Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Ilha Formosa

With more than 165 mountains over 3000 metres above sea level, Taiwan is one of the most mountainous islands. In the 16th century, the Portuguese named the island "Ilha Formosa", meaning "Beautiful Island". Most of Taiwan's population lives in the plains in the west.

share certificate of the Taiwan Industries company
Red seals on the left, a Japanese style embossed seal at right upper corner
click image for details

This Japanese 500 Yen share certificate from the Taiwan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (Tawain Industries Co), dated 1940, depicts the island of Taiwan in the delicate underprint (see detail below). The borders show images of rolls and leafs, which suggests the company might have been a producer of paper.


This NASA pictures was taken on December 15, 2002.
The form of the island is often referred to as the Sweet Potato. 

After the First Sino-Japanese War in 1895, Taiwan was ceded to Japan by the Qing court. At the end of World War II, Japan renounced all claims over its former colony Taiwan. After that, Taiwan quickly developed into an industrialized country and has become known as one of the Four Asian Tigers.


F.L.

1 comment: