The Republic of China, commonly referred to as Taiwan, is an unrecognized but de facto independent island in the East China Sea, east of mainland China, southwest of Japan and northeast of the Philippines. As a political entity, the Republic of China mainly consists of the said island, but it also controls the islands of Kinmen, Matsu and Wuciou. They are located just off the coast of mainland China. They belong to the part of Fujian Province that is under the de facto control of Taiwan.
Official nameTaiwan
CapitalTaipei
Residense23.415.126
Surface35.980 km²
CoinTaiwanese dollar
time differenceUTC +8
The territory of Taiwan includes one large island and a large number of small islands. Taiwan, the common name for Republic of China (not to be confused with the People's Republic of China) is derived from the largest island in the Taiwanese territory. Formerly known as Formosa, this island is also referred to as Taiwan by its inhabitants. Although Taiwan first claimed independence in 1895 and formed its own constitutional democracy, its current political status is still disputed.
