Formosa

Formosa is a historical name for the island commonly known today as Taiwan. The term comes from the Portuguese Ilha Formosa, meaning “Beautiful Island,” a label applied by 16th-century Portuguese sailors who charted the coast. The name appeared on European maps and in Western writings for centuries, particularly before the 20th century, and is still found in historical texts and some cultural references.

Geopolitically, Taiwan was incorporated into the Qing dynasty in the 17th century, following the island’s consolidation after various earlier settlements. In 1895, Taiwan was ceded to Japan and administered as a colony until the end of World War II. After 1945, sovereignty over Taiwan was transferred to the Republic of China, and following the Chinese Civil War the ROC government retreated to Taipei in 1949. Since then, Taiwan has been governed by the ROC, while the People’s Republic of China claims sovereignty over the island; the international status of Taiwan remains a matter of dispute.

In modern usage, Formosa is primarily historical or literary and is less common in official references. The island is generally referred to as Taiwan in contemporary discourse, and the governing entity is the Republic of China. The name Formosa persists in cultural and commercial contexts, including corporate names such as Formosa Plastics and the use of Formosa in various brands, ships, and historical writings.