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Location:
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Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China
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Geographic coordinates:
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23 30 N, 121 00 E
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Map references:
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Southeast Asia
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Area:
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total: 35,980 sq km
note: includes the Pescadores, Matsu, and Quemoy
water: 3,720 sq km
land: 32,260 sq km
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Area - comparative:
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slightly smaller than Maryland and Delaware combined
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Land boundaries:
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0 km
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Coastline:
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1,566.3 km
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Maritime claims:
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exclusive economic zone: 200 NM
territorial sea: 12 NM
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Climate:
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tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year
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Terrain:
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eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in west
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Elevation extremes:
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lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: Yu Shan 3,952 m
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Natural resources:
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small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos
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Land use:
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arable land: 24%
permanent crops: 1%
other: 75%
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Irrigated land:
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NA sq km
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Natural hazards:
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earthquakes and typhoons
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Environment - current issues:
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air pollution; water pollution from industrial emissions, raw sewage; contamination of drinking water supplies; trade in endangered species; low-level radioactive waste disposal
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Environment - international agreements:
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party to: none of the selected agreements because of Taiwan's international status
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements because of Taiwan's international status
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Geography - note:
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strategic location adjacent to both the Taiwan Strait and the Luzon Strait
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