(Chinese Taewan, i.e. Terrace Beach), an island lying about 90 miles off the coast of China, from which it is separated by the channel of Fo-kien. It is about 250 miles in length from N. to S., and 80 in breadth, lying between N. Lat. 22. and 25.30, and E. Long. 120.30. and 122. A volcanic mountain chain, rising to the height of upwards of 12,000 feet, traverses the centre of the island from N. to S., and separates the Chinese portion of it on the W. from the independent portion on the E. Some parts of the coast present bold headlands; but all the W. shore is flat and surrounded with rocks and quicksands, presenting no good harbours, with the exception of Kuling at its northern extremity. The Chinese portion of it is fertile and well watered, and possesses a very salubrious climate. Almost all grains and fruits may be produced on some part of the island, which is familiarly known as the granary of the maritime provinces of China. The rice trade alone with these provinces employs more than 300 vessels. Among its other articles of trade are maize, tobacco, sugar, fruits, timber, salt, sulphur, camphor, cotton, hemp, silk, &c. Of the eastern portion of the island little is known; the inhabitants bear no resemblance to the Chinese, but are apparently allied to the Malay or Polynesian tribes. They are of a slender form, olive complexion, wear long hair, and blacken their teeth. They have no written language, and their religion seems to be confined to a superstitious belief in demons and sorcerers. Many of the aboriginal inhabitants are still to be found on the western portion of the island, living in independent villages; others however have become incorporated with the Chinese settlers, or live in villages of their own, under the general supervision of Chinese officers.

Formosa was unknown to the Chinese till about 1403. About 1634 the Dutch established themselves here, and built Fort Zealand on a small island commanding the harbour of the capital Taewan. After retaining possession of it for 28 years, they were expelled by the famous Chinese rebel Coxinga, whose successors ruled in the island till 1683, when it was taken by the Chinese. Taewan, the capital, stands on the W. coast in N. Lat. 23. E. Long. 120.32; but the entrance of its harbour is now choked up. The population of Formosa is estimated at from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000.