Introduction
Taiwan, an island nation of over 23 million people, is geographically small but highly developed. Despite its compact size—about half the area of South Carolina—Taiwan’s population is overwhelmingly concentrated on the western side of the island. Nearly 90% of the country’s population resides in this region, leaving the eastern and central parts sparsely inhabited.
This stark population divide is shaped by a combination of geography, history, and economic factors. Taiwan’s mountainous terrain, frequent natural disasters, and strategic trade positioning have all contributed to this settlement pattern. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons why Taiwan’s East Coast remains largely unpopulated and why its West Coast has become the country’s bustling heart.
Taiwan’s Unique Geography
A Rugged, Mountainous Island
Taiwan sits in the western Pacific, separated from mainland China by the Taiwan Strait. The island covers about 36,000 square kilometers—similar in size to the U.S. state of Maryland. However, Taiwan’s terrain is far from flat.
The Central Mountain Range, running north to south, divides Taiwan into two distinct regions: a heavily populated west and a rugged, sparsely inhabited east. These mountains are among the tallest in East Asia, with Yushan (Jade Mountain) standing at 3,952 meters (12,966 feet), roughly the height of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming.
The eastern side of Taiwan is particularly mountainous, with dramatic cliffs and steep gorges that rise sharply from the Pacific Ocean. In contrast, the western part of the island consists of rolling hills and broad plains, which provide ample space for urban development, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Short, Fast-Flowing Rivers
Taiwan’s rivers are short and steep due to its mountainous terrain. The Zhuoshui River, the longest in Taiwan, is only 186 kilometers (115 miles) long. Many rivers originate in the Central Mountains and carve deep valleys as they descend toward the coast. One of the most famous examples is the Taroko Gorge, a breathtaking canyon carved out by the Liwu River over millions of years.
While Taiwan’s rivers are crucial for hydroelectric power, their fast flow and rugged terrain make them difficult for large-scale irrigation and transportation, limiting agricultural and industrial expansion in the east.
Frequent Natural Disasters
Taiwan is located at the convergence of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate, making it a geologically active region. The island is highly prone to earthquakes and typhoons, particularly on its eastern and central sides.
Earthquakes
Taiwan experiences regular earthquakes, but the most dangerous ones occur along the East Coast. The Chishang Fault, a highly active seismic fault, runs through much of eastern Taiwan.
- In April 2024, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Hualien, causing significant damage and loss of life.
- Taiwan’s West Coast also feels earthquakes, but the intensity is often lower than in the east.
Typhoons
Taiwan’s East Coast is highly exposed to powerful Pacific typhoons. In 2024 alone, Taiwan was hit by three major storms, including Typhoon Koinu, the strongest typhoon to hit the island in nearly 30 years, with 185 km/h (115 mph) winds.
Because of these natural disasters, building and maintaining infrastructure in eastern Taiwan is costly and difficult. As a result, most of Taiwan’s major cities, highways, and industries are located in the safer, flatter western region.
Taiwan’s Historical Settlement Patterns
Indigenous Populations and Early Chinese Settlement
Taiwan has been home to indigenous Austronesian peoples for thousands of years. These groups, linguistically and culturally distinct from the Chinese, share ancestral ties with Polynesians, Hawaiians, and Indonesians.
When Chinese settlers began arriving in large numbers during the 1600s, they primarily settled along the western plains, where the land was fertile and easier to cultivate. The indigenous groups resisted large-scale settlement in the east, maintaining control over the rugged mountains for centuries.
During the Japanese colonial era (1895-1945), infrastructure such as railways and roads was developed, but the focus remained on the West Coast due to its economic importance. Even after Japan’s rule ended, Taiwan’s economic development continued to favor the west, reinforcing the population divide.
Taiwan’s Economic Relationship with China
Taiwan’s economy is deeply linked to global trade, particularly with mainland China.
- Over 40% of Taiwan’s exports go to China.
- The major seaports—Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Keelung—are all on the western side of the island, facing China.
- Taiwan’s high-speed rail system, which connects Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south, runs exclusively along the West Coast because the terrain is more suitable for rail infrastructure.
Since Taiwan’s West Coast is the economic hub, it has naturally attracted more people over time.
Modern-Day Population Divide
Taiwan’s Largest Cities
Today, about 90% of Taiwan’s 23 million people live on the West Coast.
Western Taiwan (21 million people)
- New Taipei – 4 million
- Kaohsiung – 2.8 million
- Taichung – 2.7 million
- Taipei – 2.7 million
- Taoyuan – 2.1 million
- Tainan – 1.8 million
Central & Eastern Taiwan (2.5 million people)
- Hualien – 106,000
- Taitung – 106,000
Even the largest cities in eastern Taiwan are small regional hubs rather than major urban centers.
Why Eastern Taiwan is Worth Visiting
While the East Coast is less populated, it’s home to some of Taiwan’s most stunning landscapes. If you visit Taiwan, don’t miss:
- Taroko Gorge – A breathtaking canyon with marble cliffs and waterfalls.
- Kenting National Park – Beautiful beaches and tropical scenery.
- Qingshui Cliffs – Towering cliffs that drop into the Pacific Ocean.
Final Thoughts
Taiwan’s population divide is shaped by geography, history, and economics. The West Coast’s flatter terrain, safer conditions, and economic advantages have made it the island’s primary population center. Meanwhile, the mountainous, disaster-prone East Coast remains sparsely populated, despite its natural beauty.
Still, Taiwan’s East Coast is a must-visit for travelers looking to experience stunning landscapes and a quieter side of the island.
FAQs
1. Why is Taiwan’s population mostly on the West Coast?
Taiwan’s West Coast is flatter, safer from natural disasters, and closer to major trading routes, making it more suitable for large-scale urban development.
2. Is Taiwan’s East Coast worth visiting?
Absolutely! The East Coast is home to Taroko Gorge, Kenting National Park, and stunning coastal cliffs, making it one of Taiwan’s most beautiful regions.
3. Why is Taiwan’s East Coast prone to natural disasters?
Taiwan’s East Coast sits on the Chishang Fault, making it highly prone to earthquakes. It also faces the Pacific Ocean, exposing it to powerful typhoons.
