Demographics of Taiwan

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Demographics of Taiwan
Taiwan Population Pyramid.svg
Population pyramid of Taiwan
Population23,347,374 (April 2023)
Growth rate0.04% (2022 est.)
Birth rate5.8 births/1,000 population (2023 est.)
Death rate8.8 deaths/1,000 population (2023 est.)
Life expectancy81.16 years
 • male78.17 years
 • female84.34 years
Fertility rate0.85 children born/woman (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate3.97 deaths/1,000 live births
Net migration rate0.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Age structure
0–14 years12.22%
15–64 years69.72%
65 and over18.07%
Sex ratio
Total0.97 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
At birth1.06 male(s)/female
Under 151.06 male(s)/female
65 and over0.73 male(s)/female
Nationality
NationalityTaiwanese
Major ethnic
Minor ethnic
Language
OfficialMandarin

The population of Taiwan is approximately 23.35 million as of April 2023. [1]

Contents

Immigration of Han Chinese to the Penghu Islands started as early as the 13th century. The main island was inhabited by a diversity of Taiwanese indigenous peoples speaking Austronesian languages until Han settlement began in the early 17th century, around the time of the Ming–Qing transition, when workers were imported from Fujian to the colony of Dutch Formosa in the southwest of Taiwan. According to governmental statistics, in the early 21st century, 95% to 97% of Taiwan's population are Han Chinese, while about 2.3% are Taiwanese of Austronesian ethnicity. [2] [3] Half the population are followers of one or a mixture of 25 recognized religions.

During the 20th century, the population of Taiwan rose more than sevenfold, from about 3 million in 1905 to more than 22 million by 2001. This high growth was caused by a combination of factors, such as very high fertility rates up to the 1960s, and low mortality rates. [4] In addition, there was a surge in population as the Chinese Civil War ended and the Kuomintang (KMT) forces retreated, bringing an influx of 1.2 million soldiers and civilians to Taiwan in 1948–1949, representing less than 15% of the population at the time (who constitute approximately 10% of the population in 2004 [5] ). [6] [3] [7] Consequently, the population growth rate after that was very rapid, especially in the late 1940s and 1950s, with an effective annual growth rate as high as 3.68% during 1951–1956.

Fertility rates decreased gradually thereafter; in 1984 the rate reached the replacement level (2.1 children per woman, which is needed to replace the existing population). Fertility rates have continued to decline. In 2010, Taiwan had a population growth of less than 0.2% and a fertility rate of only 0.9, the lowest rate ever recorded in that country. The population of Taiwan peaked at 23.6 million in 2019 and has been continuously decreasing ever since, raising fears of an aging population.

Most Taiwanese speak Mandarin. Around 70% of the people also speak Taiwanese Hokkien and 10% speak Hakka. Japanese speakers are becoming rare as the elderly generation who lived under Japanese colonization are dying out. The Formosan languages are endangered as the indigenous peoples have become acculturated under Chinese culture.

Population

According to February 2022 statistics from the Ministry of the Interior, the population of Taiwan was 23,319,776, 99.6% of whom live on the island of Taiwan. The remaining 0.4% live on offshore islands (Penghu, Lanyu, Green, Kinmen, and Matsu).

Taiwan is ranked the 58th most populous country in the world.

Historical

The number of Chinese people living on the island in 1624, prior to Dutch colonial rule, was about 25,000. [8] During Dutch Formosa rule, between 1624 and 1662, the Dutch began to encourage large-scale Han immigration to the island for labour, mainly from the south of Fujian.

It is estimated that prior to the Kingdom of Tungning (1661), the population of Taiwan was no greater than 100,000 people, and the initial Zheng army with families and retainers that settled in Taiwan is estimated to be 30,000 at minimum. [9] During Qing rule (1683–1895), the population of Han Chinese in Taiwan grew rapidly from 100,000 to ≈2.5 million, while the aboriginal population was estimated to be at least 200,000 by 1895. [10] (The plains aboriginal population is estimated to have decreased by 90% over the hundred years from 1800 to 1900.) [11]

The Japanese Colonial Government performed detailed censuses every five years starting in 1905. Statistics showed a population growth rate of about 1% to 3% per year throughout Japanese rule. In 1905, the population of Taiwan was roughly 3 million; by 1940, the population had grown to 5.87 million, and after the Second World War in 1946 it numbered 6.09 million. [12]

Population census

Historical Populations
YearPop.±% p.a.
1905 3,123,302—    
1910 3,299,493+1.10%
1920 3,757,838+1.31%
1930 4,679,066+2.22%
1940 6,077,478+2.65%
1950 7,554,399+2.20%
1960 10,792,202+3.63%
1970 14,753,911+3.18%
1980 17,866,008+1.93%
1990 20,401,305+1.34%
2000 22,276,672+0.88%
2010 23,162,123+0.39%
2020 23,561,236+0.17%
Source: https://www.census.gov/popclock/world/tw
YearMales (thousands)Females (thousands)Total population (thousands)Average annual growth rate (%)
19051,6111,4293,040
19151,8131,6693,4801.4
19201,8941,7623,6551.0
19252,0531,9413,9931.8
19302,4592,2394,5932.8
19352,6602,5535,2122.6
19402,9712,9015,8722.4
19564,7724,5969,3683.0
19667,1536,35213,5053.7
1970 (sampling)7,7237,04714,7702.3
1975 (sampling)8,4397,84016,2792.0
19809,4058,62418,0302.1
199010,6189,77520,3941.2
200011,38610,91522,3010.9
201023,0520.4

