The Curious Rise of Scientology in Taiwan

Scientology around the world is in broad retreat, but to be in Taiwan
you would never know that. In an area slightly smaller than the combined
size of Delaware and Maryland, with a total population of 23.4
million—roughly the same as that of the New York metropolitan
area—Taiwan has 15 Scientology missions and churches.
Per capita, it’s one of the most Scientology-friendly countries on
earth. The island serves as a major source of donations and new members
for the church, which has capitalized on L. Ron Hubbard’s early
suggestions that he was a new Buddha. In a sign of Taiwan’s importance
to the church, Scientology chief David Miscavige also attended the 2013
Kaohsiung reopening of the hotel as a Scientology megachurch.