How big is Taiwan compared to a state? This question often arises when people try to visualize the size of Taiwan in relation to the United States, as it is frequently compared to states within the country. To put it into perspective, Taiwan is approximately 36,190 square kilometers (13,979 square miles) in size, making it slightly larger than the state of West Virginia. However, when comparing Taiwan to other states, the differences in size can be quite striking.
When comparing Taiwan to states in the United States, it is important to note that the country’s geography is quite diverse. The island of Taiwan is characterized by its mountainous terrain, which covers about two-thirds of the land area. The highest peak, Yu Shan, reaches an elevation of 3,952 meters (12,966 feet). This mountainous landscape contributes to the relatively small size of Taiwan when compared to the expansive plains and lowlands found in many U.S. states.
For instance, when comparing Taiwan to the state of California, the largest state in the United States by area, there is a significant difference. California spans an area of approximately 423,970 square kilometers (163,696 square miles), which is over eleven times larger than Taiwan. This vast difference in size is due to the fact that California is a contiguous state with diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, forests, and coastal regions.
On the other hand, when comparing Taiwan to smaller states, the island appears to be relatively larger. For example, when compared to the state of Rhode Island, which is the smallest state in the United States by area, Taiwan is about three times larger. Rhode Island covers approximately 3,140 square kilometers (1,214 square miles), while Taiwan is nearly three times that size.
Another interesting comparison can be made with the state of New York. While New York is not the smallest state, it is relatively compact when compared to some of its neighbors. Taiwan is about twice the size of New York, which spans approximately 141,297 square kilometers (54,555 square miles). This comparison highlights the fact that Taiwan is a relatively large island when considering the size of states within the United States.
In conclusion, when comparing Taiwan to a state within the United States, the island’s size varies significantly depending on the state being compared. While it is slightly larger than West Virginia, it is much smaller than California and other expansive states. However, when compared to smaller states like Rhode Island and New York, Taiwan appears to be relatively larger. This comparison helps to put the island’s size into perspective and highlights the diverse landscapes and geographical features that make Taiwan a unique and fascinating place.