Regional population

Residents per square kilometre by village Taiwan population density map.svg
Residents per square kilometre by village
County
City		Area
(km2)		PopulationMarginDensity
(people/km2)		Sort
New Taipei 2052.56674,010,657+28431,9541(8)
Taichung 2214.89682,811,729+5811,2702(8)
Kaohsiung 2951.85242,773,786+1959393(8)
Taipei 271.79972,650,154−38549,7654(8)
Taoyuan 1220.95402,240,328+23851,8335(8)
Tainan 2191.65311,881,730−668596(8)
Changhua County 1074.39601,273,613−6611,1867(8)
Pingtung 2775.6003820,798−3982968(8)
Yunlin 1290.8326682,577−3355299(8)
Hsinchu County 1427.5369561,766+104739310(8)
Miaoli 1820.3149546,461−3730011
Chiayi 1903.6367504,750−34726512(8)
Nantou 4106.4360495,084−2212113
Yilan 2143.6251454,636−5721214
Hsinchu City 104.1526447,781+297429615(8)
Keelung 132.7589369,305−55278216
Hualien 4628.5714326,780−336917(8)
Chiayi City 60.0256268,068−163446918
Taitung County 3515.2526217,540−2966219
Kinmen County 151.6560139,319−4691820
Penghu County 126.8641104,711+382521
Lienchiang County 28.800013,073+1145522(8)
Free area of the Republic of China36,197.066923,593,794+1196651−(8)

Age structure

Year0–14 years15–64 years65 years and over
1980
32.1%
63.6%
4.3%
1990
26.9%
67.0%
6.1%
2000
21.2%
70.2%
8.6%
2010
15.65%
73.61%
10.74%
2015
13.6%
73.9%
12.5%
2020
12.6%
71.4%
16.0%

Population growth and age structure

Demographic transition models (DTM) show how population pyramids change and go through specific stages. By looking at Taiwan's population pyramid, the country is in stage 4 of the DTM and its shape contracts but it will soon enter stage 5. [13] In stage 5 of the DTM, death rate gradually exceeds fertility rate and a country starts to experience overall population loss. [14] Access to good medical care increases the lifespan of a population. Knowledge of and access to contraception, along with an increase in women's participation in the workforce, cause a sharp decline in the fertility rate. [14]

National statistics of Taiwan in 2018 indicate that there are approximately 140,000 more females than males. The birth rate (8.3 births/1,000 population) is slightly higher than the death rate (7.4 deaths/1,000 population). [15] The total dependency ratio in Taiwan is 35.2%, which is relatively low. [16] The low dependency ratio indicates that the dependent part of the population is less than half of the working part. Experts estimate the dependency ratio will rise to 92.9% by 2060. [17] A rising dependency ratio and longer life expectancy will most likely require the government to support part of the elderly population as the working-age population is shrinking and thus less able to support the elderly directly.

Demographic transition and population aging

The process of population aging is primarily determined by fertility and mortality rate. [18] The proportions of elderly people are different across countries. For example, developing countries with limited access to healthcare and contraceptives, where populations have a high fertility rate, tend to have a lower proportion of older people. [19] Medical advancements, industrial developments, and better knowledge of sanitation, which started in the 18th century in many developed countries, have caused a decline in mortality rates and an increase in fertility rates, factors which raise the number of older people worldwide. [20] According to the United Nations, many developed countries are in more advanced stages (4 or 5) of the demographic transition model and their number of elderly will remain high compared to less developed countries. [21] This phenomenon is known as population aging.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), since 1993, Taiwan has reached the threshold of an aging society. It was estimated the percentage of people over 65 was 8%. [22] The CEPD estimated that the percentage of people 65 years or older will be over 20% in 2025, which means Taiwan will soon become a "super aged society". [23] The critical factors that accelerate the speed of aging in Taiwan are high life expectancy and low fertility rate. The average life expectancy in 2014 was 80 years. The total fertility rate in 2014 was 1.1 (per 1,000 women) and dropped to 0.87 in 2022. [24]

According to a 2015 study by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, approximately 40% of Taiwan elders see themselves as a burden on family or society. [25]


Vital statistics

Births and deaths

[26] [27]

