South China coast.

GMT + 8.

28.6 sq km (11 sq miles).

531,000 (2007).

18,566 per sq km.

Macau.

Macau is situated on a tiny peninsula at the mouth of the Pearl River. Three bridges of 2.5km (1.5 miles), 4.5km (2.8 miles) and 2.2km (1.375 miles) respectively link it to its nearest island, Taipa, which in turn is joined to the island of Côloane by the 2.2km (1.3-mile) Cotai Strip causeway. At the extreme northern end of the peninsula, on a narrow isthmus, is the imposing gateway (Portas do Cerco, or Border Gate), which leads to the Zhuhai and Zhongshan areas of the People's Republic of China. Some 60km (37 miles) to the east-northeast, across the mouth of the river, is Hong Kong. A 29km (18 mile) new bridge linking Macau, Zhuhai and Hong Kong is currently under discussion.

Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China since 1999.

Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau-Wah since 1999.

Previously a Special Territory of Portugal, Macau became a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China on 20 December 1999, with Edmund Ho Hau-Wah appointed Chief Executive. In early 2002, the government broke the monopoly on operating casinos, previously held by local tycoon Stanley Ho, by licensing a handful of new casino operators, including Ho himself and Las Vegas kingpins Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn.

The official languages are Chinese (Cantonese) and Portuguese. English is widely spoken by those engaged in trade, tourism and commerce. Hokkien and Mandarin are also spoken.

The main religions are Buddhism, Roman Catholicism, Protestantism and Taoism. The majority are Buddhists.

Usually 220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Entertaining generally takes place in restaurants and public places. It is rare to be invited to a private home, unless the person is wealthy. Spirits are standard gifts in return for hospitality. Apart from the most formal occasions in restaurants and nightclubs, casual wear is acceptable.