[204], Hong Kong is the tenth-largest trading entity in exports and imports (2017), trading more goods in value than its gross domestic product. km in the eastern Pearl River Delta of the South China Sea. If you continue to use our services, we will assume that you agree to the use of such cookies. [239], Although public transport systems handle most passenger traffic, there are over 500,000 private vehicles registered in Hong Kong. [92] Under these terms and the "one country, two systems" principle, the Basic Law of Hong Kong is the regional constitution.[93]. Location Map. [3] Code-switching, mixing English and Cantonese in informal conversation, is common among the bilingual population. [138][139] Employment vacancies and public service appointments frequently have language requirements which minority job seekers do not meet, and language education resources remain inadequate for Chinese learners. [105], Twenty-two political parties had representatives elected to the Legislative Council in the 2016 election. [178] The Tin Hau Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu (originally built in 1012 and rebuilt in 1266), is the territory's oldest existing structure. [12][13], Total: 30 km (19 mi)Border city: Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, Guangdong Province [124], The central government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs handle diplomatic matters, but Hong Kong retains the ability to maintain separate economic and cultural relations with foreign nations. [81], Political debates after the transfer of sovereignty have centred around the region's democratic development and the central government's adherence to the "one country, two systems" principle. [177] In 2016, 26.6 million visitors contributed HK$258 billion (US$32.9 billion) to the territory, making Hong Kong the 14th most popular destination for international tourists. [33][34][37] "Fragrant" may refer to the sweet taste of the harbour's freshwater influx from the Pearl River or to the odour from incense factories lining the coast of northern Kowloon. [221] A similar economic partnership with Macau details the liberalisation of trade between the special administrative regions. [11] The territory has a diverse ecosystem; over 3,000 species of vascular plants occur in the region (300 of which are native to Hong Kong), and thousands of insect, avian, and marine species. Autumn is the sunniest season, whilst spring is generally cloudy. [54], After the Qing conquest, maritime trade was banned under the Haijin policies. [133], As of 2020, Hong Kong is considered a flawed democracy that is not fully representative of the population. [309] The Chinese University of Hong Kong was established in 1963 to fill the need for a university that taught using Chinese as its primary language of instruction. Portugal acquired a permanent lease for Macau in 1557. The territory's 1,110.18 km2 (428.64 sq mi)[153] area (2754.97 km2[153] if the maritime area is included) consists of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, Lantau Island, and over 200 other islands. With its strategic location, you can access to most shopping, entertainment, dining or commercial spots in town in a hassle-free way. The central government has a print-media presence in the territory through the state-owned Ta Kung Pao and Wen Wei Po. [70] With a rapidly increasing population, the colonial government began reforms to improve infrastructure and public services. [293][294], Hong Kong represents itself separately from mainland China, with its own sports teams in international competitions. By the early 1990s, Hong Kong had established itself as a global financial centre and shipping hub. The MTR operates its Light Rail system, serving the northwestern New Territories. Hongkonger and foreign women and girls are forced into prostitution in brothels, homes, and businesses in the city. Territorial sea: 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi)Figures published by the United States Central Intelligence Agency[1]. [77] The Legislative Council became a fully elected legislature for the first time in 1995 and extensively expanded its functions and organisations throughout the last years of the colonial rule. The name translates as "fragrant harbour" or "incense harbour". [40] Some corporations founded during the early colonial era still keep this name, including Hongkong Land, Hongkong Electric Company, Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels and the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC). [191] Followers of other religions, including Sikhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and the Baháʼí Faith, generally originate from regions where their religion predominates. [50], The earliest European visitor was Portuguese explorer Jorge Álvares, who arrived in 1513. [199][200], Hong Kong has a capitalist mixed service economy, characterised by low taxation, minimal government market intervention, and an established international financial market. [201] It is the world's 35th-largest economy, with a nominal GDP of approximately US$373 billion. Wolf D. Hartmann, Wolfgang