Average population (x 1000)Live birthsDeathsNatural changeCBR*CDR*NC*Crude migrationTFR*
19063,060119,107102,00016,00038.633.45.26.13
19073,090121,756100,00021,00039.132.46.73.16.16
19083,120119,800100,00019,00038.231.96.33,46.14
19093,160127,28698,00029,00040.231.19.13.76.29
19103,210132,14188,00045,00041.327.513.82.06.37
19113,270135,65886,00051,00041.826.215.63.16.42
19123,330136,62283,00055,00041.325.016.32.06.46
19133,390136,96785,00053,00040.825.015.82.26.45
19143,440141,45095,00047,00041.427.613.80.96.62
19153,480137,669110,00029,00040.031.58.53.16.45
19163,510128,605100,00031,00037.328.68.7−0.1
19173,560142,41496,00050,00040.927.013.90.3
19183,590139,465122,00021,00039.734.12.85.6
19193,630136,70797,00043,00038.526.811.7−0.6
19203,655141,313117,00027,00039.532.17.4−0.56.48
19213,720155,15990,00069,00042.824.218.6−0.8
19223,790154,53193,00065,00041.824.617.21.6
19233,860146,98482,00069,00039.121.317.80.7
19243,930158,68896,00067,00041.424.516.91.2
19253,993159,42395,00068,00040.823.916.9−0.9
19264,100175,80292,00087,00043.722.421.35.5
19274,210177,42293,00089,00043.222.121.15.7
19284,330183,69995,00094,00043.722.021.76.8
19294,460190,03196,000100,00044.021.622.47.6
19304,593198,18689,000117,00044.819.425.44.47.02
19314,710208,137100,000116,00045.821.324.51.0
19324,867204,91399,000115,00044.020.423.69.7
19334,995211,73798,000123,00044.319.724.61.7
19345,128219,189105,166123,51044.620.524.12.5
19355,255225,980106,905129,04044.920.324.60.2
19365,384223,961106,332127,72543.519.823.70.8
19375,530237,090109,096138,57044.819.725.12.0
19385,678235,821111,723133,11743.119.723.43.4
19395,821244,707115,044139,11943.719.823.91.3
19405,987246,691116,239141,23243.019.423.64.96.11
19416,163241,89499,858153,44741.116.224.94.55.98
19426,339242,796112,161143,24340.317.722.66.05.93
19436,507247,427122,001138,66240.018.821.25.3
1944
1945
1946
19476,294241,071114,000127,00038.318.120.2
19486,648264,00095,000169,00039.714.325.430.85.98
19497,099300,84393,000208,00042.413.129.338.56.49
19507,468323,64386,000238,00043.411.531.920.17.14
19517,695385,38389,000296,00050.011.638.5−8.17.59
19528,000372,90579,000294,00046.69.936.82.87.56
19538,297374,53678,000297,00045.29.435.81.37.54
19548,617383,57471,000313,00044.68.236.32.37.25
19558,924403,68377,000327,00045.38.636.6−1.07.32
19569,242414,03674,000340,00044.88.036.8−1.27.27
19579,539394,87081,000314,00041.48.532.9−0.86.83
19589,858410,88575,000336,00041.77.634.1−0.76.48
195910,227421,45874,000347,00041.27.233.93.55.98
196010,602419,44274,000345,00039.57.032.54.25.75
196110,983420,25474,000346,25438.36.731.54.45.58
196211,312423,46972,000351,46937.46.431.1−1.15.46
196311,680424,25071,000353,25036.36.130.22.35.35
196412,088416,92669,000347,92634.55.728.86.15.10
196512,442406,60467,887338,71732.75.527.22.14.82
196612,812415,10869,778345,33032.45.427.02.74.95
196713,147374,28271,861302,42128.55.523.03.14.22
196813,474394,26073,650320,61029.35.523.81.14.36
196913,995390,72870,549320,17927.95.022.915.84.14
197014,507394,01571,135322,88327.24.922.314.34.00
197114,837380,42470,954309,47025.64.820.91.83.70
197215,145365,74971,486294,26324.14.719.41.43.36
197315,424366,94273,477293,46523.84.819.0−0.63.21
197415,699355,93374,760293,06323.44.818.7−0.92.94
197515,999357,65375,061292,58623.04.718.30.82.76
197616,298424,07577,000347,07526.04.721.3−2.63.08
197716,601393,63379,000316,79623.74.819.1−0.52.64
197816,951411,63779,000330,20324.34.719.51.62.71
197917,337421,72082,000340,51824.34.719.63.22.67
198017,608413,88184,333329,54823.54.818.7−3.12.51
198117,972414,06987,192326,87723.04.918.22.52.45
198218,261405,26387,578317,68522.24.817.4−1.32.32
198318,538383,43990,951292,48820.74.915.8−0.62.17
198418,873371,00889,915281,09319.74.814.93.22.05
198519,135346,20892,348253,86018.14.813.30.61.88
198619,356309,23095,057214,17316.04.911.10.41.68
198719,564314,02496,319217,70516.14.911.1−0.41.70
198819,788342,031102,113239,91817.35.212.1−0.71.86
198920,004315,299103,288212,01115.85.210.60.31.68
199020,230335,618105,669229,94916.65.211.4−0.11.81
199120,455321,932106,284215,64815.75.210.50.61.72
199220,655321,632110,516211,11615.65.410.2−0.41.73
199320,848325,613110,901214,71215.65.310.3−1.01.76
199421,087322,938113,866209,07215.35.49.91.61.76
199521,268329,581119,112210,46915.55.69.9−1.31.78
199621,441325,545122,489203,05615.25.79.5−1.41.76
199721,634326,002121,000205,00215.15.69.5−0.51.77
199821,836271,450123,180148,27012.45.66.82.51.47
199922,011283,661126,113157,54812.95.77.20.81.56
200022,185305,312125,957179,35513.85.78.1−0.21.68
200122,342260,354127,647132,70711.75.75.91.21.40
200222,464247,530128,636118,89411.05.75.30.21.34
200322,554227,070130,80196,26910.15.84.3−0.31.24
200422,647216,419135,09281,3279.66.03.60.51.18
200522,730205,854139,39866,4569.16.12.90.81.12
200622,824204,459135,83968,6209.06.03.01.11.12
200722,918204,414141,11163 3038.96.22.81.31.10
200822,998198,733143,62455,1098.66.22.41.11.05
200923,079191,310143,58247,7288.36.22.11.41.03
201023,141166,886145,77221,1147.26.30.91.80.90
201123,194196,627152,91543,7128.56.61.90.41.07
201223,271229,481154,25175,2309.96.63.20.11.27
201323,345199,113155,90843,2058.56.71.81.41.07
201423,434210,383163,92946,4549.07.02.01.81.17
201523,472213,598163,85849,7409.17.02.1−0.51.18
201623,540208,440172,40536,0358.87.31.51.41.17
201723,571193,844171,24222,6028.27.30.90.41.13
201823,589181,601172,7848,8177.77.30.40.41.06
201923,603177,767176,2961,4717.57.50.00.61.05
2020 [28] 23,561165,249173,156−7,9077.07.4−0.4−1.40.99
202123,359153,820183,732−29,9126.67.9−1.3−7.30.98
202223,264138,986207,230−68,2446.08.9−2.9−1.20.87
202323,420135,571205,368−69,7975.88.8−3.09.70.86
202423,400134,856202,107−67,2515.88.7−2.92.10.86(e)
* CBR=crude birth rate (per 1000); CDR=crude deathrate (per 1000); NC=natural change (per 1000); TFR=total fertility rate

Current vital statistics

[29]

PeriodLive birthsDeathsNatural increase
January–November 2023123,992189,665−65,673
January–November 2024122,360184,662−62,302
DifferenceDecrease2.svg −1,632 (−1.32%)Decrease Positive.svg −5,003 (−2.64%)Increase2.svg +3,371

