Taiwan

Islam in Taiwan is a small but growing religion, representing a unique part of the island’s diverse cultural and religious landscape.

Overview:
Muslims make up about 0.2–0.3% of Taiwan’s population (roughly 60,000–70,000 people). The Muslim population includes:

  • Taiwanese Muslims (descendants of Chinese Muslims who arrived after 1949)
  • Foreign Muslim workers, mainly from Indonesia (the largest Muslim group in Taiwan today)
  • A small number of Muslim students and professionals from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

History of Islam in Taiwan:

  • Islam arrived in Taiwan with Hui Muslim soldiers and families from mainland China after the Chinese Civil War in 1949.
  • These Muslims settled in cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, building mosques and forming communities.

Muslim Population Today:
Indonesian Migrant Workers:

  • Taiwan hosts around 200,000–250,000 Indonesian migrant workers, many of whom are Muslim.
  • This group has helped to revitalize mosques and Islamic activities across Taiwan.

Local Taiwanese Muslims:

  • There are small numbers of ethnic Chinese (Hui) Muslims who have maintained Islamic traditions since 1949.
  • Some Taiwanese converts to Islam also exist, though in small numbers.

Mosques and Islamic Facilities:
Taiwan has 11 mosques, the most famous being:

  • Taipei Grand Mosque (the largest and oldest, built in 1960)
  • Kaohsiung Mosque
  • Taichung Mosque

Prayer rooms are increasingly available in public spaces like airports, universities, and shopping malls.

Islamic Life:

  • Muslims in Taiwan observe Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.
  • Halal-certified food is becoming more available; many restaurants and stores offer Halal products, especially in cities.
  • Taiwan’s government has encouraged Halal tourism, and some hotels and attractions are Halal-certified.

Religious Freedom & Society:

  • Taiwan guarantees freedom of religion, and Muslims can freely practice Islam.
  • Interfaith harmony is generally good, and Islam is respected as part of Taiwan’s multicultural identity.
  • There are active Islamic organizations, like the Chinese Muslim Association, which help manage religious affairs.

Challenges:

  • Language barriers (many migrant Muslims do not speak Mandarin)
  • Social isolation of some migrant workers
  • Limited access to Islamic schools or formal Islamic education for local Muslims.

Positive Developments:

  • Increasing government and public support for Muslim needs (e.g., Halal food, prayer facilities).
  • Growth in Muslim-friendly tourism.
  • Rising interest among Taiwanese youth in learning about Islam.

Taiwan
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .tw
Country Code: +886