Taiwan
Formal provincial designation for non-municipal areas (rural Taiwan). Largely ceremonial since 1998 reforms. By 2026, structure continues atrophying while counties govern and rural depopulation continues.
Taiwan Province represents the formal administrative division covering the main island outside the six special municipalities (Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung). This residual provincial structure—largely ceremonial since 1998 reforms—encompasses rural counties and smaller cities that didn't achieve municipal status.
The provincial designation now serves mainly statistical and historical purposes. Actual governance occurs through county and city governments. The economic reality is stark: provincial areas (the non-metropolitan remainder) lag behind the six municipalities in income, infrastructure, and opportunity, driving continued urbanization.
Agriculture, traditional industries, and tourism characterize provincial-area economies. These regions produce food, preserve cultural heritage, and provide recreation for metropolitan populations—while young residents migrate toward cities for education and employment.
2026 trajectory: The formal provincial structure continues atrophying while county governance handles actual administration. Rural revitalization programs attempt to slow depopulation. The designation matters mainly for census and constitutional purposes.