Physical Geography

Rugged ranges of the Chungyang Mountains blanket the eastern two-thirds of the island. The highest peak is Yu Shan, which rises to an elevation of 13,113 feet (3,997 m). Along the east coast some of the world's highest cliffs drop abruptly into the Pacific. The western third of the island is relatively level and contains fertile alluvial plains, formed by material washed down from the mountains. The island has frequent minor earthquakes. The Choshui, Hsiatanshui, and Tanshui are the largest rivers. Some streams have been harnessed to provide hydroelectric power.

Located on the Tropic of Cancer, Taiwan has a subtropical monsoonal type of climate. Average temperatures on the lowlands range from about 60° to 65° F. (16° to 18° C.) in January to 80° to 85° F. (27° to 29° C.) in July. The annual precipitation varies from 50 inches (1,270 mm) on the lowlands to as much as 250 inches (6,350 mm) in the mountains. The rainy season extends from October to April in the north and from April to September in the south. One or more typhoons normally occur each summer.

Slightly more than 50 per cent of the island is forested. Mangrove forests are found along the coast. Inland there are tropical and semitropical forests. Coniferous forests predominate at the higher altitudes.