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Formerly called ‘Formosa’ (Portuguese for ‘beautiful’), Taiwan is relatively small, although its population numbers almost 23 million, making it the second most densely populated country in the world after Bangladesh. A gateway to the massive Chinese market, Taiwan has a strong relationship with the West and is keen to increase links with Europe. 2004 was the Year of Tourism in Taiwan and the country has since focused on promoting its historical and cultural treasures in a bid to attract more tourists. Taiwan certainly has plenty to offer, from truly unique scenery to exciting sporting activities and colorful festivals, not to mention the most varied Chinese food on earth. Taipei, the capital city, has a long established reputation as a gourmet’s paradise, boasting cuisine from every region of China. More recently, it has also become home to new boutique hotels and trendy bars that have sprung up in a flurry of construction culminating in the opening of the ‘world’s tallest building’, Taipei 101. The constructing of parks and much needed infrastructure in also underway. Previously colonized by Japan, modern day Taiwan only came into existence in 1949, when 2 million nationalists fled here from the mainland, following defeat by the communists. The political issue of its relationship with China remains a sticking point in international relations, with both sides prone to exchanging rhetoric and political point scoring on a regular basis. Taipei has warm weather year round, with high humidity and the occasional typhoon.

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Available Tours to Taiwan: Taiwan's North East Coast  -  $4145, 8 days