Total fertility rate

In developed countries, trends like late marriage, no marriage, and having fewer children are growing. Developed countries tend to have lower fertility rates because access to birth control and contraceptives are easier and having children could become an economic burden caused by housing, education cost, and other costs for childcare. [30] Most women in developed countries are in the workforce and tend to have higher educations and professional careers. As a result, many women tend to have children late in life or no children at all. [31]

According to the BBC, the total fertility rate in Taiwan had decreased to 0.9 children per woman in 2010. [32] This figure is much lower than the replacement level and one of the lowest in the world. This indicates the population is experiencing negative growth and population aging is happening fast. [23] According to a Central News Agency Report, total births in 2017 were below 200,000. Compared to previous decades, the total number of births since 2000 has been between 197,000 and 230,000. [33] If this trend continues, the senior population in Taiwan will be almost 5 times higher than the youth population by 2060. [34]

Total fertility rate by region

2022 [35] [36]
City/CountyTFR
Flag of New Taipei City.svg  New Taipei 0.78
Flag of Taipei City.svg  Taipei 0.85
Flag of Taoyuan City.svg  Taoyuan 1.09
Taichung 0.87
Tainan 0.71
Kaohsiung 0.88
Yilan 0.81
Hsinchu 1.04
Miaoli 0.67
Changhua 1.18
Nantou 0.81
Yunlin 0.81
Chiayi 0.77
Pingtung 0.74
Taitung 1.06
Hualien 1.00
Penghu 1.12
Keelung 0.69
Hsinchu 0.97
Chiayi 0.68
Kinmen 0.78
Lienchiang 1.13

The fertility rate [37] [38] in Taiwan is one of the lowest ever recorded in the world in historical times. It reached its lowest level in 2023: 0.85 children per female. In 1980, the rate was still well above replacement level (2.515), but it dropped to 1.88 in 1985, 1.81 in 1990, 1.78 in 1995, 1.68 in 2000, 1.12 in 2005, 0.90 in 2010.

Life expectancy at birth

Historical development of life expectancy in Taiwan Life expectancy in Taiwan.svg
Historical development of life expectancy in Taiwan

In 2022, Taiwan is ranked 42nd in the world for highest life expectancy at birth.

GenderLife expectancy in 2022 [39] [40]
Male76.63 years
Female83.28 years
Total79.8 years

Infant mortality rate

total: 6.29 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 6.97 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2006 est.)

Ethnicity

The ROC government reports that 95 to 97 percent of Taiwan's population is of the Han Chinese ethnicity, which includes Hoklo, Hakka, and other ethnic groups originating from mainland China. [41] [42] Over 2% of the population consists of indigenous Taiwanese. [3] 21,000 Westerners live in Taiwan, accounting for 0.1% of its total population. [43]

Indigenous Taiwanese

Original geographic distributions of Taiwanese aboriginal peoples Formosan Distribution 01.png
Original geographic distributions of Taiwanese aboriginal peoples

The total population of recognized indigenous people in Taiwan is approximately 569,000, or approximately 2.38% of Taiwan's population. [44] These groups primarily inhabit the eastern half of Taiwan, which consists mostly of mountainous terrain. Their population growth rate (1.2%) and population pyramid are considerably more youthful than the overall population. [45] Including migrant workers, the Austronesian population of Taiwan is approaching 1 million. [46]

PlacePopulationPct
MaleFemaleTotal
Living in the Eastern plains111,372109,141220,51347.1%
Living in the mountains122,016126,073248,08952.9%
Total233,388235,214468,602100%
Note: Source data obtained from the Ministry of the Interior website (Spreadsheet data: m1-04.xls Archived 2017-06-20 at the Wayback Machine )

The Taiwanese government officially recognizes sixteen ethnic groups of Taiwanese indigenous peoples (Chinese :原住民; pinyin :yuánzhùmín; Pe̍h-ōe-jī :Gôan-chū-bîn). [47] In the early 1910s, research in the Japanese era recognized nine ethnic groups: Amis, Atayal, Bunun, Paiwan, Puyuma, Rukai, Saisiyat, Tsou, and Yami. After the 2000s, indigenous cultural revitalization movements forced the government to change its attitude towards the indigenous people of Taiwan. The Yami people were renamed to Tao. New ethnic groups were also recognized by the government, including Thao in 2001, Kavalan in 2002, Truku (Taroko) in 2004, Sakizaya in 2007, Seediq in 2008, Kanakanavu in 2014, and Saaroa in 2014. There are at least another dozen groups that are not officially recognized by the government.

Officially Recognized Taiwanese Indigenous Peoples
Name Formosan
native name		 Chinese Population
at census 2000 [48] 		Population
(02/2016) [49] 		Notes
Amis Pangcah, 'Amis阿美族148,992203,740Recognized since Japanese era. Amis name means "north"
Atayal Tayal, Tayan泰雅族91,88387,156Recognized since Japanese era. Atayal name means "brave person"
Bunun Bunun布農族41,03856,844Recognized since Japanese era.
Kanakanavu Kanakanavu卡那卡那富族—267Classified as Tsou, recognized since 2014
Kavalan Kebalan, Kbaran噶瑪蘭族—1,416Some Kavalan were classified as Amis, recognized since 2002
Paiwan Payuan排灣族70,33197,788Recognized since Japanese era.
Puyuma Pinuyumayan卑南族9,60613,651Recognized since Japanese era.
Rukai Drekay魯凱族12,08412,996Recognized since Japanese era.
Saaroa Hla'alua拉阿魯哇族—294Classified as Tsou, recognized since 2014
Saisiyat Say-Siyat賽夏族5,3116,495Recognized since Japanese era.
Sakizaya Sakizaya撒奇萊雅族—863Classified as Amis, recognized since 2007
Seediq Seediq賽德克族—9,451Classified as Atayal, recognized since 2008
Taroko Truku太魯閣族—30,382Classified as Atayal, recognized since 2004
Thao Thao, Ngan邵族—768Classified as Tsou, recognized since 2001
Tsou Cou鄒族6,1696,647Recognized since Japanese era.
Yami Tao達悟族、雅美族3,8724,494Recognized since Japanese era. Yami name means "person"
Unspecified尚未申報8,24914,206
Total397,535547,465

Unrecognized indigenous groups may include extinct tribes (mostly Plains indigenous peoples) or communities currently classified with other groups. There are also 25,943 indigenous people who are currently not classified in any group.

