The Asian country formerly known as Formosa is Taiwan. This name was originally used by European explorers in the 16th century, derived from the island's lush, picturesque landscapes. After being colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century and later under Qing Dynasty rule, Taiwan underwent various governmental changes. Post-World War II, Taiwan was placed under the administrative control of the Republic of China (ROC) as the government retreated to the island after losing the Chinese Civil War to the Communists in 1949. Today, Taiwan remains a significant point of geopolitical contention due to its complex relationship with mainland China.