Hong Kong

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  (Redirected from Hong kong)
Jump to: navigation, search
"HK" redirects here. For other uses, see HK (disambiguation).

Coordinates: 22°16′42″N 114°9′32″E / 22.27833°N 114.15889°E / 22.27833; 114.15889

 This article contains Chinese text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Chinese characters.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China [1]
中華人民共和國 香港特別行政區
A flag with a white 5-petalled flower design on solid red background A red circular emblem, with a white 5-petalled flower design in the centre, and surrounded by the words "Hong Kong" and "中華人民共和國香港特別行政區"
Flag Emblem
Anthem: March of the Volunteers
《義勇軍進行曲》
A panorama overlooking the skyscrapers of Hong Kong at night, with Victoria Harbour in the background
View at night from Victoria Peak
Hong Kong is situated on a peninsula and series of islands on the south coast of China, to the east of the Pearl River Delta and bordered to the north by Guangdong province
Official language(s) Chinese, English[2]
Spoken languages
Demonym Hongkonger
Government Non-sovereign partial democracy with unelected executive
 -  Chief Executive Donald Tsang
 -  Chief Justice Andrew Li
 -  President of the
Legislative Council		 Jasper Tsang
Legislature Legislative Council
Establishment
 -  Treaty of Nanking 29 August 1842 
 -  Japanese occupation of Hong Kong 25 December 1941 –
15 August 1945 
 -  Transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong 1 July 1997 
Area
 -  Total 1,104 km2 (179th)
426 sq mi 
 -  Water (%) About 60%
Population
 -  2009 estimate 7,055,071[3] (98th)
 -  2009 census 7,026,400 
 -  Density 6460/km2 (4rd)
15,737.9/sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2008 estimate
 -  Total $293.311 billion[4] (38th)
 -  Per capita $44,413[4] (10th)
GDP (nominal) 2008 estimate
 -  Total US$223.764 billion[4] (37th)
 -  Per capita US$31,849[4] (27th)
Gini (2007) 43.4[5] 
HDI (2007) ▲ 0.944[6] ( very high) (24th)
Currency Hong Kong dollar (HKD)
Time zone HKT (UTC+8)
Date formats yyyy年m月d日 (Chinese)
dd-mm-yyyy (English)
Drives on the left
Internet TLD .hk
Calling code +852

Hong Kong[7] (Chinese: 香港) is one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China; the other is Macau. Situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea,[8] it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour. With land mass of 1,104 km2 (426 sq mi) and a population of seven million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.[9] Hong Kong's population is 95% ethnic Chinese and 5% from other groups.[10] Hong Kong's Han majority originate mainly from Guangzhou and Taishan, both cities in neighbouring Guangdong province.[11]

Under the principle of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong runs on economic and political systems different from those of mainland China.[12] Hong Kong is one of the world's leading international financial centres, with a major capitalist service economy characterised by low taxation, free trade and minimum government intervention under the ethos of positive non-interventionism.[13] The Hong Kong dollar is the 9th most traded currency in the world.[14]

Hong Kong's independent judiciary functions under the common law framework.[15] Its political system is governed by the Basic Law of Hong Kong, its constitutional document. Although it has a burgeoning multi-party system, half of its legislature is controlled by small-circle electorate. The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, the head of government, is selected by an 800-person election committee.[16]

Hong Kong became a colony of the British Empire after the First Opium War (1839–42). Originally confined to Hong Kong Island, the colony's boundaries were extended in stages to the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories by 1898. It was occupied by Japan during the Pacific War, after which the British resumed control until 1997, when China regained sovereignty.[17][18] The Basic Law stipulates that Hong Kong shall enjoy a "high degree of autonomy" in all matters except foreign relations and military defence.[19]

Contents

History

Main article: History of Hong Kong

Hong Kong began as a coastal island geographically located in southern China. While small settlements had taken place in the Hong Kong region, with archaeological findings dating back thousands of years, regularly written records were not made until the engagement of Imperial China and the British colony in the territory. Starting out as a fishing village, salt production site and trading ground,[20] it would evolve into a military port of strategic importance and eventually an international financial centre.

ancient sepia image of elevated view of a city and its harbour
Hong Kong in the late nineteenth century was a major trading post of the British Empire.

Human settlement in the area now known as Hong Kong dates back to the late Paleolithic and early Neolithic era,[21] but the name Hong Kong (香港) did not appear on written record until the Treaty of Nanking of 1842.[22] The area's earliest recorded European visitor was Jorge Álvares, a Portuguese explorer who arrived in 1513.[23][24]

In 1839, the refusal by Qing Dynasty authorities to import opium resulted in the First Opium War between China and Britain. Hong Kong Island became occupied by British forces in 1841, and was formally ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Nanking at the end of the war. The British established a crown colony with the founding of Victoria City the following year. In 1860, after China's defeat in the Second Opium War, the Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutter's Island were ceded to Britain under the Convention of Peking. In 1898, under the terms of the Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory, Britain obtained a 99-year lease of Lantau Island and the adjacent northern lands, which became known as the New Territories.[25] Hong Kong's territory has remained unchanged to the present.

During the first half of the 20th century, Hong Kong was a free port, serving as an entrepôt of the British Empire. The British introduced an education system based on their own model, while the local Chinese population had little contact with the European community of wealthy tai-pans settled near Victoria Peak.[25]

In conjunction with its military campaign in the Second World War, the Empire of Japan invaded Hong Kong on 8 December 1941. The Battle of Hong Kong ended with British and Canadian defenders surrendering control of the colony to Japan on 25 December. During the Japanese occupation, civilians suffered widespread food shortages, rationing, and hyper-inflation due to forced exchange of currency for military notes. Hong Kong lost more than half of its population in the period between the invasion and Japan's surrender in 1945, when the United Kingdom resumed control of the colony.[26]

Hong Kong's population recovered quickly as a wave of migrants from China arrived for refuge from the ongoing Chinese Civil War. When the People's Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949, more migrants fled to Hong Kong in fear of persecution by the Communist Party.[25] Many corporations in Shanghai and Guangzhou also shifted their operations to Hong Kong.[25]

As textile and manufacturing industries grew with the help of population growth and low cost of labour, Hong Kong rapidly industrialised, with its economy becoming driven by exports, and living standards rising steadily.[27] The construction of Shek Kip Mei Estate in 1953 marked the beginning of the public housing estate programme, designed to cope with the huge influx of immigrants. Trade in Hong Kong accelerated even further when Shenzhen, immediately north of Hong Kong, became a special economic zone of the PRC, and established Hong Kong as the main source of foreign investment to China.[28] With the development of the manufacturing industry in southern China beginning in the early 1980s, Hong Kong's competitiveness in manufacturing declined and its economy began shifting toward a reliance on the service industry, which enjoyed high rates of growth in the 1980s and 1990s, and absorbed workers released from the manufacturing industry.[29]

In 1983, Hong Kong was reclassified from a British crown colony to a dependent territory. However with the lease of the New Territories due to expire within two decades, the governments of Britain and China were already discussing the issue of Hong Kong's sovereignty. In 1984 the two countries signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration, agreeing to transfer sovereignty to the People's Republic of China in 1997,[25] and stipulating that Hong Kong would be governed as a special administrative region, retaining its laws and a high degree of autonomy for at least fifty years after the transfer. The Hong Kong Basic Law, which would serve as the constitutional document after the transfer, was ratified in 1990, and the transfer of sovereignty occurred at midnight on 1 July 1997, marked by a handover ceremony at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.[25]

Hong Kong's economy was affected by the Asian financial crisis, and the H5N1 avian influenza, both in 1997. After a gradual recovery, Hong Kong suffered again due to an outbreak of SARS in 2003.[30] Today, Hong Kong continues to serve as an important global financial centre, but faces uncertainty over its future role with a growing mainland China economy, and its relationship with the PRC government in areas such as democratic reform and universal suffrage.[31]

Etymology

The characters "香港"
 Pronunciation

The name "Hong Kong" is an approximate phonetic rendering of the Cantonese pronunciation of the spoken Cantonese or Hakka name "香港", meaning "fragrant harbour" in English.[32]

Before 1842, the name Hong Kong originally referred to a small inlet (now Aberdeen Harbour/Little Hong Kong) between the island of Ap Lei Chau and the south side of Hong Kong Island. The inlet was one of the first points of contact between British sailors and local fishermen.[33]

The reference to fragrance may refer to the harbour waters sweetened by the fresh water estuarine influx of the Pearl River, or to the incense factories lining the coast to the north of Kowloon, which was stored around Aberdeen Harbour for export, before the development of Victoria Harbour.[32] In 1842, the Treaty of Nanking was signed, and the name Hong Kong was first recorded on official documents to encompass the entirety of the island.[34]

Governance

Main articles: Politics of Hong Kong, Government of Hong Kong, and Elections in Hong Kong

HongKongLegcoBuilding2.jpg

Government House rightview.jpg
Top: The Legislative Council of Hong Kong.
Bottom: Government House, the official residence of the Chief Executive.

