Fast Facts

Capital: Taipei
Population: 23 Million

Size: Slightly smaller than the combined area of Maryland and Delaware.
Location: Taiwan is a group of islands off the coast of mainland China. The shape of the largest island is similar to a sweet potato, and therefore Taiwanese often call themselves “Children of the Sweet Potato.”

Religion: Taiwanese people have the freedom to worship as they choose. Therefore, the religions of Taiwan are diverse. Every city block has at least one temple where people go to worship. The most prominent religions are Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism or a combination of several. Many Taiwanese also worship their ancestors.

Status of Christianity: Only 2-3% of Taiwanese are Christian, and the working class people have an even lower percentage of Christians (<1%).

Story: Recently a Taiwanese high school student from a Buddhist home committed his life to Christ at school. When questioned by his parents, he told them he was now a Christian. In response, his father told him if he would not renounce Christ, they would pull him out of school. The boy refused to deny Christ, and it is now uncertain whether his family will allow him to continue his education. Many other Taiwanese face these types of pressures when they choose to follow Christ.

Interesting Fact: Human settlement in Taiwan can be traced back 30,000 years. The Chinese, Europeans and Japanese have occupied Taiwan over the course of history.
Known For: Taipei 101, located in the heart of the capital, has 101 floors. It is one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, and was the first building in the world to break the half-kilometer mark in height.

Culture: The cultures of Taiwan are a hybrid blend of Han Chinese, Japanese, European, American, global, local and indigenous influences. Taiwanese culture has also influenced other cultures. Bubble Tea, a sweet Taiwanese beverage, can be found in Australia, Europe and North America.

Famous Taiwanese: Ang Lee, a native of Taiwan, has directed famous films such as Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Sense and Sensibility.

Daily Life: If people in Taiwan need to pay a parking fee, credit card bill, or traffic violation fine they don’t have to wait in long lines at government offices. Instead they head to a 24-hour convenience store, where they can grab a snack and pay their fees at the same time!

Prayer Request: Pray that the middle class people of Taiwan would experience a movement from the Holy Spirit, especially the men who are so resistant to the gospel.