| Areas under
the jurisdiction of the government consist of the islands of Taiwan,
Penghu (the Pescadores), Kinmen (Quemoy), Matsu, and other small
islets.
Taiwan is located in the Western Pacific about 160 km off China's southeast
coast, midway between Japan and the Philippines.
Taiwan and its adjacent islands have an area of approximately 36,000 sq. km.
Taiwan is about 394 km long and 144 km wide at its broadest point.
 |
| Rising to a height of 3,492 meters above sea level, Mount Tapa in Shei-pa National Park is a great challenge for hikers. (File photo of the GIO) |
Taiwan's five longitudinal mountain ranges occupy almost half of the island's
total land area. The Central Range forms the backbone of Taiwan and includes
Mount Jade, the island's highest peak at 3,952 meters. Other important features
include dormant volcanic mountains, foothills, tablelands, terraces, coastal
plains, and basins. Only 30 percent of the land is arable.
Taiwan's climate is subtropical in the north and tropical in the south, with
average temperatures ranging from 28 deg C in July to 14 deg C in January. Summers,
which start in May and last through September, are usually hot and humid, with
daytime temperatures between 27 deg C and 35 deg C. Short and mild winters last
from December through February, with snowfall only occurring on the island's
higher mountains. Rainfall varies greatly according to season, location, and
altitude. The average rainfall is about 2,515 mm per year. Three to four typhoons
hit Taiwan every year, providing much of the island's water supply but also
causing damage, flooding, and landslides. Located at the junction of the Philippine
and Eurasia plates, Taiwan has significant seismic activity. |