Unrecognized Taiwanese indigenous Peoples
Name Formosan
native name		 Chinese Notes
Arikun Arikun阿立昆族Sometimes classified as Hoanya
Babuza Babuza, Poavasa貓霧拺族
Basay Basay, Basai巴賽族、馬塞族Sometimes classified as Ketagalan
Hoanya Hoanya洪雅族、和安雅族Sometimes split into Lloa and Arikun
Kaxabu Kaxabu, Kahapu噶哈巫族Sometimes classified as Pazeh. In revitalization.
Ketagalan Ketagalan凱達格蘭族
Kulon Kulon龜崙族
Lloa Lloa羅亞族Sometimes classified Hoanya
Luilang Luilang雷朗族Sometimes classified as Ketagalan
Makatao Makatao, Tao馬卡道族Sometimes classified as Siraya. Recognized in Pingtung. In revitalization.
Papora Papora, Vupuran拍瀑拉族、巴布拉族
Pazeh Pazéh, Pazih巴宰族、巴則海族In revitalization.
Qauqaut Qauqaut猴猴族
Siraya Siraya西拉雅族、希萊耶族Recognized in Tainan and Fuli. In revitalization.
Taivoan Taivoan, Taivuan大武壠族Sometimes classified as Siraya. Recognized in Fuli. In revitalization.
Taokas Taokas道卡斯族In revitalization.

Han Chinese

The majority of Han Chinese descend from immigrants who arrived to the island prior to Japanese rule (1895–1945) and can be classified as the Hoklo and Hakka, on the basis of language and customs. [50] As the majority of early immigrants were Hokkien speakers from Fujian [51] who arrived starting in the 17th century, the Hoklos account for about 70% of the total population today. During Qing rule, a large number of Hoklo men took indigenous brides. [52] Some of the plains aboriginals also adopted Chinese customs and language so as to be indistinguishable from the Han. [53] Thus, many who categorize themselves as Han have some degree of indigenous ancestry.

A significant minority of Han Chinese are Hakka, and they constitute about 15% of the total population. The Hakkas emigrated chiefly from eastern Guangdong, speak Hakka Chinese, and originally took up residence in the hills of the indigenous border districts. [54] [52]

Waishengren form another significant mixed ethnic group in Taiwan. The term refers to migrants who moved from China to Taiwan between 1945, when the ROC took control of Taiwan from the Japanese empire, and 1949 during the relocation of the ROC from mainland China to Taiwan. Estimates vary regarding how many waishengren migrated, with most estimates ranging between 950,000 and 2 million, [55] with 1.2 million being the most commonly cited figure in Taiwan, [56] which would have constituted less than 15% of the population at the time (who constitute approximately 10% of the population in 2004 [5] ). [7]

Foreign residents

Number of foreign residents in Taiwan by nationality as of 2016 COB data Taiwan vers3.PNG
Number of foreign residents in Taiwan by nationality as of 2016

There are 812,603 foreign residents in Taiwan as of April 2023, representing 3.48% of the country's population. [57] [58] [1]

