Country Info

Taiwan, also know as Formosa, is an island about 160 kilometers off the southeast coast of mainland China. The culture of Taiwan is a blend of Confucianist Han Chinese cultures, and Japanese, European, & American influences. Most residents speak both Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese.

Archaeologists have documented that the island's inhabitants had origins in 10,000 BC. Chinese immigrants moved into the region during the 15th century - over its history, Taiwan has been controlled by various nations, including Portugal, Holland, Spain, China, and Japan. In 1949 Taiwan was born when the Nationalist Party and 1.5 million Chinese fled the mainland in the wake of Communist takeover.