Taiwan is not part of China. Throughout history Taiwan, like so many other countries, has fought for its national sovereignty and independence. Many people have tried to dominate the small island nation over the centuries (including the Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese) and despite current political issues with China, the country has proven itself to be a valiant warrior.
Those who don’t mistake Taiwan as part of China or Thailand (I hear that one a lot!) often imagine the country as some far-away, nondescript industrialized robotic land that exports high-tech gadgets to the Western world. While this is true to an extent–around 80% of computer components are manufactured in Taiwan–the nation is full of beautiful scenery, beautiful people, and interesting tidbits.
Taiwan offers some of the best Health Services in the world
The average family premium is $650 per year for a family for four. Taiwan has a “National Health Insurance” model adopted after studying other global systems. The working class pays premiums they share with their employers; the poor and veterans are fully covered. Foreign employees may also hold coverage under the National Health Insurance plan. I had the unfortunate experience of my own hospital adventure living in Taiwan, however I can’t complain. After a five-day stay, numerous tests, and intravenous antibiotics, my entire hospital bill totaled US $60.
Top for gender equality in Asia
Taiwan holds the highest gender equality ranking in Asia. The country ranks number four globally, coming in behind the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden.
58 percent of garbage recycled or reused
Taiwan outperforms the US and Japan when it comes to recycling and garbage reduction and it has adopted the most advanced policy of garbage disposal on a global level. The country recycles over 4.5 billion bottles, 1.5 million metric tons of paper, 2,500 metric tons of batteries, and 200,000 metric tons of aluminum cans every year, according to the EPA.
Taipei 101 a “Technological Marvel”
One of the tallest buildings in the world, Taipei 101 is built near an earthquake fault. Popular Science calls the structure a technological marvel due to its unique internal engineering. The building is also home to the fastest elevators in the world.
The lost Languages
The three most common languages in Taiwan are Mandarin, Taiwanese, and Hokkien. In addition to these, there are the “Formosan” languages that were once prevalent across the island and spoken by Taiwan’s native aborigine population. These included 26 languages, ten of which are extinct, five of which are not spoken by younger generations, and several others which are in danger of disappearing forever.
The world’s largest inflatable museum
Taiwan’s Paper Windmill Foundation created a 12,000 kg (about 26,455 lbs) and 70-meter long inflatable museum that’s currently making its way around the world. This museum, dubbed the “Gulliver Museum” allows visitors to journey through the body of a giant human.