The island of Taiwan, also referred to as Formosa, is an island directly across China's Fujian Province, somewhat smaller than Switzerland and has an approximate population of 23 million. (as of 2022)1 2 3
It is one of a larger chain of islands stretching from Japan to the Philippines.
The spine of large mountains running through the island in a North-South direction has contributed to population centres, such as Taipei, Tainan and Kaohsiung, evolving along the Western coast of the island. Its terrain, combined with the island's few natural harbours and stormy waters, has rendered the island difficult to traverse for early settlers and colonisers.
Its climate is subtropical, characterised by long and hot summers, short and mild winters, abundant precipitation and monsoon.