In accordance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration, and reflecting the policy known as "one country, two systems", Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy as a special administrative region in all areas except defence and foreign affairs.[35] The declaration stipulates that the region maintain its capitalist economic system and guarantees the rights and freedoms of its people for at least 50 years beyond the 1997 handover.[36] The Basic Law is the constitutional document that outlines the executive, legislative and judicial authorities of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, although final authority for interpreting the Basic Law rests with the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.[37]

The primary institutions of government are:

The implementation of the Basic Law and universal suffrage have been major issues of political debate since the transfer of sovereignty. In 2002, the government's proposed anti-subversion bill pursuant to Article 23 of the Basic Law, which required the enactment of laws prohibiting acts of treason and subversion against the Chinese government, was met with fierce opposition, and eventually shelved.[19][42][43] Debate between pro-Beijing groups and Pan-democracy camp characterises Hong Kong's political scene, with the latter supporting a faster pace of democratisation.[44]

Legal system and judiciary

Main articles: Law of Hong Kong and Judiciary of Hong Kong
A red brick building viewed from a low angle
The Court of Final Appeal in Central is the supreme court of Hong Kong.

In contrast to mainland China's civil law system, Hong Kong continues to follow the English Common Law tradition established during British rule. Her legal system is completely independent from the legal system of China.[45] Hong Kong's courts are permitted to refer to decisions rendered by courts of other common law jurisdictions as precedents,[15] and judges from other common law jurisdictions are allowed to sit as non-permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal.[15]

Structurally, Hong Kong's court system consists of the Court of Final Appeal, the High Court, which is made up of the Court of Appeal and the Court of First Instance, and the District Court, which includes the Family Court.[41] Other adjudicative bodies include the Lands Tribunal, the Magistrates' Courts, the Juvenile Court, the Coroner's Court, the Labour Tribunal, the Small Claims Tribunal, and the Obscene Articles Tribunal.[41] Justices of the Court of Final Appeal are appointed by Hong Kong's Chief Executive.[15]

The Department of Justice is the government department responsible for handling legal matters, and its responsibilities involve providing legal advice to the government, criminal prosecution, civil representation, legal and policy drafting and reform, and international legal cooperation between different jurisdictions.[45] Apart from prosecuting criminal cases, lawyers of the Department of Justice also appear in court on behalf of the government in all civil and administrative lawsuits against the government.[45] As protector of the public interest, it may apply for judicial reviews and may intervene in any cases involving greater public interest.[46] The Basic Law, which serves as the constitutional document of the Hong Kong SAR, protects the Department of Justice from any interference by the government when exercising its control over criminal prosecution.[47]

Administrative districts

New Territories Islands Kwai Tsing North Sai Kung Sha Tin Tai Po Tsuen Wan Tuen Mun Yuen Long Kowloon Kowloon City Kwun Tong Sham Shui Po Wong Tai Sin Yau Tsim Mong Hong Kong Island Central and Western Eastern Southern Wan Chai Islands Islands Islands Islands Islands Islands Islands Islands Islands Islands Islands Kwai Tsing North Sai Kung Sai Kung Sai Kung Sai Kung Sai Kung Sai Kung Sai Kung Sha Tin Tai Po Tai Po Tai Po Tai Po Tai Po Tai Po Tsuen Wan Tsuen Wan Tsuen Wan Tuen Mun Tuen Mun Tuen Mun Tuen Mun Yuen Long Kowloon City Kwun Tong Sham Shui Po Wong Tai Sin Yau Tsim Mong Central and Western Eastern Southern Southern Wan ChaiThe main territory of Hong Kong consists of a peninsula bordered to the north by Guangdong province, an island to the south east of the peninsula, and a smaller island to the south. These areas are surrounded by numerous much smaller islands.
 Statistics
Main article: Districts of Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a unitary system of government, no local government exists since the two municipal councils were abolished in 2000. As such there is no formal definition for its cities and towns. Administratively, Hong Kong is subdivided into 18 geographic districts, each represented by a district council whose role is to advise the government on local matters such as public facilities, community programmes, cultural activities and environmental improvements.[50]

