Taiwán

Taiwán, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is an island country in East Asia. It is located off the coast of southeastern China, separated by the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's territory consists of the main island of Taiwan, the Penghu archipelago, and several smaller islands. The capital and largest city is Taipei. The official language is Mandarin Chinese. Taiwan has a developed economy and is a major global hub for technology and manufacturing, particularly in the semiconductor industry.

The political status of Taiwan is complex and a subject of international dispute. The People's Republic of China (PRC) views Taiwan as a renegade province that must be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. The ROC government on Taiwan asserts its sovereignty and operates as a de facto independent state with its own democratically elected government, constitution, and military. Many countries maintain unofficial diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Taiwan's history is marked by periods of indigenous rule, Dutch and Spanish colonization, Qing Dynasty rule, Japanese occupation, and its current status. The island's culture is a blend of traditional Chinese influences, indigenous heritage, and Japanese and Western elements. Taiwan is known for its vibrant street food culture, natural beauty including mountains and coastlines, and dynamic urban centers.