Historical Context and Factors
Taiwan
Taiwan has been the residence of Malayo-Polynesian people for a long time. In the early 17th century, Dutch and Spanish settlers established bases in Taiwan for economic production that established rice and sugar plantations . It was forced into control of the Qing Dynasty until it was given to Japan in the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895 (Government Portal). It was not until 1945 that the ROC (Republic of China) government began to take control over Taiwan. It has remained in control ever since and holds de facto sovereignty over the island.
Haiti
Christopher Columbus, a Spanish settler landed on the island in 1492 which ultimately exterminated most of the Taino population that resided. The French arrived in the 1600’s further exterminating indigenous population which led to slave exportation from Africa (Institute of Haitian Studies). Due to exploitation of the slaves and their strive for independence, the Haitians revolted in the Haitian Revolution and declared independence in 1804. Ever since, the country has remained an independent state.
Geographical Location
Location of Taiwan
Image Source: Google Maps
Location of Haiti
Image Source: Google Maps
Taiwan
Situated between the southeast of the Asian Continent and the East and Southeast Asia Island Arcs of the West Pacific Ocean.
Haiti
Located on the western part of the island of Hispaniola and is west of the Dominican Republic.
Haiti and Taiwan have similar geographical factors as they are both islands. This leaves both countries to be exposed to economic penalties as island countries are characterized by having an isolated economy, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to resources and world trade. Even though Haiti fits into this description, Taiwan’s economy has higher performance. Since the island has more infrastructure and economic means, it provides for a more established presence globally.
Population Demographics
Ethnicity
Image Source: Encyclopædia Britannica
The ethnic composition of Haiti and Taiwan is similar in structure as they both contain a majority of the type of people that live there. For example, in Taiwan the greater number of people present are Taiwanese and in Haiti are blacks from African descent by a considerable percentage. Even though both countries were susceptible to several foreign powers, their demographic composition has remained intact. The country's culture is influenced by this since diversity is not present, creating more sustainable, pronounced and traditional beliefs. The lack of diversity allows people to have more entrenched ideologies and make it harder for culture to be diminished. In Haiti as opposed to Taiwan, the factor of race and skin color plays a critical part in culture due to Haiti’s population being 95% blacks and only 5% mulattos (Embassy of Haiti).