish and seafood are central elements of Taiwanese cuisine and contribute significantly to export earnings. Sustainable fisheries management has become increasingly important in response to concerns about overfishing, marine ecosystem degradation, and international conservation requirements.

Forestry occupies a more limited economic role today than in the past but remains crucial for environmental protection. Approximately 60% of Taiwan’s land area is covered by forests, many of which are located in mountainous regions. Forest ecosystems provide watershed protection, prevent soil erosion and landslides, conserve biodiversity, and contribute to climate regulation. During the Japanese colonial period, forestry was an important economic activity, but commercial logging has been greatly reduced in recent decades to protect natural resources. Current forest management focuses on conservation, ecological restoration, recreation, and sustainable use. National parks and protected areas safeguard significant portions of Taiwan’s forested landscapes and biodiversity.

Overall, Taiwan is characterized by a combination of mountainous terrain, limited natural resources, and a highly developed, technology-driven economy. While industry and services—particularly electronics and semiconductor manufacturing—dominate economic output, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry continue to play important roles in food security, rural development, environmental conservation, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Gerold was 2024 for some days in Taiwan, to attend a pre-conference tour of OWC24 invited by the Taiwan Research Centre for Organic Farming.