Current Status of Ophthalmology in Taiwan

Taiwan is a medium-sized island, located south-east of the Chinese mainland; the land area is about 30,006 square kilometers. In 2014, Taiwan has a population of 23,390,000 and a population density of 646 people per square kilometer. People over the age of 65 years old account for 11.7 percent of the total population, which exceeds the World Health Organization criteria for an “aging society”. In 2013, the average life expectancy in Taiwan is about 79.84 years old (Male 76.72 years, female 83.20 years). Birth rate is 8.54 per thousand, the mortality rate is 6.59 per thousand, and the infant mortality rate is 4.49 per thousand. Taiwan residents are 98% Han Chinese and 2% aboriginal.