CIA Factbook The World Factbook 1994: TaiwanGeography Location: Eastern Asia, off the southeastern coast of China, between Japan and the Philippines Area: • total area: 35,980 sq km • land area: 32,260 sq km • comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland and Delaware combined • note: includes the Pescadores, Matsu, and Quemoy Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 1,448 km Maritime claims: • exclusive economic zone: 200 nm • territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: involved in complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; Paracel Islands occupied by China, but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; Japanese-administered Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands/Diaoyu Tai) claimed by China and Taiwan Climate: tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year Terrain: eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in west Natural resources: small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos Land use: • arable land: 24% • permanent crops: 1% • meadows and pastures: 5% • forest and woodland: 55% • other: 15% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: • current issues: water pollution from industrial emissions, untreated sewage; air pollution; contamination of drinking water supplies • natural hazards: subject to earthquakes and typhoons • international agreements: signed, but not ratified—Marine Life Conservation