From the last edition of the ROC (Taiwan) Yearbook that used to be published by the disbanded Government Information Office (GIO).

1. No single publication, no matter how
comprehensive and detailed, can fully de-
pict the entirety of what the Republic of
China accomplishes in a single year, let
alone a century. Nevertheless, the goal
of The Republic of China Yearbook is to
capture, chronicle and convey the essence
of economic, social, political and cultural
progress and development since the ROC
was founded in 1912, with a focus on the
Preface achievements in recent decades of prosper-
ity, freedom and democracy on Taiwan.
As in past editions, the textual summary
and analysis is supplemented by pertinent
photographs, charts and tables. The facts and
figures herein are as up-to-date as possible
before publication. The Government Infor-
mation Office gratefully acknowledges all
the official agencies and organizations that
have provided information and helped verify
the accuracy of this publication’s content. It
is a collective effort aimed at providing read-
ers of all walks of life with reliable and au-
thoritative information about Taiwan today.
This includes the recovery of exports
following the end of the global financial
crisis and implementation of the Cross-
Straits Economic Cooperation Framework
Agreement signed with mainland China in
2010. Also detailed are the growth of visits
to Taiwan by tourists from mainland China,
the impact of the Taipei International Flora
Exposition and the performance in 2010 of
the various sectors of Taiwan’s economy
that led to its jump to 6th overall in the
World Competitiveness Yearbook 2011.
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2. Description is provided regarding the ROC government-led
initiative to capitalize on this enhanced competitiveness and attract
inward foreign investment in Taiwan’s key emerging industries—
biotechnology, tourism, green energy, health care, high-end agri-
culture and the cultural and creative sector. Also discussed are the
economic and political implications of the mergers and upgrading
of major population areas in northern, central and southern Taiwan
to form new special municipalities in 2010.
Chapters on Taiwan’s geography, culture, society, media, edu-
cational and religious practices, politics, as well as its accomplish-
ments in sports, science and technology, environmental protection
and public health provide background facts and updated statistics.
Although this is inevitably just a static “snapshot” of the changes
in so many aspects taking place in Taiwan, the content is presented
with the aim of giving readers a dynamic sense of what makes the
ROC such a special part of East Asia.
With the exception of certain personal and place names,
Mandarin Chinese terms and names are rendered in Hanyu Pin-
yin throughout the work. Unless otherwise indicated, U.S. dollar
figures for 2009, 2010 and Q1 2011 are based, respectively, on
average exchange rates of NT$33.05, NT$31.64 and NT$29.51 per
US$1, as calculated by the Central Bank of the ROC.
This year’s edition is being published during the 100th year
of the ROC as the various achievements and triumphs over adver-
sity of Asia’s first republic are being celebrated. While many of
the economic, political and social changes shaping today’s Taiwan
may have taken place mostly over the last 30 years, they have been
accomplished by realizing the ideals of freedom, democracy and
prosperity for the people that date back to the very establishment
of the ROC a century ago.
Reader feedback and advice regarding this publication is al-
ways welcome and appreciated.
Philip Yang
Minister
Government Information Office
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