P'enghu Islands

P'enghu Islands or Pescadores, island archipelago in the Taiwan Strait, some 50 km (30 mi) west of the coast of Taiwan, and consisting of roughly 64 small islands. The islands are low-lying, the highest point being 48 m (157 ft) above sea level, and composed of volcanic basalt, with a total area of 127 sq km (49 sq mi). The largest island, P'enghu, is 64 sq km (25 sq mi) in area; other large islands include Pai-sha and Pa-chao. Chief industries include cultivation of sweet potatoes and grain crops, fishing, and exploitation of local phosphate deposits. Makung on P'enghu is the largest town and seat of local government. The population of the islands (1989 official estimate) is 97,327.

The P’enghu Islands were probably first settled during the 12th century by Chinese fishermen from the mainland. The island was forcibly evacuated in 1388 in accordance with the policies of the Ming dynasty, and only recolonized in the 17th century. The islands were put under the provincial administration of Taiwan. The French occupied the P’enghu Islands in 1884-1885 as a part of efforts to annexe Taiwan, and in 1895 after the Sino-Japanese War they were ceded to Japan along with Taiwan. After their return to China in 1945, the P’enghu Islands fell under the control of Taiwan in 1949, and were made a county (hsien) of Taiwan in 1950.