Nationality2023 (Dec.) [59] 2022 (Sep.) [60] 2021 (Sep.) [61] 2019% in 2023
Flag of Indonesia.svg  Indonesia 278,991234,329254,403255,77033.15%
Flag of Vietnam.svg  Vietnam 255,627234,100247,817224,10830.37%
Flag of the Philippines.svg  Philippines 151,198154,075156,996152,17917.96%
Flag of Thailand.svg  Thailand 77,11472,06167,30864,3819.16%
Flag of Malaysia.svg  Malaysia 24,32323,74922,81920,5492.89%
Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 14,13615,95616,16013,7681.68%
Flag of the United States.svg  United States 11,28811,46212,8479,979
Flag of India.svg  India 5,3204,6714,6953,7480.63%
Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 4,8204,8435,1324,4810.57%
Flag of Myanmar.svg  Myanmar 4,2172,6111,8521,6710.50%
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom 2,5592,9892,9612,0970.30%
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 2,5282,5792,7372,1670.30%
Flag of Singapore.svg  Singapore 1,8631,7661,7261,4560.22%
Flag of France.svg  France 1,6731,8411,7901,5530.20%
Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 1,5451,5391,4161,2070.18%
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany 1,1351,2711,2249650.13%
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 9379851,0518380.11%
Flag of Russia.svg  Russia 7876806635780.09%
Flag of Eswatini.svg  Eswatini 6424123630.08%
Flag of Mongolia.svg  Mongolia 5605006841,1260.07%
Flag of Cambodia.svg  Cambodia 5433591640.06%
Flag of Italy.svg  Italy 5225235794890.06%
Flag of Pakistan.svg  Pakistan 4982971860.06%
Flag of Paraguay.svg  Paraguay 4193281760.05%
Flag of Spain.svg  Spain 4114924733900.05%
Flag of Belize.svg  Belize 3843341810.05%
Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 3835315123460.05%
Flag of Turkey.svg  Turkey 3282843112790.04%
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 2963283523130.04%
Flag of Portugal.svg  Portugal 2963003122170.04%
Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil 2922592613070.03%
Flag of Poland.svg  Poland 2913112852170.03%
Flag of Honduras.svg  Honduras 2693742880.03%
Flag of Ukraine.svg  Ukraine 2632142302450.03%
Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico 2592292261960.03%
Flag of Ethiopia.svg  Ethiopia 2151641810.03%
Flag of Guatemala.svg  Guatemala 2131991380.03%
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium 2052543021980.02%
Flag of Saint Lucia.svg  Saint Lucia 2041701020.02%
Flag of Iran.svg  Iran 1891631180.02%
Flag of Haiti.svg  Haiti 1851581480.02%
Flag of Ireland.svg  Ireland 1782161650.02%
Flag of Nepal.svg    Nepal 1671641590.02%
Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.svg  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1671401040.02%
Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg   Switzerland 1671812191680.02%
Flag of Egypt.svg  Egypt 158157870.02%
Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 1581521250.02%
Flag of Israel.svg  Israel 1551511050.02%
stateless 1430.02%
Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria 139116810.02%
Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia 1351281060.02%
Flag of Austria.svg  Austria 1281261170.02%
Flag of Nicaragua.svg  Nicaragua 1271411830.02%
Flag of Bangladesh.svg  Bangladesh 1109462
Flag of Kyrgyzstan.svg  Kyrgyzstan 1066145
Flag of Sri Lanka.svg  Sri Lanka 10610995
Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark 104284147
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czech Republic 10392101
Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia 101100122
Flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis.svg  Saint Kitts and Nevis 969673
Flag of Jordan.svg  Jordan 959580
Flag of Peru.svg  Peru 9210485
Flag of Tanzania.svg  Tanzania 8464
Flag of Hungary.svg  Hungary 838679
Flag of Malawi.svg  Malawi 805460
Flag of Belarus.svg  Belarus 777865
Flag of El Salvador.svg  El Salvador 7490125
Flag of Venezuela.svg  Venezuela 728188
Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 636157
Flag of Uganda.svg  Uganda 624319
Flag of Laos.svg  Laos 605441
Flag of Chile.svg  Chile 596548
Flag of Palau.svg  Palau 556648
Flag of Romania.svg  Romania 5463
Flag of Burkina Faso.svg  Burkina Faso 535565
Flag of Kenya.svg  Kenya 524132
Flag of Uzbekistan.svg  Uzbekistan 504638
Flag of Ecuador.svg  Ecuador 454242
Flag of Morocco.svg  Morocco 453330
Flag of the Marshall Islands.svg  Marshall Islands 445243
Flag of Tuvalu.svg  Tuvalu 423430
Flag of Slovakia.svg  Slovakia 414841
Flag of Panama.svg  Panama 405283
Flag of Burundi.svg  Burundi 392915
Flag of Kazakhstan.svg  Kazakhstan 382522
Flag of Finland.svg  Finland 344337
Flag of Norway.svg  Norway 342828
Flag of Lithuania.svg  Lithuania 3341
Flag of Nauru.svg  Nauru 333124
Flag of Greece.svg  Greece 322925
Flag of Croatia.svg  Croatia 313931
Flag of Serbia.svg  Serbia 312821
Flag of Ghana.svg  Ghana 303028
Flag of Yemen.svg  Yemen 291611
Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica 261817
Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria 252418
Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg  Papua New Guinea 253227
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwe 251617
Flag of the Dominican Republic.svg  Dominican Republic 232743
Flag of Latvia.svg  Latvia 233517
Flag of Mauritius.svg  Mauritius 222723
Flag of Bolivia.svg  Bolivia 202215
Flag of North Macedonia.svg  North Macedonia 181714
Flag of Slovenia.svg  Slovenia 171623
Flag of Armenia.svg  Armenia 161321
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 16138
Flag of the Solomon Islands.svg  Solomon Islands 161588
Flag of Brunei.svg  Brunei 151421
Flag of Lesotho.svg  Lesotho 1574
Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique 1546
Flag of Palestine.svg  Palestine 15116
Flag of Lebanon.svg  Lebanon 14179
Flag of Zambia.svg  Zambia 1486
Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg  Democratic Republic of the Congo 1366
Flag of Senegal.svg  Senegal 1364
Flag of Bhutan.svg  Bhutan 12107
Flag of Tunisia.svg  Tunisia 121111
Flag of Turkmenistan.svg  Turkmenistan 121313
Flag of Estonia.svg  Estonia 10811
Flag of Jamaica.svg  Jamaica 1085
Flag of Syria.svg  Syria 10109
Flag of Uruguay.svg  Uruguay 101213
Flag of Algeria.svg  Algeria 989
Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg  Republic of the Congo 81310
Flag of Tajikistan.svg  Tajikistan 856
Flag of Botswana.svg  Botswana 755
Flag of Cameroon.svg  Cameroon 778
Flag of Chad.svg  Chad 766
Flag of Kiribati.svg  Kiribati 7485
Flag of Iceland.svg  Iceland 683
Flag of Albania.svg  Albania 552
Flag of Moldova.svg  Moldova 549
Flag of Namibia.svg  Namibia 567
Flag of Sierra Leone.svg  Sierra Leone 536
Flag of East Timor.svg  Timor-Leste 544
Flag of Togo (3-2).svg  Togo 532
Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga 546
Flag of Azerbaijan.svg  Azerbaijan 433
Flag of Benin.svg  Benin 452
Flag of Cuba.svg  Cuba 425
Flag of Georgia.svg  Georgia 469
Flag of Guinea.svg  Guinea 413
Flag of Rwanda.svg  Rwanda 423
Flag of Sudan.svg  Sudan 447
Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg  Trinidad and Tobago 464
Flag of the Bahamas.svg  Bahamas 31
Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain 322
Flag of Cyprus.svg  Cyprus 352
Flag of Guyana.svg  Guyana 33
Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg  Ivory Coast 344
Flag of Libya.svg  Libya 324
Flag of Luxembourg.svg  Luxembourg 38
Flag of Madagascar.svg  Madagascar 312
Flag of Maldives.svg  Maldives 332
Flag of Malta.svg  Malta 322
Flag of Niger.svg  Niger 334
Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa 32
Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia 323
Flag of Gabon.svg  Gabon 211
Flag of Grenada.svg  Grenada 21
Flag of Guinea-Bissau.svg  Guinea-Bissau 221
Flag of Mali.svg  Mali 223
Flag of Oman.svg  Oman 234
Flag of Sao Tome and Principe.svg  São Tomé and Príncipe 23
Flag of Suriname.svg  Suriname 221
Flag of Vanuatu.svg  Vanuatu 221
Flag of the Taliban.svg  Afghanistan 121
Flag of Barbados.svg  Barbados 111
Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina.svg  Bosnia and Herzegovina 11
Flag of Dominica.svg  Dominica 131
Flag of the Federated States of Micronesia.svg  Federated States of Micronesia 111
Flag of Liberia.svg  Liberia 1
Flag of Liechtenstein.svg  Liechtenstein 1
Flag of Mauritania.svg  Mauritania 1
Flag of Seychelles.svg  Seychelles 111
Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates 11
Flag of Angola.svg  Angola 01
Flag of Bermuda.svg  Bermuda 01
Flag of Cape Verde.svg  Cape Verde 01
Flag of Djibouti.svg  Djibouti 01
Flag of Iraq.svg  Iraq 01917
Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait 01
Flag of Somalia.svg  Somalia 02
Total841,627783,662772,281100.0%

