Tearing Taiwan apart

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Taiwan may be just 36,000 square kilometers (or around 13,900 square miles), but it packs in an extraordinary range of cultures, landscapes, and lifestyles. The eastern two-thirds are rugged and mountainous, while the western third is a vibrant stretch of plains where the bulk of its 23.4 million residents live, making Taiwan one of the most densely populated places in the world.

And yet, for all its compact size, Taiwan is incredibly complex. Politics, language, food, climate, culture—even daily habits—can change dramatically from county to county.

The map below brilliantly captures this kaleidoscope of identities through 36 different ways to divide Taiwan. Some are amusing, others strikingly observant, and a few are sharply satirical. You’ll find divisions based on bubble tea preferences, scooter behavior, language usage, weather patterns, political leanings, and even how weddings are celebrated.

This map series was clearly inspired by the Atlas of Prejudice by Yanko Tsvetkov, a bestselling collection of satirical maps exploring stereotypes, cultural clichés, and national quirks. It’s witty, unfiltered, and oddly insightful. You can find it on Amazon.

If this kind of cultural cartography speaks to you, make sure to also explore:
– 12 ways to divide China
– 12 ways to divide Japan