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Location
East Asia.
Time
GMT + 8.
Area
1,098 sq km (424 sq miles).
Population
7 million (Hong Kong Government estimate 2006).
Population Density
6,375.2 per sq km.
Geography
Hong Kong is located in East Asia, just south of the Tropic of Cancer. Hong Kong Island is 32km (20 miles) east of the mouth of Pearl River and 135km (84 miles) southeast of Canton. It is separated from the mainland by a good natural harbour. Hong Kong Island was ceded to Britain in 1842 by the Treaty of Nanking; and the Kowloon Peninsula (south of Boundary Street and Stonecutters Island) in 1860 by the Convention of Peking. The area of Boundary Street to Shenzhen River and a group of 260 islands, now known as the New Territories, were leased to Britain in 1898 for a period of 99 years. The New Territories (plus the 260 islands) comprise 891 sq km (380 sq miles). Shortage of land suitable for development has led to reclamation from the sea, principally from the seafronts of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
Government
Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China since 1997.
Head of Government
Chief Executive Donald Tsang since 2005.
Recent History
The pro-Beijing Democratic Party for the Betterment of Hong Kong (DAB) took control of the Legislative Council (LegCo) after the first election held under Chinese rule in May 1998. Beijing selected shipping tycoon Tung Chee Hwa to fill the new post of Chief Executive. He resigned in March 2005 during his second term after criticism of his rule, citing ill health. Donald Tsang was appointed Chief Executive in June 2005.
Since 2003, there have been protests calling for more democracy. In March 2006, Bishop Joseph Zen, the pro-democracy leader of Hong Kong's Catholics, was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI but was warned by Beijing to stay out of politics. More protests followed in July 2006.
Since 2003, there have been protests calling for more democracy. In March 2006, Bishop Joseph Zen, the pro-democracy leader of Hong Kong's Catholics, was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI but was warned by Beijing to stay out of politics. More protests followed in July 2006.
Language
Chinese and English are the official languages, with Cantonese most widely spoken. English is spoken by many, particularly in business circles.
Religion
Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist, with Christian and Muslim minorities, but there are also places of worship for most other religious groups.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Social Conventions
Handshaking is the common form of greeting. In Hong Kong, the family name comes first, so Wong Man Ying would be addressed as Mr Wong. Most entertaining takes place in restaurants rather than in private homes. Normal courtesies should be observed when visiting someone's home. During a meal, a toast is often drunk saying Yum Sing at each course. There may be up to 12 courses served in a meal, and although it is not considered an insult to eat sparingly, a good appetite is always appreciated and it is considered cordial to taste every dish. It is customary to invite the host to a return dinner. Informal wear is acceptable. Some restaurants and social functions often warrant formal attire. Smoking is widely acceptable and only prohibited where specified. Police who speak English have a red shoulder badge.
