HISTORY & POLITICS:
Taiwan - otherwise known as Formosa - is the largest island in the Republic of China (ROC), situated off China’s south-eastern coastline. It is an island with a colourful history, as at various times throughout the years she has been governed by the Dutch, the Japanese, the Chinese, and her own native Democratic Party.
Taiwan has been governed by the Republic of China since1945 when she was acquired by the Chinese from Japan as a result of World War II.
Four years later the Republic of China lost the Chinese Civil War to the Communist Party of China and retreated to Taiwan. Taiwan now comprises most of ROC's territory and the ROC itself is commonly known as "Taiwan".
ECONOMICS:
Taiwan's rapid economic growth in the decades after World War II has transformed it into an advanced economy, and it is known as one of the 'Four Asian dragons.' This economic rise is referred to as the 'Taiwan Miracle.'
Taiwanese companies manufacture a large portion of the world's consumer electronics, although most of them are made in their factories in mainland China.
PEOPLE
Chinese 96.2%. Speaking three major languages.
- Taiwanese (Hoklo, Minnan) 66.2%. Settled in Taiwan 300 years ago.
- Hakka 15.0%. Settled in Taiwan 200 years ago.
- Mainland Chinese 15.0%. Refugees from mainland China 1945-50. Almost entirely urban.
Austronesian mountain peoples 1.7%. 14 recognized tribes, 11 unrecognized. The largest: Amis(2) 0.7%; Paiwan 0.3%; Tayal 0.2%; Bunun 0.2%; Sediq (Taroko) 0.15%; Pyuma; Drukai; Tsou.
Other 2.1%. Indonesian 0.5%; Thai 0.4%; Filipino 0.4%; Vietnamenese 0.4%; other Asians; Westerners.
Literacy 97.5%.
Official language and language of education Mandarin. Hoklo and Hakka are widely spoken. All languages 28. Indigenous languages 22.
English is compulsory in students' curriculum once they enter elementary school. English as a school subject is also featured on Taiwan's education exams.
RELIGION:
Over 93% of Taiwanese are adherents of a combination of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. 4.5% are adherents of Christianity, which includes Protestants, Catholics, Latter-Day Saints and other non-denominational Christian groups. Evangelical Christian is less than 3%.
As of 2009, there are 14,993 temples in Taiwan, which equals approximately one place of worship per 1,500 residents. 9,202 of those temples were dedicated to Taoism. In 2008 Taiwan had 3,262 Churches, an increase of 145 from a previous count.
OPPORTUNITIES:
People in Taiwan are very welcoming of foreigners. They like to practice their English and meet new people.
OM Taiwan needs people willing to teach English in schools and also through bible classes. There are also many opportunities to do ministry in partnership with the local churches.
CHALLENGES
A decline in numbers of missionaries working in Taiwan has become evident in the last 20 years--more marked than any other country in Asia. This is not due to a finished task, but rather to attrition and the attraction and fruitfulness of other locations. The door is wide open for missionaries to enter and serve in many capacities; it is especially ideal for those looking to do full-time mission work rather than tentmaking.
(Source: Operation World, 2010 version) --
