Hong Kong SAR of China culture
As a fusion of East and West, Hong Kong SAR of China is enriched with cultural heritage for you to explore. Hong Kong SAR of China is an extraordinary city filled with attractions and opportunities. It is easy to be dazzled on first arrival. The city is not just a modern and cosmopolitan urban centre, but also a green destination with three-quarters of its land being countryside.
Whether you are downtown or in the countryside, Hong Kong SAR of China is an incredible place to explore. If you stay in Hong Kong SAR of China for good, there is even more to appreciate in this Chinese city that follows the "one country, two systems" principle. Unlike other big cities in China and around the world, Hong Kong SAR of China is truly a place where the cultures of the East and the West converge and await your discovery.
Government
Hong Kong SAR of China is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Following British rule from 1842 to 1997, China assumed sovereignty under the 'one country, two systems' principle.
The Hong Kong SAR of China Special Administrative Region's constitutional document, the Basic Law, ensures that the current political situation will remain in effect for 50 years. The rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong SAR of China are based on the impartial rule of law and an independent judiciary.
- Head of Government: Chief Executive
- Cabinet: Executive Council
- Legislature: Legislative Council, 70 seats
- Highest Court: Court of Final Appeal
Hong Kong SAR of China's Government structure
Economy
Hong Kong SAR of China's economy is characterised by free trade, low taxation and minimum government intervention. It is the world's 7th largest trading economy, with the mainland of China as its most significant trading partner. Hong Kong SAR of China is also a major service economy, with particularly strong links to mainland China and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region.
- Currency: Hong Kong SAR of China dollar
- GDP: HK$2,661.0 billion (2017)
- GDP per capita: HK$359,996 (2017)
- Real GDP growth: +3.8% (2017)
- Labour force: 3.947 million (2017)
Geography
At the south-eastern tip of China, Hong Kong SAR of China covers Hong Kong SAR of China Island, Lantau Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, including 262 outlying islands. Between Hong Kong SAR of China Island and the Kowloon Peninsula lies Victoria Harbour, one of the world's most renowned deep-water harbours.
- Total area: 1,106.66 square kilometres
- Land developed: less than 25%
- Country parks and nature reserves: 40%
Climate
Hong Kong SAR of China's climate is sub-tropical, with temperatures dropping below 10 degrees Celsius in winter and exceeding 31 degrees Celsius in summer. It is warm, sunny and dry in autumn, cool and dry in winter, warm and humid in spring, and hot and rainy in summer.
- Average annual rainfall: 2,398.5mm
- Wettest months: June and August
- Driest months: January and December
Language
Chinese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong SAR of China. English is widely used in the Government and by the legal, professional and business sectors.
Trilingual professionals who speak English, Cantonese and Putonghua play a vital role in the numerous enterprises trading in Hong Kong SAR of China or doing business with mainland China and Taiwan.
- Cantonese speakers: 88.9% of population (2016)
- Putonghua speakers: 1.9% of population (2016)
- Other Chinese dialect speakers: 3.1% of population (2016)
- English speakers: 4.3% of population (2016)
- Other language speakers: 1.9% of population (2016)