There are a total of 534 district councils seats, 405 of which are elected, while the rest are appointed by the Chief Executive and 27 ex officio chairmen of rural committees.[50] The government's Home Affairs Department communicates government policies and plans to the public through the district offices.[51]

Military

Main articles: Hong Kong Military Service Corps and People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison

As a British Colony and later territory, defence was provided by the British military under the command of the Governor of Hong Kong who was ex officio Commander-in-chief.[52] When the People's Republic of China assumed sovereignty in 1997, the British barracks were replaced by a garrison of the People's Liberation Army, comprising ground, naval, and air forces, and under the command of the Chinese Central Military Commission.[18]

The Basic Law protects local civil affairs against interference by the garrison, and members of the garrison are made subject to Hong Kong laws. The Hong Kong Government remains responsible for the maintenance of public order; however, it may request the PRC government for help from the garrison in maintaining public order and in disaster relief. The PRC government is responsible for the costs of maintaining the garrison.[19]

Geography and climate

Main articles: Geography of Hong Kong, Environment of Hong Kong, and Climate of Hong Kong
natural slopes with conurbation in the distance
The hilly terrain of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island
Topographical satellite image with enhanced colours showing areas of vegetation and conurbation. Purple areas around the coasts indicate the areas of urban development.
Areas of urban development and vegetation are visible in this false-colour satellite image.

Hong Kong is located on China's south coast, 60 km (37 mi) east of Macau on the opposite side of the Pearl River Delta. It is surrounded by the South China Sea on the east, south, and west, and borders the Guangdong city of Shenzhen to the north over the Shenzhen River. The territory's 1,104 km2 (426 sq mi) area consists of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and over 200 offshore islands, of which the largest is Lantau Island. Of the total area, 1,054 km2 (407 sq mi) is land and 50 km2 (19 sq mi) is inland water. In addition Hong Kong claims territorial waters to a distance of 3 nautical miles (5.6 km). The land area makes Hong Kong the 179th largest inhabited territory in the world.[3][8]

As much of Hong Kong's terrain is hilly to mountainous with steep slopes, less than 25% of the territory's landmass is developed, and about 40% of the remaining land area is reserved as country parks and nature reserves.[53] Most of the territory's urban development exists on Kowloon peninsula, along the northern edge of Hong Kong Island and in scattered settlements throughout the New Territories.[54] The highest elevation in the territory is at Tai Mo Shan, at a height of 957 metres (3,140 ft) above sea level.[55] Hong Kong's long, irregular and curvaceous coast line provides it with many bays, rivers and beaches.[56]

Despite Hong Kong's reputation of being intensely urbanised, the territory has made much effort to promote a green environment,[57] and recent growing public concern has prompted the severe restriction of further land reclamation from Victoria Harbour. Awareness of the environment is growing as Hong Kong suffers from increasing pollution compounded by its geography and tall buildings. Approximately 80% of the city's smog originates from other parts of the Pearl River Delta.[58]

Situated just south of the Tropic of Cancer, Hong Kong's climate is humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cwa). Summer is hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms, and warm air coming from the southwest. It is also the time when typhoons are most likely, sometimes resulting in flooding or landslides. Winter weather usually starts sunny and becomes cloudier towards February, with the occasional cold front bringing strong, cooling winds from the north. The most pleasant seasons are spring, although changeable, and autumn, which is generally sunny and dry.[59] Hong Kong averages 1,948 hours of sunshine per year,[60] while the highest and lowest ever recorded temperatures at the Hong Kong Observatory are 36.1 °C (97.0 °F) and 0.0 °C (32.0 °F), respectively.[61]

