Hong Kong facts

The incredible Hong Kong facts date back to as far as 1841 when Hong Kong was first occupied by none other than the UK during the opium wars! The following year witnessed Hong Kong being formally given up by China. Finally ended the 99-year lease (that began in 1898) and Hong Kong came under Chinese Sovereignty in year 1997. The first day of July 1997 saw Hong Kong being given the status of Special Administrative Region.

Hong Kong continues to enjoy the unique status in all matters except for foreign and defense matters for the next fifty years which is the product of the historic agreement signed between the UK and China which gives Hong Kong the unique status of being “one country with two systems”. That’s why we have 2 languages but 3 dialects; Cantonese, English and Mandarin.

Fast Hong Kong facts

Population: 7,300,000
Ethnicity: Chinese (95%)
Languages: Cantonese, English and Mandarin
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar
Food: Multi-cuisine

Geographic Advantages

Strategically located in eastern Asia, Hong Kong borders China and the South China Sea and covers a total area of just over a thousand kilometers.

Hong Kong in spite of being scarce on natural resources is more than made up by the fact that Hong Kong has a free market economy and is driven by international trade.

The opening of the market and economy of China has contributed significantly to the ever-rising pressure on the service industry of Hong Kong.

Tourists' Paradise

Amongst the better-known facts about Hong Kong is the status of Hong Kong being a tourist friendly land where travelers from certain countries do not even need a visa for stays which may vary from fourteen days to three months.

Hong Kong Currency

The Hong Kong Dollar is fairly stable showing minimal fluctuations. Hong Kong has a ‘tipping’ culture; so be it the waiters in the hotel or whether it is the taxi drivers, all expect a tip; the waiters expect a ten percent while the taxi drivers are content with rounding off to the nearest Hong Kong Dollar with the fare.

Hong Kong industries

Hong Kong displays an abundance of cheap but skilled labor and gradually transcended to become a leader in light manufacturing center. The garment and textile industry is followed by electrical and electronic appliances, manufacture of plastics, watches, metal products, rubber products, toys, jewelry, and chemicals.

Bread and Butter

Hong Kong also does fairly well in heavy industries like shipbuilding, machine tooling, and lots other.

Tourism is another major source of revenue, as also goes motion-picture production, publishing and insurance. Hong Kong has more than 80% revenue coming from service industries.

Diverse Religion

Like any progressive inhabitation Hong Kong has its share of holidays, which range from Boxing Day to Lord Buddha’s birthday. The religious minded amongst the citizens of Hong Kong are predominantly followers of Buddhism with a sprinkling of Christians and Muslims.

The literacy rate of Hong Kong could well be the envy of neighboring countries as it is presently pegged at well over ninety percent.

Unique and Advanced Infrastructure

Hong Kong has grown to provide office space to new businesses, convention center and Highways. The state is headed by the President of China but is actually run by a Chief Executive who is advised by a 60-member legislative council and an Executive Council. Donald Tsang became the Chief Executive of Hong Kong in March 2005. Hong Kong facts: Hong Kong was a fishing port since.

People and Geographic Location

No natural resources. No crude oil and gas. No farming. Not much resource could be found here, except its harbor.

Colonized by the British in 1841, Hong Kong was turned and became an entrepot, a middleman between China and the Western countries. Boats came here for replenishment.

My root begins with a 500,000 people rush

During 1930 - 1950, political slaughters in China made a lot mainland Chinese leave their home and root in Hong Kong. Many of these refugees were business-owners/ landlords whose assets were seized by the Communist.

My grand-parents were amongst these sobering people. They did not know each other before the fleet. Settling in Hong Kong, they were made a blind marriage and later had 8 children – 3 girls and 5 boys who are now in their late 40 or early 50s’.

Unreal stories happen everyday on this little island where people interactions are spontaneous.