Languages

During Japanese rule (between 1895 and 1945), Japanese was the medium of instruction and could be fluently spoken by many of those educated during that period. Almost everyone in Taiwan born after the early 1950s can speak Mandarin, [63] which was the official language and has been the medium of instruction in schools ever since.

Hanyu Pinyin, the official romanization system in mainland China, has also been the standard of Taiwan since 2009. A number of romanization systems are still seen in Taiwan, including Tongyong, the official romanization in Taiwan between 2002 and 2008, Wade–Giles, often found on passports, and Postal.

Other Sinitic languages can also be seen in Taiwan. The majority speak Taiwanese Hokkien, a branch of Southern Min, which had formerly been the most commonly spoken language. On Matsu Islands, the Eastern Min Fuzhou dialect is prevalent. Although people on Kinmen (Quemoy) also speak Southern Min, it is not the case in the Wuqiu Islands, for they speak a dialect of the Pu-Xian Min. The ethnic Hakka speak various Taiwanese Hakka dialects including Sixian, Hailu, Dabu, Raoping, and Zhao'an.

The most widely spoken Formosan languages today are Amis, Atayal, Bunun, and Paiwan. The other aboriginal languages that have gained official recognition are Kanakanavu, Kavalan, Puyuma, Rukai, Hla’alua, Saisiyat, Sakizaya, Seediq (closely related to Truku), Thao, Tsou, and Yami (also known as Tao).

Languages used at home for the resident nationals aged 6 years and over (2010, per 100 resident nationals) [a] [64]
DivisionPopulation Mandarin Hokkien Hakka Indigenous Others
Total21,407,23583.581.96.61.42
New Taipei City 3,779,5759282.92.40.92.4
Taipei 2,475,42293.273.53.50.53.2
Keelung 358,92787.291.10.91.81.8
Hsinchu 427,7929270.711.10.81.6
Yilan 393,10978.294.90.61.81
Taoyuan 1,982,73493.458.217.11.31.3
Hsinchu County 464,16590.627.75621.1
Taichung 2,521,92687.189.93.50.61.4
Miaoli 482,32979.445.852.410.5
Changhua 1,123,43969.598.10.30.20.9
Nantou 426,63175.3923.24.31.2
Yunlin 573,0646098.21.60.11.4
Tainan 1,719,85371.795.80.50.32.7
Kaohsiung 2,596,51078.690.930.72.4
Chiayi 250,90076.594.70.40.31
Chiayi County 458,2446197.50.80.83.6
Pingtung 750,12266.282.3124.70.5
Penghu 80,2037593.60.50.32.4
Taitung 187,76389.965.95.421.35.5
Hualien 287,85890.860.910.816.91.6
Kinmen 52,60385.492.81.10.50.8
Lienchiang 14,06696.644.73.91.624.1

Religion

Lungshan Temple of Manka, Taipei Longshan Temple, Taipei 01.jpg
Lungshan Temple of Manka, Taipei
Still Thoughts Hall, Hualien City Taiwan 2009 HuaLien City JingSi Hall FRD 8410.jpg
Still Thoughts Hall, Hualien City
Holy Rosary Cathedral, Kaohsiung Mei Gui Sheng Mu Zhu Jiao Zuo Tang .JPG
Holy Rosary Cathedral, Kaohsiung
Taipei Grand Mosque, Taipei TaipeiMosque.JPG
Taipei Grand Mosque, Taipei

Article 13 of the Constitution of the Republic of China guarantees freedom of religion as a right of all its citizens. As of 2013, the Republic of China government recognizes 27 religions which are registered with the Civil Affairs Department of the Ministry of the Interior (MOI). [65]

Statistics on registered religions (2005)

About 81.3% of the population can be considered religious believers, most of whom identify as Buddhists (35%) or Taoists (33%). Chinese folk religion is generally practised under the aegis of Taoism, while more than 10% of the population adheres to popular movements of salvation. Confucianism also is an honored school of thought and ethical codes. Christian churches have been active in Taiwan for centuries; a majority of them are Protestant, with Presbyterians playing a particularly significant role. The Republic of China's government has diplomatic relations with the Holy See, which is the only European nation to formally recognize the Republic of China and is its longest-lasting diplomatic ally, having established relations in 1942. Islam has seen a surge in recent years as a result of foreign Muslims seeking work in Taiwan, most notably from Indonesia. There is also a small group of Shinto followers under the Tenriist sect, which was introduced in the 1970s.