panorama: looking down on a city of skyscrapers, land mass in the distance separated by a body of water
A view from Hong Kong Island, looking north over Central district, the harbour and Kowloon
Climate data for Hong Kong
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 18.6
(65.5)		 18.6
(65.5)		 21.5
(70.7)		 25.1
(77.2)		 28.4
(83.1)		 30.4
(86.7)		 31.3
(88.3)		 31.1
(88)		 30.2
(86.4)		 27.7
(81.9)		 24.0
(75.2)		 20.3
(68.5)		 25.6
(78.1)
Daily mean °C (°F) 16.1
(61)		 16.3
(61.3)		 18.9
(66)		 22.5
(72.5)		 25.8
(78.4)		 27.9
(82.2)		 28.7
(83.7)		 28.4
(83.1)		 27.6
(81.7)		 25.3
(77.5)		 21.4
(70.5)		 17.8
(64)		 23.1
(73.6)
Average low °C (°F) 14.1
(57.4)		 14.4
(57.9)		 16.9
(62.4)		 20.6
(69.1)		 23.9
(75)		 26.1
(79)		 26.7
(80.1)		 26.4
(79.5)		 25.6
(78.1)		 23.4
(74.1)		 19.4
(66.9)		 15.7
(60.3)		 21.1
(70)
Rainfall mm (inches) 24.9
(0.98)		 52.3
(2.059)		 71.4
(2.811)		 188.5
(7.421)		 329.5
(12.972)		 388.1
(15.28)		 374.4
(14.74)		 444.6
(17.504)		 287.5
(11.319)		 151.9
(5.98)		 35.1
(1.382)		 34.5
(1.358)		 2,382.7
(93.807)
% Humidity 73 78 82 83 84 82 81 82 79 74 70 69 78.1
Avg. rainy days (≥ 0.1 mm) 5.60 9.47 10.47 11.67 15.47 18.77 17.77 17.43 14.80 8.10 5.67 4.27 139.49
Sunshine hours 141.7 93.8 89.6 101.8 138.6 158.3 214.9 189.7 171.8 191.1 178.2 173.3 1,842.9
Source: Hong Kong Observatory [62]

Economy

Main article: Economy of Hong Kong
brightly lit very tall skyscraper at night
The International Finance Centre in Central

Hong Kong was once described by Milton Friedman as the world’s greatest experiment in laissez-faire capitalism[63], and it maintains a highly developed capitalist economy, ranked the freest in the world by the Index of Economic Freedom for 15 consecutive years.[64][65][66] It is an important centre for international finance and trade, with one of the greatest concentration of corporate headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region, and is known as one of the Four Asian Tigers for its high growth rates and rapid development between the 1960s and 1990s. In addition, Hong Kong's gross domestic product, between 1961 and 1997, has grown by 180 times while per capita GDP rose by 87 times.[67][68][69]

The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is the sixth largest in the world, with a market capitalisation of US$2.97 trillion as at October 2007. In 2009, Hong Kong raised 22 percent of worldwide IPO capital, making it the largest centre of initial public offerings in the world.[70] Hong Kong's currency is the Hong Kong dollar, which has been pegged to the U.S. dollar since 1983.[71]

The Government of Hong Kong has traditionally played a mostly passive role in the economy, with little by way of industrial policy and almost no import or export controls. Market forces and the private sector were allowed to determine practical development. Under the official policy of "positive non-interventionism", Hong Kong is often cited as an example of laissez-faire capitalism. Following the Second World War, Hong Kong industrialised rapidly as a manufacturing centre driven by exports, and then underwent a rapid transition to a service-based economy in the 1980s.[72] There were always, however, significant deviations from pure market theory, with a government monopoly on the supply of land, and very tight concentrations of business activity in some sectors, as well as the monopolistic Jockey Club.[63]

Hong Kong matured to become a financial centre in the 1990s, but was greatly affected by the Asian financial crisis in 1998, and again in 2003 by the SARS outbreak. A revival of external and domestic demand has led to a strong recovery, as cost decreases strengthened the competitiveness of Hong Kong exports and a long deflationary period ended.[73][74]

However, initiated by the later colonial governments and continued since 1997, government intervention has steadily increased, with the introduction of export credit guarantees, a compulsory pension scheme, a minimum wage, anti-discrimination laws and a state mortgage backer.[63]

