Interesting Facts About Taiwan

Taiwan is the home of big business and bigger tourism. It is a country that has pretty much flown under the global radar, but with its capital city being listed in the top 20 of most visited tourist cities in the world, and with many big businesses calling this country home, it’s fair to say that Taiwan deserves a lot more respect.

If you’re surprised to learn how popular Taipei is as a tourist destination, or how many big businesses have set up shop in the country on the whole, then these other fun facts about Taiwan are also sure to surprise you.

Biking

Much like Amsterdam, many residents in Taiwan get around on bicycles. You can even rent a bike when you’re in the country. It really is a cheap and easy way to get around.

Hard Workers

The Taiwanese people are some of the hardest workers in the world. In fact, the reason why big businesses have setup here and thrived, may have something to do with the fact that a 70-hour work week is considered normal and not in the least bit excessive. It is perfectly normal to work 12 hours a day here, and no one complains about that because it’s the done thing. So, if you find 9 to 5 challenging, then you might want to avoid moving to Taiwan.

7-11

Although it is an iconic American brand, 7-11 is also very popular in Taiwan. In fact, you can pretty much find one of these convenience stores on every single corner. Regardless of whether you’re in a small town or a big city, you’re sure to bump into a 7-11 on your travels.

Fertility

Taiwan has the lowest fertility rate in the world according to a report that was commissioned in 2011. This reported that the fertility rate in Taiwan is 0.9 for every woman. When you consider that the fertility rate in the United States is 1.88 per woman and 1.66 in China, you begin to understand just how low this is.

White Death

Although black is worn at funerals in many cultures, symbolizing death and mourning, in Taiwan they wear white. It may feel odd when first seeing a sea of white at a funeral, but we can guarantee that it will feel significantly worse if you’re at that funeral and you’re the only one wearing black!

Free Wi-Fi

Taiwan is a technologically advanced city, which will be evident to you as soon as you land in the country. As further evidence of this, the entire country, more or less, is connected. There is free Wi-Fi everywhere, which means that you will never be caught short looking for a connection for your phone or laptop.

Republic of China

The official name for Taiwan is actually the Republic of China, which is how many countries around the world recognize it. This is not to be confused with the People’s Republic of China, which, as it happens, is one of the countries that insists Taiwan is not Taiwan. Confusing, but no one will shun you for using the name Taiwan.