The  political status of Taiwan  is contentious.   Despite being a founding member, the Republic of China no longer represents China as a member of the  United Nations  after UN members voted in 1971 to  recognize the Peoples Republic of China  instead.   The ROC maintained its claim of being the sole  legitimate representative of China  and its territory until 1991, when it ceased to  regard the Chinese Communist Party as a rebellious group  and acknowledged its control over mainland China.   Taiwan is claimed by the PRC, which refuses to establish diplomatic relations with countries that recognize the ROC. Taiwan  maintains official diplomatic relations  with 11 out of 193 UN member states and the  Holy See .   Many others maintain unofficial diplomatic ties through  representative offices  and institutions that function as  de facto  embassies and consulates . International organi...

The sender is from New York, but sent a card she bought when visiting the Vatican. It is a commemorative card celebrating the 500 anniversary of the Swiss Guard. They are an armed force and honour guard unit maintained by the Holy See that protects the pop and the Apostolic Palace within the territory of Vatican City. Pope Julius II established the unit in 1506 and is one of the oldest military unites in continuous operation. It is sometimes called the world's smallest army.  The Swiss Guard stand out in their Renaissance-era dress uniform - a tunic striped in red, dark blue, and yellow; high plumed helmet; and the traditional weapon, the halberd. The Guard also dress in functional attire with modern firearms.  The Swiss Guard is considered elite and is highly selective in its recruitment. Candidates must be unmarried Swiss Catholic males between the ages of 19 and 30, and must be a minimum of 1.74 meters talls. Candidates must also have completed basic training with the Swiss...