The territory has little arable land and few natural resources, so it imports most of its food and raw materials. Hong Kong is the world's eleventh largest trading entity,[75] with the total value of imports and exports exceeding its gross domestic product. Hong Kong is the world's largest re-export centre.[76] Much of Hong Kong's exports consist of re-exports, which are products made outside of the territory, especially in mainland China, and distributed via Hong Kong. Even before the transfer of sovereignty, Hong Kong had established extensive trade and investment ties with the mainland, and now enables it to serve as a point of entry for investment flowing into the mainland. At the end of 2007, there were 3.46 million people employed full-time, with the unemployment rate averaging 4.1%, the fourth straight year of decline.[77] Hong Kong's economy is dominated by the service sector, which accounts for over 90% of its GDP, while industry now constitutes just 9%. Inflation was at 2% in 2007, and Hong Kong's largest export markets are mainland China, the United States, and Japan.[3][78]

As of 2009, Hong Kong is the fifth most expensive city for expatriates, behind Tokyo, Osaka, Moscow, and Geneva. In 2008, Hong Kong was ranked sixth, and in 2007, it was ranked fifth.[79] In 2009, Hong Kong was ranked third in the Ease of Doing Business Index.[80]

Demographics

busy street scene at night, with lit advertising panels
Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, at 6,200 people per km².
large bronze statue of Buddha with right hand raised
The Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island.
Main article: Demographics of Hong Kong

The territory's population is 7.03 million. In 2009, Hong Kong had a low birth rate of 11.7 per 1,000 population and a fertility rate of 1,032 children per 1,000 women.[81] However, the population in Hong Kong continues to grow due to the influx of immigrants from mainland China, approximating 45,000 per year. A daily quota of 150 people from Mainland China with family ties in Hong Kong are granted a 'one way permit'.[82] Life expectancy in Hong Kong is 79.8 years for males and 86.1 years for females, as of 2009, among the highest in the world.

About 95% of the people of Hong Kong are of Chinese descent,[83] the majority of whom are Cantonese, Taishanese, Hakka and Chiu Chow. Hong Kong's Han majority originate mainly from the two regions of Guangzhou and Taishan areas in Guangdong Province.[5] The remaining 5% of the population is composed of non-ethnic Chinese forming a highly visible group despite their smaller numbers.[83] In addition, there are in excess of 300,000 foreign domestic helpers from Indonesia and the Philippines, according to official figures.[84]

Taishanese Cantonese have played a major role in Hong Kong's success that they have dominated in Hong Kong's Entertainment Industry, such as Lai Man-Wai (Father of Hong Kong Cinema), Andy Lau, Joey Yung, Beyond (band), Kenny Kwan and Eric Tsang, and Hong Kong's Business Industry, such as Bank of East Asia (東亞銀行), Lee Kum Kee (李錦記), Hang Lung Properties, Maxim's Catering (美心), Hysan Development Company Limited and Li & Fung (利豐) just to name a few.

There is a South Asian population of Indians, Pakistanis and Nepalese. Some Vietnamese refugees have become permanent residents of Hong Kong. There are also a number of Europeans (mostly British), Americans, Australians, Canadians, Japanese, and Koreans working in the city's commercial and financial sector.[85] Residents from mainland China do not have the right of abode in Hong Kong, nor are they allowed to enter the territory freely.[42]

Hong Kong's de facto official language is Cantonese, a Chinese language originating from Guangdong Province to the north of Hong Kong.[86] English is also an official language, and according to a 1996 by-census is spoken by 3.1% of the population as an everyday language and by 34.9% of the population as a second language.[87] Signs displaying both Chinese and English are common throughout the territory. Since the 1997 handover, an increase in immigrants from mainland China and greater integration with the mainland economy have brought an increasing number of Mandarin speakers to Hong Kong.[88]

Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of freedom, guaranteed by the Basic Law. 90% of Hong Kong's population practises a mix of local religions,[3] most prominently Buddhism (mainly Chinese Mahayana), Confucianism, and Taoism.[89][90][91] A Christian community of around 600,000 exists,[92][93] forming about 8% of the total population, and is nearly equally divided between Catholics and Protestants, although other, smaller Christian communities exist including the Latter-Day Saints[94] and Jehovah's Witnesses.[95] There are also Sikh, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Bahá'í communities.[92] Religious freedom after the 1997 handover is guaranteed under the Basic Law. The practice of Falun Gong is tolerated; the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches each freely appointing its own bishops, unlike in mainland China.[96]

Society

Although statistically Hong Kong's income gap is the worst in Asia Pacific, crude measures such as the Gini coefficient mask structural changes that have enhanced economic stability and prosperity. As noted in a 1999 United Nations report [97] deterioration in the Gini coefficient since the mid-1980s was been due to structural transformations that created more high paying jobs than lower skilled ones, and – importantly – “the economic system does not entrench income disparity.” This point was reiterated by the Government Economist several times[98][99] as well as by the Director of the Census and Statistics Department.[100]

