Back to
East Asian Politics page

British flag

Taiwan

GOVT 201: East Asian Politics
Sweet Briar College
Instructor: Dr. Andrew Clem
For use of enrolled SBC students ONLY.

Years Leader(s)
1950- Chiang Kai-shek
1955- Chiang Kai-shek
1960- Chiang Kai-shek
1965- Chiang Kai-shek
1970- Chiang Kai-shek
1975- Chiang Ching-kuo
1980- Chiang Ching-kuo
1985- Chiang Ching-kuo
1990- Lee Teng-hui
1995- Lee Teng-hui
2000- Chen Shui-bian
2005- Chen Shui-bian

Years indicated above are approximate. For more detail, see the Foreign Leaders page, with a year-by-year chronology.

Basic facts:
Political system:Semi-presidential republic
National leader:Pres. Chen Shui-bian (2000-)
Structure:Unitary
Regime founded:1947
Democracy:Semi-established
Population:22.9 million
Per capita GDP:$29,600

Distinctive features:

  • Ex-"Republic of China"; Chiang Kai-shek took refuge in 1949.
  • Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) was hegemonic until 1990s.
  • State-led industrialization in 1960s; one of "Four Tigers."
  • Strong, modern military force, supported by U.S.
  • Confused identity: independent country or part of China?
Taiwan map

To see a continental-scale map, roll the mouse over the map above.
Click on it to see a key that explains the map symbols.

Political parties:

Name Democratic Progressive Party People First Party Other Nationalist Party (Kuomintang)
Seats*: 89 34 23 79

NOTES: * Seats in lower house.
SOURCES: Mark Kessleman, et al., Introduction to Comparative Politics; CIA World Factbook, various newspapers.