Hong Kong

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🌆 Hong Kong – Asia’s Global City

Hong Kong is a vibrant metropolis and Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, renowned for its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, towering skyline, and dynamic economy. Situated on the southern coast of China, it encompasses Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and over 200 outlying islands. As of 2023, Hong Kong has a population of approximately 7.5 million people, making it one of the most densely populated regions globally. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

📜 Historical Background

Originally a collection of fishing villages, Hong Kong became a British colony in 1842 following the First Opium War. The territory expanded with the addition of the Kowloon Peninsula in 1860 and the leasing of the New Territories in 1898. After over 150 years of British rule, sovereignty was transferred to China on July 1, 1997, under the “one country, two systems” principle, allowing Hong Kong to maintain its own legal and economic systems. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

🌍 Geography & Urban Landscape

Hong Kong’s terrain is predominantly mountainous, with limited flat land, leading to a highly vertical urban development. The region boasts a stunning skyline, particularly around Victoria Harbour, which separates Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Notable geographical features include Tai Mo Shan, the highest peak at 957 meters, and numerous country parks that cover about 40% of the land area, offering a haven for biodiversity. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

💼 Economy & Infrastructure

Hong Kong is a leading international financial center with a free-market economy characterized by low taxation and minimal government intervention. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is among the largest globally. The city boasts a highly developed infrastructure, including an extensive public transportation system where over 90% of daily journeys are made via public transit, the highest rate worldwide. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

🗣️ Language & Culture

The official languages are Chinese and English, with Cantonese being the most widely spoken. Hong Kong’s culture is a rich tapestry that blends traditional Chinese practices with colonial British influences, evident in its legal system, education, and lifestyle. The city is also famous for its culinary scene, offering a diverse array of cuisines and the traditional dim sum experience. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

📚 Learn More

For a comprehensive overview of Hong Kong’s history, geography, economy, and culture, visit the Wikipedia article.

Hong Kong (Wikipedia)

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. With 7.5 million residents in a 1,114-square-kilometre (430 sq mi) territory, Hong Kong is the fourth most densely populated region in the world.

Hong Kong
香港
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
Other official names
Location of Hong Kong
Location of Hong Kong within China
Sovereign stateChina
British possession26 January 1841
Treaty of Nanking29 August 1842
Convention of Peking24 October 1860
New Territories lease9 June 1898
Imperial Japanese occupation25 December 1941 to 30 August 1945
Re-designated as a British Dependent Territory1 January 1981
Sino-British Joint Declaration19 December 1984
Handover to China1 July 1997
Administrative centreTamar
Largest district
by population
Sha Tin
Official languages
Traditional Chinese
English alphabet
Ethnic groups
(2021)
91.6% Chinese
2.7% Filipino
1.9% Indonesian
0.8% White
0.6% Indian
0.4% Nepalese
2% other
Demonym(s)
GovernmentDevolved executive-led government within a unitary one-party state
John Lee
Eric Chan
Andrew Leung
Andrew Cheung
LegislatureLegislative Council
National representation
36 deputies
203 delegates
Area
• Total
2,754.97 km2 (1,063.70 sq mi) (168th)
• Water (%)
59.70%
(1,640.62 km2;
633.45 sq mi)
• Land
1,114.35 km2
(430.25 sq mi)
Highest elevation957 m (3,140 ft)
Lowest elevation0 m (0 ft)
Population
• 2023 estimate
Neutral increase 7,498,100
• 2021 census
Neutral increase 7,413,070
• Density
6,801/km2 (17,614.5/sq mi) (4th)
GDP (PPP)2024 estimate
• Total
Increase $569.830 billion (49th)
• Per capita
Increase $75,128 (17th)
GDP (nominal)2024 estimate
• Total
Increase $401.751 billion (41st)
• Per capita
Decrease $53,165 (20th)
Gini (2021)Positive decrease 39.7
medium
HDI (2023)Decrease 0.955
very high · 8th
CurrencyHong Kong dollar (HK$) (HKD)
Time zoneUTC+08:00 (HKT)
Date formatdd/mm/yyyy
yyyy年mm月dd日
Mains electricity220 V–50 Hz
Driving sideLeft
Calling code+852
ISO 3166 code
Internet TLD
Number plate prefixesNone for local vehicles, 粤Z for cross-boundary vehicles

Hong Kong was established as a colony of the British Empire after the Qing dynasty ceded Hong Kong Island in 1841–1842 as a consequence of losing the First Opium War. The colony expanded to the Kowloon Peninsula in 1860 and was further extended when the United Kingdom obtained a 99-year lease of the New Territories in 1898. Hong Kong was occupied by Japan from 1941 to 1945 during World War II. The territory was handed over from the United Kingdom to China in 1997. Hong Kong maintains separate governing and economic systems from that of mainland China under the principle of one country, two systems.

Originally a sparsely populated area of farming and fishing villages, the territory is now one of the world's most significant financial centres and commercial ports. Hong Kong is the world's third-ranked global financial centre (behind New York City and London), ninth-largest exporter, and eighth-largest importer. Its currency, the Hong Kong dollar, is the ninth most traded currency in the world. Home to the second-highest number of billionaires of any city in the world, Hong Kong has the largest number of ultra high-net-worth individuals. Although the city has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, severe income inequality exists among the population. Despite being the city with the most skyscrapers in the world, housing in Hong Kong is consistently in high demand.

Hong Kong is a highly developed territory and has a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.955, ranking eighth in the world and currently the only place in Asia to be in the top ten. The city has the highest life expectancy in the world, and a public transport usage exceeding 90 per cent.


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