Taiwan has a population of around 23 million. The majority — roughly 95% — are Han Chinese, divided broadly into two groups: the Hoklo (Minnan-speaking descendants of early migrants from Fujian province) and the Hakka (who came mainly from Guangdong). Mainland Chinese who arrived with the Nationalist government after 1949 and their descendants make up a smaller but historically influential minority.
The indigenous Austronesian peoples of Taiwan — the island's original inhabitants — number around 560,000 and are recognised as 16 official tribal groups. Their traditional territories are mainly in the mountains and along the east coast. The Amis, Paiwan, Atayal, and Bunun are among the largest groups. Indigenous culture, music, and food have gained significant visibility in recent decades.
Mandarin is the official language and the medium of schooling and public life. Taiwanese (Hokkien/Min-nan) is widely spoken at home and in markets, particularly among older generations and in the south. Hakka is also heard in communities around Hsinchu and Miaoli. Indigenous languages are making a partial comeback through education programmes.
The dominant religion is a syncretic mix of Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religion — the three are woven together in everyday practice rather than kept strictly separate. You'll see incense burning in temples that house Buddhist bodhisattvas alongside Taoist deities. Christianity has a significant presence, particularly among some indigenous communities.
Taiwanese society tends to be outgoing and hospitable toward foreigners. People will go out of their way to help a lost stranger. The food culture is taken seriously — where to eat and what to order are subjects of genuine enthusiasm. Night markets are social institutions as much as food venues.