Maennig, Run Wang: Chinas neue Seidenstraße. There are lowlands in the northern part of Hong Kong. [63][64] At the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937, Governor Geoffry Northcote declared Hong Kong a neutral zone to safeguard its status as a free port. [257] The rest is from other imports, including nuclear energy generated in mainland China. [191], Life expectancy in Hong Kong was 82.2 years for males and 87.6 years for females in 2018, the sixth-highest in the world. [189] Post-handover governments have promoted Mandarin, which is currently about as prevalent as English; 48.6 per cent of the population speaks Mandarin, with 1.9 per cent native speakers and 46.7 per cent speaking it as a second language. [32] The Octopus card, a contactless smart payment card, is widely accepted on railways, buses and ferries, and can be used for payment in most retail stores. [215] Between 1961 and 1997 Hong Kong's gross domestic product increased by a factor of 180, and per capita GDP increased by a factor of 87. [39] The name was also commonly written as the single word Hongkong until 1926, when the government officially adopted the two-word name. Hong Kong court finds leading activists guilty of illegal assembly Jimmy Lai and six former opposition legislators face up to 5 years in prison April 1, 2021 19:23 JST With iconic harbor views from every table, the restaurant offers fine quality dining, seamless service and elegant surroundings including a private dining room for 12 and a bar serving Morton's famous Bar Bites menu alongside an award winning wine menu Citation error. Sub-zero temperatures and frost occur at times on high ground and in the New Territories. Hong Kong is characterised as a hybrid of East and West. It is surrounded by the South China Sea on all sides except the north, which neighbours the Guangdong city of Shenzhen along the Sham Chun River. Poultry and seafood are commonly sold live at wet markets, and ingredients are used as quickly as possible. [32], The name of the territory, first romanised as "He-Ong-Kong" in 1780,[35] originally referred to a small inlet located between Aberdeen Island and the southern coast of Hong Kong Island. [303] Of residents aged 15 and older, 81.3 per cent completed lower-secondary education, 66.4 per cent graduated from an upper secondary school, 31.6 per cent attended a non-degree tertiary program, and 24 per cent earned a bachelor's degree or higher. [151], In October 2020, Hong Kong authorities had arrested seven politicians from the pro-democracy camp over its tussles with pro-Beijing politicians during the Legislative Council in May. LOUIS VUITTON Hong Kong Official Website - Explore the World of Louis Vuitton, read our latest News, discover our Women and Men Collections and locate our Stores [125] The territory actively participates in the World Trade Organization, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the International Olympic Committee, and many United Nations agencies. [154] Urban development is concentrated on the Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong Island, and in new towns throughout the New Territories. As seen on the physical map of Hong Kong, it also has several offshore islands including Lantau Island (the largest one), Hong Kong Island, Lamma Island, Cheung Island, Po … Typhoons occur most often then, sometimes resulting in floods or landslides. 60 islands are dispersed around Hong Kong, the largest of which by area is Lantau Island, located southwest of the main peninsula. [289], Western classical music has historically had a strong presence in Hong Kong, and remains a large part of local musical education. Hong Kong International Airport is the sole public airport in the territory, and is mostly located on reclaimed land on the island of Chek Lap Kok. This has caused the distance between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon to decrease. [235], Hong Kong generates most of its electricity locally. Of the total area, 1,073 km2 (414 sq mi) is land and 35 km2 (14 sq mi) is water. Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, can be geographically divided into three territories: Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, and the New Territories. Conrad Hong Kong is a 5-minute walk from Admiralty MTR Station in Hong Kong's Central Business District. Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, at 552 m (1,811 ft) is the 24th highest peak in Hong Kong. [244] Highways, organised with the Hong Kong Strategic Route and Exit Number System, connect all major areas of the territory. [252] Junks, once common in Hong Kong waters, are no longer widely available and are used privately and for tourism. [173] Bagua mirrors are regularly used to deflect evil spirits,[275] and buildings often lack floor numbers with a 4;[276] the number has a similar sound to the word for "die" in Cantonese. Products from mainland China account for about 40 per cent of that traffic. Big 22. These schools are subject to the curriculum guidelines as provided by the Education Bureau. [277], Food in Hong Kong is primarily based on Cantonese cuisine, despite the territory's