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Called "Ilha Formosa", or "beautiful island" by Portuguese explorers in the 17th century, Taiwan remains an island of breath-taking mountains and flat green plains. A history of immigration, including French and Dutch soldiers and Chinese Ming refugees in the 1600's, Japanese colonists after 1895, and Chinese fleeing the Communists in 1949, has shaped modern-day Taiwan's culture to reflects its diverse heritage. A booming manufacturing economy after 1949 added Western elements to the traditions of the aborigines, the ethnic Han native Taiwanese, the post-1949 mainlanders, and their descendents. This website contains information about Taiwan's geography, people, history, symbols, government, and the issue of independence vs reunification. Enjoy! Official information about Taiwan can be found at the Government Information Office. Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to provide information about Taiwan, so I present the reality that the Republic of China (ROC) and the People's Republic of China (PRC) are equal governments representing all of China, and that Taiwan is an integral part of the ROC, and is not part of the PRC. This site does not promote any particular political stance regarding the issue of independence or reunification. |