Pray for Taiwan

Taiwan is one of the world’s most developed societies. It has a strong economy with excellent infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and a high level of urbanization. The island is filled with rugged mountains and scenic beaches, and Taiwanese culture values kindness, generosity, and helping others. Historically, the nation became a refuge for over a million Chinese people after the Chinese Communist Party took over China in 1949. Today, China still claims Taiwan as its territory, but Taiwan functions as a fully self-governing democracy. However, Beijing has increased political, military, and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan to discourage any move toward formal independence.

One of the biggest struggles in the nation is the demographic crisis. Deaths significantly outnumber births, and the government even offers incentives to encourage childbearing. However, marriage rates have declined, and divorce remains relatively common. Another significant problem is mental health. Suicide rates are high, especially among those over 65 years-old, and suicide is one of the top ten causes of death. The fear of failure is reported higher in Taiwan than in any other nation. Education is highly valued in the nation, and over 70 percent of Taiwanese high school students report feeling anxious about not meeting academic expectations.

Taiwan is religiously diverse and does not have a single dominant religion. Chinese folk religion, Buddhism, and Taoism are common, and many even mix these practices. About a quarter of the population identifies as nonbelievers, although some participate in traditional religious practices. Around 6 percent of the population is Christian. The majority of the nation is closed-off to the Gospel, but the Church is gradually growing, and Christians in Taiwan are working to plant churches and spread the gospel.