TAIWAN

There are various names for the island of Taiwan in use today, derived from explorers or rulers by
each particular period. The former name Formosa () dates from 1542,B
when Portuguese sailors sighted the main island of Taiwan and named it Ilha Formosa, which means
"beautiful island". The name "Formosa" eventually "replaced all others in European literature" and
was in common use in English in the early 20th century.
In the early 17th century, the Dutch East India Company established a commercial post at Fort
Zeelandia (modern-day Anping,Tainan) on a coastal sandbar they called "Tayouan". This name was
also adopted into the Chinese vernacular (in particular,Hokkien, as Pee h-e-j: Ti-on/Ti-on) as
the name of the sandbar and nearby area (Tainan). The modern word "Taiwan" is derived from this
usage, which is seen in various forms (, , , , and ) in Chinese historical
records. The area of modern-day Tainan was the first permanent settlement by Western colonists
and Chinese immigrants, grew to be the most important trading center, and served as the capital of
the island until 1887. Use of the current Chinese name () was formalized as early as 1684 with
the establishment of Taiwan Prefecture. Through its rapid development, the entire Formosan
mainland eventually became known as "Taiwan".[20][21][22][23]
The official name of the state is the "Republic of China"; it has also been known under various
names throughout its existence. Shortly after the ROC's establishment in 1912, while it was still
located on the Asian mainland, the government used the abbreviation "China" (Zhnggu) to refer to
itself. During the 1950s and 1960s, after the government had fled to Taiwan due to losing
the Chinese Civil War, it was commonly referred to as "Nationalist China" (or "Free China") to
differentiate it from "Communist China" (or "Red China"). It was a member of the UN representing
"China" until 1971, when it lost its seat to the People's Republic of China. Over subsequent decades,
the Republic of China has become commonly known as "Taiwan", after the island that composes
most of its controlled territory. This is the main reason for the confusing and completely different
names. In some contexts, especially official ones from the ROC government, the name is written as
"Republic of China (Taiwan)", "Republic of China/Taiwan", or sometimes "Taiwan (ROC)."The

Republic of China participates in most international forums and organizations under the name
"Chinese Taipei" due to diplomatic pressure from the People's Republic of China. For instance, it is
the name under which it has competed at the Olympic Games since 1984, and its name as an
observer at the World Health Organization.

FOODS IN TAIWAN
1. Braised pork rice ()
"Where there's a wisp of smoke from the kitchen chimney, there will be lurou fan
[braised pork with rice]," goes the Taiwanese saying.
The popularity of this humble dish cannot be overstated.
"Lurou fan" is almost synonymous with Taiwanese food.
The Taipei city government launched a "braised pork rice is ours" campaign last year
after Michelins "Green Guide Taiwan" claimed the dish was from Shandong Province in
mainland China.
A good bowl of lurou fan comprises finely chopped, not quite minced, pork belly, slowcooked in aromatic soy sauce with five spices.
There should be an ample amount of fattiness, in which lies the magic.
The meat is spooned over hot rice.
A little sweet, a little salty, braised pork rice is comfort food perfected.
2. Oyster omelet ()

Here's a snack that really showcases the fat of the land in Taiwan. You've got something
from the sea and something from the soil.
The eggs are the perfect foil for the little oysters easily found around the island, while
sweet potato starch is added to give the whole thing a gooey chewiness -- a signature
Taiwan food texture.

No wonder the soup was voted best snack to represent Taiwan in a poll of 1,000
Taiwanese by Global Views Monthly a few years back.

3. Taiwanese Beef Rolls

Cannot go wrong with these. The roll is comprised of a crispy green onion pancake
wrapped around braised beef slices with a handful of pickled greens and cilantro. One
bite and you'll witness how the dark sweetish bean sauce is the perfect condiment to
officiate the marriage of pancake, green onion, beef, and veggies. Though they may be
a bit on the oily side, these beef rolls are finger food at its finest.

4. Pig intestines (chitterlings):

Unconventional, but don't let the anatomy of the dish deter you. They're extremely tasty
and can be served fried or bubbling in sauce. Heck -- you can even get them in soup.
Chitterlings have a tender, chewy texture to them and the plain appetizer version usually
comes accompanied by a hoisin-based dipping sauce with a side of ginger.

The People of Taiwan, Way of Life

Most people in Taiwan have traditional values based on Confucian ethics, which include
the principles of good conduct, practical wisdom, and proper social relationships.
Confucianism, however, developed in a largely rural society and people now confront
the challenge of maintaining these values in Taiwan's modern, industrialized society.
Still, some traditional values are strong, including piety toward parents, ancestor
worship, a strong emphasis on education and work, and the importance of face, or
maintaining one's dignity in public. Other values are changing, especially in urban
areas. Since industrialization, women enjoy greater freedom and a higher social status,
individual creativity is regarded as equally important as social conformity, and acquiring
material goods and fame is increasingly important.
Housing is mostly urban, with the majority of people living in modern apartment
buildings. People in Taiwan wear Western clothing. Traditional Chinese or aboriginal
clothing is now worn only for certain festivals. Food choices vary greatly, with
restaurants offering everything from American fast food and European cuisine to
regional Chinese specialties. In their homes, most people serve traditional Chinese
foods. Popular pastimes include singing with family or friends, watching television,
mountain climbing, and world travel. In the mornings, many city residents perform t'ai

chi ch'uan or other exercises in the parks. At night, young urbanites enjoy going to
discos, bars, and restaurants.

LANGUAGE

Mandarin
Occasionally Hakka
Siraya