Island Taiwan

While occupying less than 0.03% of the earth’s total land surface, Taiwan—a.k.a. Formosa, the “beautiful isle”—is blessed by the seas that surround it. A full one-tenth of all known marine species are found in the waters off Taiwan, representing a level of marine biodiversity some 400 times higher than the global average. The inherent value and diversity of our marine ecosystems and ocean economy give Taiwan its outsized status in maritime affairs and thus a significant role to play in related global issues.

The main island of Taiwan has 21 outlying islands large and small, including Green Island (Lüdao) and Orchid Island (Lanyu). The Penghu Archipelago is made up of 64 islands, while Kinmen comprises 12 and Matsu 36. These together with many other islands and islets make up our beautiful island nation.

Taiwan lies just to the north of the ecologically rich Coral Triangle, home to the world’s greatest diversity of marine life. The island itself straddles the Tropic of Cancer, at the meeting point of three Large Marine Ecosystems (LME): the East China Sea, the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea. Taiwan’s seas are also regularly nourished and renewed by the warm waters of the Kuroshio Current.

Did you know that the rhythm of human breathing mirrors that of ocean waves breaking on the shore? Though we are creatures of the land, the sea will always be integral to human life. Taiwan’s “ocean economy” is today worth trillions; Taiwan’s shipping companies rank among the world’s largest; Taiwan is the cradle and homeland of Austronesian culture; Taiwan’s coastal waters are a diving paradise; and Taiwan’s diverse coastal landscapes support abundant biodiversity and form the backdrop to the life of its people.

2025 Island Taiwan reaches out to the world through an oceanic perspective, embracing all with a heart as wide as the ocean itself.