Taiwan's Population Policy

As introduced by the Yearbook of the Republic of China:

The average age in Taiwan is rising. Statistics from the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) showed that the average life expectancy in 2002 was 75.87 years, with men living an average of 73.22 years, and women, 78.94 years. In 2002, 9.02 percent of the population was over 65 years of age, up from 8.81 percent in 2001. This puts Taiwan midway between "older" countries like Great Britain (16 percent), France (16 percent), Japan (17 percent), and the United States (13 percent) and "younger" neighbors like China and South Korea (both 7 percent), Thailand (4 percent), and the Philippines (4 percent). The Taiwan index of aging, calculated by dividing the number of people over 65 years of age by the number under the age of 15, is 44.17 percent.

In 1992, a new population policy was approved that encouraged a moderate increase in the birth rate to counter an aging society and potential labor shortage. This new family program promotes the concept that "two are just right" to reduce the number of single-child families. In addition, measures have been taken to strengthen welfare and medical care for senior citizens, and to encourage them to participate in community service. To raise the quality of life, genetic health care measures have been implemented and development plans designed to maintain balanced population distribution.

Although the government maintains a strict policy on foreign citizens wanting to reside in Taiwan due to its high population density, counseling and language training are available for foreign women married to Taiwanese. However, it adopts a lax policy for emigrants and provides guidance to ensure their safe settlement and successful careers in host countries. Group emigration is facilitated through international investment and technical cooperation programs.