Counties of Taiwan: History, Governance, and Administrative Structure
In the Republic of China (Taiwan), a county—constitutionally known as a hsien—serves as a vital second-level administrative division. These units exist at the same administrative level as provincial cities and represent a fundamental layer of the nation's local governance. While the administrative landscape has shifted significantly over the decades, counties remain essential components of Taiwan's political geography.
Currently, the counties are established under the Local Government Act and operate under the supervision of the Ministry of the Interior. This structure ensures that local needs are met through organized executive and legislative bodies.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- Total Number: There are currently 13 counties in Taiwan.
- Administrative Level: Second-level division, equal to a provincial city.
- Governance: Each county features an elected magistrate (executive) and an elected county council (legislature).
- Population Range: Populations vary significantly, from 13,089 to 1,272,939 residents.
- Land Area: Sizes range from 29 km² to 4,629 km².
Historical Evolution of Taiwan's Counties
The concept of the county has deep historical roots, dating back to the Warring States period and the Qin dynasty in China. In Taiwan, the first administrative divisions named "county" (縣) were established in 1661 by the Kingdom of Tungning. This system was later inherited by the Qing empire, which oversaw the growth of these divisions as the Han Chinese population in Taiwan increased.
From Japanese Rule to Retrocession
Following the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, Taiwan was ceded to Japan. During the period of Japanese rule, the administrative hierarchy was integrated into the Japanese system. By September 1945, the territory was divided into eight prefectures. Upon the retrocession to the Republic of China on October 25, 1945, these prefectures were reformed into eight counties. While the characters remained the same, the Romanized spellings were updated to reflect the official shift from Japanese to Mandarin Chinese.
Post-War Reorganization and Democratic Reform
After the government of the Republic of China relocated to Taipei in late 1949, the counties underwent significant reorganization in 1950. To better manage populous areas in western Taiwan, several counties were split, increasing the total number to 16. This number remained stable until the early 1990s.
The advent of democratic reforms in the 1990s brought further changes. Several large, populous counties—including Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan, Taipei, and Taoyuan—were eventually upgraded to special municipalities between 2010 and 2014. This transition changed the administrative map of Taiwan, moving these regions into a higher tier of local autonomy.
Current Administrative Structure
Today, the 13 counties are governed by a dual-system of elected officials. Under Article 9 of the Additional Articles of the Constitution of the Republic of China, each county maintains its own county government, led by a magistrate, and a county council, which performs legislative functions.
For counties with populations exceeding two million, the Local Government Act provides certain extra privileges in local autonomy, similar to those granted to special municipalities. These are sometimes referred to as quasi-municipalities.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบSummary of Current Counties
| County Name | County Seat | Nominal Province |
|---|---|---|
| Changhua | Changhua City | Taiwan Province |
| Chiayi | Taibao City | Taiwan Province |
| Hsinchu | Zhubei City | Taiwan Province |
| Hualien | Hualien City | Taiwan Province |
| Kinmen | Jincheng Township | Fujian Province |
| Lienchiang | Nangan Township | Fujian Province |
| Miaoli | Miaoli City | Taiwan Province |
| Nantou | Nantou City | Taiwan Province |
| Penghu | Magong City | Taiwan Province |
| Pingtung | Pingtung City | Taiwan Province |
| Taitung | Taitung City | Taiwan Province |
| Yilan | Yilan City | Taiwan Province |
| Yunlin | Douliu City | Taiwan Province |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a county and a special municipality in Taiwan?
A county is a second-level administrative division, whereas a special municipality is a higher-tier division. Some highly populated counties previously held "quasi-municipality" status before being fully upgraded to special municipalities.
Who leads the local government in a Taiwanese county?
Each county is led by an elected magistrate, who heads the executive branch, and an elected county council, which handles legislative duties.
Are provinces still active in Taiwan's administration?
While counties are nominally associated with provinces (such as Taiwan Province or Fujian Province), the provincial governmental organs were formally abolished in 2018, and provinces are now considered non-self-governing bodies.
How many counties are currently in Taiwan?
There are currently 13 counties under the jurisdiction of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
What are the subdivisions within a county?
Counties are further divided into smaller administrative units, which typically include townships and cities.