North–South divide in Taiwan

North–South divide in Taiwan

In Taiwan, people talk about something called the North–South divide. This means that things like money, jobs, schools, and hospitals are not always shared equally between the north and south parts of the island. People have seen that these areas grow and get help in different ways for many years.

The phrase used for this is "重北輕南", which means "Heavy North, Light South" in Chinese. It shows how some believe the north gets more attention and support than the south. These differences can affect daily life for people in both places.

This divide is important because it shows how areas can develop in different ways, even within the same country like Taiwan. Understanding these differences helps everyone see why fair sharing of resources is important for all communities.

Development

The idea that there is a divide between the north and south of Taiwan comes from claims that the government has favored the north. After losing the Chinese Civil War, the Nationalists moved their headquarters to Taipei in the north of Taiwan.

Since 1949, the Nationalist government has been in power for much of the time. People say they focused more on developing the north. Investment in technology grew in areas like Hsinchu and Taipei. The south mainly saw growth in industry. As industry moved to mainland China, southern Taiwan saw slower growth. Many young, educated people moved north for better jobs.

From 1990 to 1998, the Mayor of Kaohsiung, Wu Den-yih, often spoke about the central government's bias toward the north and against the south.

Ethnic divisions

See also: Demographics of Taiwan

Historical tensions between different groups in Taiwan, such as ethnic mainlanders, Hoklo, and Hakka, also play a role in the north–south divide.

Taipei

Tianlongguo (天龍國; 'Celestial Dragon Country', also Tianlong) is a term some people use to describe how residents of Taipei might seem proud or distant. The term comes from the Celestial Dragon characters in the Japanese manga One Piece.

Differences

Voters in southwestern Taiwan often support Pan-Green parties like the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Voters in the north usually support Pan-Blue parties like the Kuomintang (KMT).

Northern Taiwan has about 20% of the island's land but holds nearly half of its people. This makes cities crowded and slows growth in other areas. Government policies have focused more on the north, leading to higher housing prices there. Many people move north for jobs, which changes political balance.

People in northern Taiwan usually live longer than those in the south. Cities like Taipei and Hsinchu have life expectancies above 80 years, while Tainan and Kaohsiung are below this average. This is linked to unequal access to healthcare and other resources. Most medical schools and new doctors are in the north, leaving the south with fewer services.

Also, over half of the students at National Taiwan University come from Taipei and New Taipei City, showing that more educational chances are in the north.