exposure to foreign influences and its residents' varied origins. [44] Neolithic to Bronze Age Hong Kong settlers were semi-coastal people. Location map of Hong Kong. [297], The Hong Kong Jockey Club, the territory's largest taxpayer,[298] has a monopoly on gambling and provides over seven per cent of government revenue. The predominant language is Cantonese, a variety of Chinese originating in Guangdong. [65] The colonial government prepared for a possible attack, evacuating all British women and children in 1940. [302], The government maintains a policy of "mother tongue instruction"; most schools use Cantonese as the medium of instruction, with written education in both Chinese and English. Concentrations of non-metalliferous minerals that have been commercially exploited include kaolin clay, feldspar, quartz, beryl and graphite. Hong Kong. [22][23] Over half of its cargo throughput consists of transshipments (goods travelling through Hong Kong). [84] Discrepancies in the electoral registry and disqualification of elected legislators after the 2016 Legislative Council elections[85][86][87] and enforcement of national law in the West Kowloon high-speed railway station raised further concerns about the region's autonomy. [304] Mandatory education has contributed to an adult literacy rate of 95.7 per cent. Situated right atop Hong Kong MTR station, the ifc complex is located well enough to allow quick access to the MTR Tung Chung Line as well as the high speed Airport Express. [2] The narrow body of water separating Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula, Victoria Harbour, is one of the deepest natural maritime ports in the world. [190], Among the religious population, the traditional "three teachings" of China, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, have the most adherents (20 per cent), and are followed by Christianity (12 per cent) and Islam (4 per cent). Faced with a drug crisis, Qing officials pursued ever more aggressive actions to halt the opium trade. [156], Undeveloped terrain is hilly to mountainous, with very little flat land, and consists mostly of grassland, woodland, shrubland, or farmland. [6][186] About half the population have some form of British nationality, a legacy of colonial rule; 3.4 million residents have British National (Overseas) status, and 260,000 British citizens live in the territory. With the MTR South Island Line, it takes only 4 minutes from the hotel to Ocean Park or 10 minutes to explore the south side of the Island. [43], During the Middle Neolithic period, about 6,000 years ago, the region had been widely occupied by humans. Settlers from nearby provinces migrated to Kowloon throughout the Ming dynasty. The 30 limited electorate functional constituencies fill their seats using first-past-the-post or instant-runoff voting. [69] Hong Kong became the first of the Four Asian Tiger economies to industrialise during the 1950s. The 1846 Flagstaff House, the former residence of the commanding British military officer, is the oldest Western-style building in Hong Kong. [250] Ferries also serve outlying islands inaccessible by other means. There are a total of 479 district council seats, 452 of which are directly elected. From simple server colocation to tailor-made managed services, we offer complete one-stop solutions. Smaller kai-to boats serve the most remote coastal settlements. [117] Mainland Chinese citizens do not have right of abode in Hong Kong and are subject to immigration controls. [278] Freshness of ingredients is emphasised. [11] Although Hong Kong's economy has ranked at the top of the Heritage Foundation's economic freedom index since 1995,[202][203] the territory has a relatively high level of income disparity. Hong Kong was a British possession for decades until it rejoined China in 1997. The area of Hong Kong is distinct from Mainland China, but is considered part of "Greater China". At the height of the local movie industry in the early 1990s, over 400 films were produced each year; since then, industry momentum shifted to mainland China. [164] The highest and lowest recorded temperatures in all of Hong Kong are 39.0 °C (102 °F) at Wetland Park on 22 August 2017,[165] and −6.0 °C (21.2 °F) at Tai Mo Shan on 24 January 2016. Much of the elderly population were not formally educated due to war and poverty. [74] Diplomatic negotiations with China resulted in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, in which the United Kingdom agreed to transfer the colony in 1997 and China would guarantee Hong Kong's economic and political systems for 50 years after the transfer. Local publications are often politically affiliated, with pro-Beijing or pro-democracy sympathies. Can The New Silk Road Compete With The Maritime Silk Road? [30] The territory's highest point is Tai Mo Shan, 957 metres (3,140 ft) above sea level. The territory was the first market outside mainland China for renminbi-denominated bonds, and is one of the largest hubs for offshore renminbi trading. It is a vibrant cultural and financial center of Chinese society. Hong Kong is 60 km (37 mi) east of Macau, on the opposite side of the Pearl River estuary. [222] Chinese companies have expanded their economic presence in the territory since the transfer of sovereignty. [49] By the end of the Yuan dynasty, seven large families had settled in the region and owned most of the land. Hong Kong Coordinates: 22.281099, 114.175311: Area of Hong Kong: 2,755 sq km (1,064 sq mi) (168th) Population of Hong Kong: 7,496,981 (2020 est. Office Region (field_office_region) [15], Offshore sand bodies have been dredged for aggregate sand and reclamation fill in Hong Kong as the rate of urban development has increased.