Taiwan, Taipei Cost of Living April 2010

Country Full Name: Republic of China (ROC).

Location: Taiwan is in Eastern Asia, and comprises islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China.

Country Climate: Tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year.

Country Terrain: Eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in west.

Major Languages: Mandarin Chinese (official), Min Nan Chinese (Taiwanese).

Major Religions: Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity.

Country Population: 23.0 million (2008 est.) 23.2 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Taiwan is a dynamic capitalist economy. Real growth in GDP has averaged about 8% during the past three decades. The service sector makes up 73% of the economy.

Currency: Taiwan Dollar (TWD).

Country Inflation: 3.5% (2008 est.) -0.5% (2009 est.).

City: Taipei is the largest city in Taiwan and is the de facto capital of the Republic of China.

City Economy: As the capital of the Republic of China, Taipei has been at the center of rapid economic development in the country and has now become one of the global cities in the production of high technology and its components.
Cost of Living: Taipei has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Taipei is currently ranked 53 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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