Taiwan

Taiwan is a modern powerhouse with a complicated name tag. Officially called the Republic of China, it’s recognized by only a handful of countries but functions like a sovereign nation in every way that counts. After breaking from mainland China in 1949, Taiwan blossomed into one of Asia’s economic and technological heavyweights. Taipei’s night markets buzz with life, and the island’s Indigenous cultures—like the Amis and Atayal peoples—are experiencing a proud revival. Despite the geopolitical tensions, Taiwan stands firm, vibrant, and determined to chart its own course.