The table below shows official statistics on religion issued by the Department of Civil Affairs, Ministry of the Interior ("MOI"), in 2005. The Taiwanese government recognises 26 religions in Taiwan. [66] The statistics are reported by the various religious organisations to the MOI: [66] [67]

ReligionMembers% of total populationTemples & churches
Buddhism (佛教) (including Tantric Buddhism)8,086,000
35.1%
4,006
Taoism (道教)7,600,000
33.0%
18,274
Yiguandao (一貫道)810,000
3.5%
3,260
Protestantism (基督新教)605,000
2.6%
3,609
Roman Catholic Church (羅馬天主教)298,000
1.3%
1,151
Lord of Universe Church—Tiandiism (天帝教)298,000
1.3%
50
Miledadao (彌勒大道)250,000
1.1%
2,200
Holy Church of the Heavenly Virtue—Tiandiism (天德教)200,000
0.9%
14
Zailiism/Liism (理教)186,000
0.8%
138
Xuanyuanism (軒轅教)152,700
0.7%
22
Islam (伊斯蘭教)58,000
0.3%
7
Mormonism (耶穌基督後期聖徒教會)51,090
0.2%
54
Tenriism (天理教)35,000
0.2%
153
Church of Maitreya the King of the Universe (宇宙彌勒皇教)35,000
0.2%
12
Haizidao (亥子道)30,000
0.1%
55
Church of Scientology (山達基教會)20,000
< 0.1%
7
Bahá'í Faith (巴哈伊教)16,000
< 0.1%
13
Jehovah's Witnesses (耶和華見證人)9,256
< 0.1%
85
True School of the Mysterious Gate (玄門真宗)5,000
< 0.1%
5
Holy Church of the Middle Flower (中華聖教)3,200
< 0.1%
7
Mahikari (真光教團)1,000
< 0.1%
9
Precosmic Salvationism (先天救教)1,000
< 0.1%
6
Yellow Middle (黃中)1,000
< 0.1%
1
Dayiism (大易教)1,000
< 0.1%
1
Total religious population18,724,823
81.3%
33,223
Total population23,036,087
100%

The figures for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not from the MOI, rather they are based on self-reported data from LDS Newsroom. [68] The figures for Jehovah's Witnesses are not from the MOI either, they are based on the Witnesses' own 2007 Service Year Report. [69] In the original report, both of them were counted as part of Protestantism. [66]

Military personnel

The Republic of China has a compulsory military draft for males aged 19–35 years of age with a service obligation of 4 months (2018).

Population available for draft

Defined as 19–49 years of age.

GenderPopulation
Male5,883,828
Female5,680,773
Total11,564,601

Fit for military service

Of the available population, the following are fit for military service. Defined as 19–49 years of age.

GenderPopulation
Male4,749,537
Female4,644,607
Total9,394,144

Notes

  1. ↑ One may use more than one language at home. This table refers to the relative frequency of languages used at home to the total of resident nationals.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plains Indigenous peoples</span> Indigenous people of Taiwan

Plains indigenous peoples, also known as Pingpu people and previously as plain aborigines, are Taiwanese indigenous peoples originally residing in lowland regions, as opposed to Highland indigenous peoples. Plains indigenous peoples consist of anywhere from eight to twelve individual groups, or tribes, rather than being a single ethnic group. They are part of the Austronesian family. Beginning in the 17th century, plains indigenous peoples have been heavily influenced by external forces from Dutch, Spanish, and Han Chinese colonization of Taiwan. This ethnic group has since been extensively assimilated with Han Chinese language and culture; they have lost their cultural identity, and it is almost impossible without careful inspection to distinguish plains indigenous peoples from Taiwanese Han people.

Hoklo Taiwanese or Holo people are a major ethnic group in Taiwan whose ancestry is wholly or partially Hoklo. Being Taiwanese of Han origin, their mother tongue is Taiwanese (Tâi-oân-ōe) (Tâi-gí), also known as Taiwanese Hokkien. Due to The Republic of China's national language policy, most are also fluent in Taiwanese Mandarin. Most descend from the Hoklo people of Quanzhou or Zhangzhou in Southern Fujian, China. The term, as commonly understood, signifies those whose ancestors immigrated to Taiwan before 1949. However, most Hoklo Taiwanese prefer to call themselves Taiwanese only.

Han Taiwanese, Taiwanese Han, Taiwanese Han Chinese, or Han Chinese are Taiwanese people of full or partial ethnic Han ancestry. According to the Executive Yuan of Taiwan, they comprise 95 to 97 percent of the Taiwanese population, which also includes Austronesians and other non-Han people. Major waves of Han immigration occurred since the 17th century to the end of Chinese Civil War in 1949, with the exception of the Japanese colonial period (1895–1945). Han Taiwanese mainly speak three languages of Chinese: Mandarin, Hokkien and Hakka.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taiwanese Hakka</span> Chinese topolect spoken in Taiwan

Taiwanese Hakka is a language group consisting of Hakka dialects spoken in Taiwan, and mainly used by people of Hakka ancestry. Taiwanese Hakka is divided into five main dialects: Sixian, Hailu, Dabu, Raoping, and Zhao'an. The most widely spoken of the five Hakka dialects in Taiwan are Sixian and Hailu. The former, possessing 6 tones, originates from Meizhou, Guangdong, and is mainly spoken in Miaoli, Pingtung and Kaohsiung, while the latter, possessing 7 tones, originates from Haifeng and Lufeng, Guangdong, and is concentrated around Hsinchu. Taiwanese Hakka is also officially listed as one of the national languages of Taiwan. In addition to the five main dialects, there are the northern Xihai dialect and the patchily-distributed Yongding, Fengshun, Wuping, Wuhua, and Jiexi dialects.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Language policy in Taiwan during martial law</span>

During the martial law period in Taiwan, a Mandarin monolingual policy was implemented in Taiwan by the Kuomintang. The policy was formulated as a political goal to unite the island. However, the demotion of prior local languages into "dialects" across cultural and educational landscapes resulted in a pushback of the policy and eventually rescinded as Taiwan democratized.

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Bibliography

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