The former name of Taiwan is FORMOSA, which is a seven-letter word. FORMOSA was the name given to Taiwan by Portuguese sailors in the 16th century, and it means 'BEAUTIFUL' in Portuguese. The name was used by the Japanese during their occupation of Taiwan from 1895 to 1945, and it was also used by the Republic of China when they took control of Taiwan in 1945. Today, the official name of Taiwan is the Republic of China.