Culture Grams: The Country of Taiwan

• An island country, part of Asian continent • Population: 23,299,716

Taiwan

The Flag of Taiwan

• The flag of the Republic of China, currently in control of Taiwan • National Anthem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jjwn08Dev0

Symbols of Taiwan

• The mei flower (plum blossom) • Symbolizes the

courage

and

determination

of the Taiwanese people • Motto of Taiwan: NONE • In 1544, a Portuguese ship sighted Taiwan and named it "Ilha Formosa", which means "

Beautiful Island

".

Climate

• Tropical/Subtropical (humid) • Pleasant year round (71 ⁰F) • Rainy in May & June • Typhoons (June to October)

Government of Taiwan

• Capital: Taipei • Head of State: President Ma Ying-jeou •

Type of Government

: Democracy • Relation with China: they are not BFF's.

Taiwan wants independence from China, China wants to rule Taiwan.

•

Constitution

: follow China's constitution • Laws: Made by the Legislative "Yuan"

Passports

• Residents have a passport which looks like this------> • Immigration to Taiwan one must get a special certificate (ARC) which gives permission to stay for long time periods • Visitors just show their country's passport for entry!

The Taiwanese

• Language:

English

)

Mandarin Chinese

(2nd or 3rd languages are

Taiwanese

and • Students spend large amounts of time studying • Most popular sport: Baseball!

$$$ Money $$$

• Currency: New Taiwan dollar (TWD) • Strong economy (exchange of money for goods and services)

Services

• Manufacturing: Exports include electronics, textiles, metals, machinery

Food

• Seafood • Noodles • Shrimp, pork, rice and soy are common foods • Boba milk tea w/ chewy tapioca balls added to it

Holidays

• Chinese New Year

Holidays

•

Double Ten Day

(the 10th day of the 10th month), which commemorates the Chinese revolution of 10 October 1911 • People celebrate with parades, fireworks, dancing and martial arts

That's all about Taiwan!

Goodbye!

baby panda Yuan Zai born in Taipei, July 2013