Living in Taiwan

Taiwan is an island group in East Asia off the southeastern coast of China. Around 23.5 million people live on the main island. The interior is crossed by forested mountains, while the coasts are home to plains, port cities, and densely populated areas. The subtropical climate brings warm, humid summers, frequent typhoons, and milder winters; it is cooler in the mountains. Many people live in cities in relatively small apartments and get around by train, bus, or scooter. In Taipei, offices, night markets, and a dense metro network shape everyday life, while in the south and east it is often more strongly shaped by agriculture, fishing, and smaller cities. Hot springs, temples, hiking, and shared meals are popular leisure activities in many places.