Some say that the Portuguese sailors felt forced to give Taiwan this name on first sighting, such was it incredible natural beauty.
Landing here in 1517 though, meant these arrivals were recent. The earliest inhabitants of this island are known to be Pacific Island aborigines - and the Chinese nation claimed ownership of Taiwan as a province of their Republic, only as late as 1887.
Quick Facts:
Capital: Taipei
Major cities: Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung
Population: 22 million
Climate: Subtropical
Languages: Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese
Religion: Buddism, Taoism, guardian worship
◆ Taroko Gorge in the Central Cross-Island Highway
In fact, Taiwan is a combination of all the above and a major economic force in today's Asian community. Led by Premier Chen Shui Bian, business is a major force of the society alongside traditional, cultural elements that make the nation distinctly individual.
Not to mention once again, the supreme natural legacy of a society persisting on the western edge of the Pacific 'rim of fire'. Steep mountains, and sometimes minor earthquakes, speak of Taiwan's dramatic scenery, national parks and legendary, hot summers.
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◆ Taroko Gorge in the Central Cross-Island Highway