Taiwan is an island - one of the largest in Asia. It used to be called Formosa. Formosa is a Portuguese word meaning beautiful. Taiwan had been so named by Portuguese explorers that have sailed past the island long ago. History accounts how this island country thrived through tough times of invasion. But despite such a long list of invasions, it did quite well in creating a well nurtured rich culture.
Taiwan is now one of the rising nations in Asia. For one it is a home of Taipei 101, until recently the tallest building in the world. This building showcases the success of Taiwan over the years, and its very fast economic growth. It is a symbol of success that brought about what its people have been dreaming of.
Taiwan’s culture includes a vast list of art from its original inhabitants, the aborigines, its Chinese ancestors, to it invaders such as the Japanese. All these cultures were combined to form what is now known as Taiwanese culture.
Such a combination of cultures did not just build a historic background, but also its historic figures. Today, Taiwan is one of the most prominent sites for technology. The electronic sector of this country is an important part of its daily routine. Computer chips, laptops and cell phones are manufactured here.
From its Chinese and Japanese descent, Taiwan has an unsatiable taste for seafood and great tasting spices. As it is surrounded by sea, this island nation has the edge in having one the best seafood markets in the world. Through its night market, you can select from delicacies such as simple grilled squid to a more bizarre blood pudding. All of these can be best seen and tasted while you stroll the streets.
Today, Taiwan does have one of the highest population densities in the world, with over 23 million people residing in its small area.
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