[16]. See inline comment how to fix. [213] Agricultural activity is 0.1% of GDP, and consists of growing premium food and flower varieties. Help. Although Hong Kong's economy has ranked at the top of the Heritage Foundation's economic freedom index since 1995, the territory has a relatively high level of income disparity. Coordinates: 22°15′N 114°10′E / 22.250°N 114.167°E / 22.250; 114.167. Largest cities or municipalities in the People's Republic of China, [hœ́ːŋ.kɔ̌ːŋ tɐ̀k̚.pìːt̚ hɐ̏ŋ.tsēŋ.kʰɵ́y], [hœ̂ːŋ.kɔ̌ːŋ tɐ̀k̚.pìːt̚ hɐ̏ŋ.tsēŋ.kʰɵ́y], the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Independent Commission Against Corruption, Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Office for Safeguarding National Security of the CPG in the HKSAR, Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Chairman of the Central Military Commission, 14th most popular destination for international tourists, Hong Kong Strategic Route and Exit Number System, eighth-busiest airport by passenger traffic, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road, Legislative Council Disclaimer and Copyright Notice, "Survey and Mapping Office – Circulars and Publications", "Population - Overview | Census and Statistics Department", "World Economic Outlook Database, October 2020", Technical Legislative Amendments on Traffic Arrangements for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge 2017, "World's Richest Cities: The Top 10 Cities Billionaires Call Home", "Country Comparison: GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)", "Hong Kong's worsening housing shortage forces thousands into 'coffin homes, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, "Aquilaria sinensis and origin of the name of Hong Kong", "The Petrology of the Wong Tei Tung Stone Tool Manufacturing Site, Sham Chung, Hong Kong Sar, China", "Pro-China Party Appears Big Loser in Hong Kong Election". Hong Kong's participation in China's 'two sessions' explained", "CY Leung insists housing policy won't cause property crash", "Hong Kong's TVB Targeting New Revenues With OTT Platform, Productions", "How many really marched in Hong Kong? Mass-produced public-housing estates, built since the 1960s, are mainly constructed in modernist style.[182]. [308], Hong Kong has eleven universities. They were charged with contempt and interfering with members of the council, while none of the pro-Beijing lawmakers were detained. 238 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Phone: (+852) 2598 8888 - Fax: (+852) 2598 8866 The remaining population purport mixed identities, 23 per cent as "Hongkonger in China" and 12 per cent as "Chinese in Hong Kong". [3] Traditional Chinese characters are used in writing, rather than the simplified characters used on the mainland. [147][148], In 2020, in a period of large-scale protests, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed the controversial Hong Kong national security law. [44] As hinted by the archaeological works in Sha Ha, Sai Kung, rice cultivation had been introduced since Late Neolithic period. [24] Hong Kong is home to the second-highest number of billionaires of any city in the world,[25] the highest number of billionaires of any city in Asia, and the largest concentration of ultra high-net-worth individuals of any city in the world. Residents predominantly speak, For all government use, documents written using. The Qing were again defeated and forced to give up Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters Island in the Convention of Peking. Dishes include congee, cha siu bao, siu yuk, egg tarts, and mango pudding. February 2006. [143][144][145][146], The Joint Declaration guarantees the Basic Law for 50 years after the transfer of sovereignty. Lee Lai-shan won the territory's first and only Olympic gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. [73] The Kangxi Emperor lifted the prohibition, allowing foreigners to enter Chinese ports in 1684. [267] Although the vast majority of the population is ethnically Chinese, Hong Kong has developed a distinct identity. Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen, Jet Li, Chow Yun-fat, and Michelle Yeoh frequently play action-oriented roles in foreign films. [197] Despite government efforts to reduce the growing disparity,[198] median income for the top 10 per cent of earners is 44 times that of the bottom 10 per cent. [20][e], Originally a sparsely populated area of farming and fishing villages,[16] the territory has become one of the world's most significant financial centres and commercial ports. [301][302] At the end of secondary schooling, all students take a public examination and awarded the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education on successful completion. Arable land: 2.95% The State Council (led by the Premier of China) appoints the Chief Executive after nomination by the Election Committee, which is composed of 1,200 business, community, and government leaders. Hong Kong's climate is subtropical and monsoonal with cool dry winters and hot and wet summers. World-renowned Thai cultural treasures are manifold, not the least of … [243] Bus services operate more than 700 routes across the territory,[236] with smaller public light buses (also known as minibuses) serving areas standard buses do not reach as frequently or directly. Additional natural resources include forest and wildlife. [56] Although European demand for Chinese commodities like tea, silk, and porcelain was high, Chinese interest in European manufactured goods was insignificant, so that Chinese goods could only be bought with precious metals. Use My Location; Asia Pacific. Connections over fibre-optic infrastructure are increasingly prevalent,[263] contributing to the high regional average connection speed of 21.9 Mbit/s (the world's fourth-fastest). [60], Administrative infrastructure was quickly built by early 1842, but piracy, disease, and hostile Qing policies initially prevented the government from attracting commerce. [152], Hong Kong is on China's southern coast, 60 km (37 mi) east of Macau, on the east side of the mouth of the Pearl River estuary. Other: 96.10% (2012 est.) Hong Kong, special administrative region of China, located to the east of the Pearl River estuary on the south coast of China. As of 2006, its annual average rainfall is 2,214 mm (87.2 in), though about 80% of the rain falls between May and September. [123] Hong Kong residents are not required to perform military service and current law has no provision for local enlistment, so its defence is composed entirely of non-Hongkongers. Secondary schools emphasise "bi-literacy and tri-lingualism", which has encouraged the proliferation of spoken Mandarin language education. [207] The territory's largest export markets are mainland China and the United States. The incense was stored near Aberdeen Harbour for export before Victoria Harbour developed. [226] Hong Kong is a gateway for foreign direct investment in China, giving investors open access to mainland Chinese markets through direct links with the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges. [231] The city is ranked as one of the most expensive cities for expatriates. [188] Headline population density of about 6,800 people/km2 does not reflect true densities since only 6.9% of land is residential, the residential average population density calculates closer to a highly cramped 100,000/km2. [134] Although universal suffrage for Chief Executive and all Legislative Council elections are defined goals of Basic Law Articles 45 and 68,[135] the legislature is only partially directly elected and the executive continues to be nominated by an unrepresentative body. [55] Qing authorities established the Canton System in 1757 to regulate trade more strictly, restricting non-Russian ships to the port of Canton. Hong Kong Survey & Mapping Office, Lands Department. [282] When Bruce Lee's Way of the Dragon was released in 1972, local productions became popular outside Hong Kong. [28][29], Hong Kong is a highly developed territory and ranks fourth on the UN Human Development Index. [251] Ferry travel to Macau and mainland China is also available. Traditional Chinese values emphasising family and education blend with Western ideals, including economic liberty and the rule of law. [109] Hong Kong is represented in the National People's Congress by 36 deputies chosen through an electoral college, and 203 delegates in the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference appointed by the central government. [298], Education in Hong Kong is largely modelled after that of the United Kingdom, particularly the English system. [175] However, many examples of European and Lingnan architecture are still found throughout the territory. Hong Kong and its 260 territorial islands and peninsulas are located at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta. [254] The Central and Western District has an extensive system of escalators and moving pavements, including the Mid-Levels escalator (the world's longest outdoor covered escalator system). In November and December there are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. [320] TVB, Hong Kong's dominant television network, has an 80 per cent viewer share. Hong Kong has a capitalist mixed service economy, characterised by low taxation, minimal government market intervention, and an established international financial market. [38], The simplified name Hong Kong was frequently used by 1810. Further from Victoria Harbour and the coast, the landscape of Hong Kong is fairly hilly to mountainous with steep slopes. [118] Public finances are handled separately from the national government; taxes levied in Hong Kong do not fund the central authority.