Education

Main article: Education in Hong Kong
3-storey red brick building with gabled roof adjacent to 7-storey modern building with flat roof
A view over the University of Hong Kong
A complex of white medium-rise buildings on a lush hillside, with a body of water in the foreground
HKUST Campus as seen from Port Shelter

Hong Kong's education system roughly follows the system in England,[101] although international systems exist. The government maintains a policy in which the medium of instruction is Cantonese (母語教學),[102] with written Chinese and English. In secondary schools, 'biliterate and trilingual' proficiency is emphasised, and Mandarin language education has been increasing.[103] The Programme for International Student Assessment ranked Hong Kong's education system as the second best in the world.[104]

Hong Kong's public schools are operated by the Education Bureau. The system features a non-compulsory three-year kindergarten, followed by a compulsory six-year primary education, a three-year junior secondary education, a non-compulsory two-year senior secondary education leading to the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examinations and a two-year matriculation course leading to the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examinations.[105]

However, starting with Form 1 students of 2006, all students receive 3 years of compulsory junior and 3 years compulsory senior secondary education. Most comprehensive schools in Hong Kong fall under three categories: the rarer public schools; the more common subsidised schools, including government aids and grant schools; and private schools, often run by Christian organisations and having admissions based on academic merit rather than on financial resources. Outside this system are the schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme and private international schools.

There are nine public universities in Hong Kong, and a number of private higher institutions, offering various bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, other higher diplomas and associate degree courses. The University of Hong Kong, the oldest institution of tertiary education in the territory, was referred by Quacquarelli Symonds as a "world-class comprehensive research university"[106] and was ranked 24th on the 2009 THES - QS World University Rankings,[107] making it 1st in Asia.[108] The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology and Chinese University of Hong Kong are ranked 35 and 46, respectively, making them rank 4th and 2nd, respectively, in Asia.[108]

Culture

Main article: Culture of Hong Kong
A bronze statue on a pedestal, with the city skyline in the background. The pedestal is designed in the image of four clapperboards forming a box. The statue is of a woman wrapped in photographic film, looking straight up, with her left hand stretched upwards and holding a glass sphere containing a light.
A statue on the Avenue of Stars, a tribute to Hong Kong cinema

Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where "East meets West", reflecting the culture's mix of the territory's Chinese roots with the culture brought to it during its time as a British colony.[109] One of the more noticeable contradictions is Hong Kong's balancing of a modernised way of life with traditional Chinese practices. Concepts like feng shui are taken very seriously, with expensive construction projects often hiring expert consultants, and are often believed to make or break a business.[110] Other objects like Ba gua mirrors are still regularly used to deflect evil spirits, and buildings often lack any floor number that has a 4 in it, due to its similarity to the word for "die" in Cantonese. The fusion of east and west also characterises Hong Kong's cuisine, where dim sum, hot pot and fast food restaurants coexist with haute cuisine.[111]

Hong Kong is a recognised global centre of trade, and calls itself an 'entertainment hub'.[112] Its martial arts film genre gained a high level of popularity in the late 1960s and 1970s. Several Hollywood performers and martial artists have originated from Hong Kong cinema, notably Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-fat, and Yuen Woo-ping. A number of Hong Kong film-makers have also achieved widespread fame in Hollywood, such as John Woo, Wong Kar-wai and Stephen Chow.[112] Homegrown films such as Chungking Express, Infernal Affairs, Shaolin Soccer, Rumble in the Bronx, and In the Mood for Love have gained international recognition. Hong Kong is the centre for Cantopop music, which draws its influence from other forms of Chinese music and Western genres, and has a multinational fanbase.[113]

The Hong Kong government supports cultural institutions such as the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Also, the government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department subsidises and sponsors international performers brought to Hong Kong. Many international cultural activities are organised by the government, consulates, and privately.

Hong Kong has two licensed terrestrial broadcasters – ATV and TVB. There are three local and a number of foreign suppliers of cable and satellite services.[114] The production of Hong Kong's soap dramas, comedy series and variety shows reach audiences throughout the Chinese-speaking world. Magazine and newspaper publishers in Hong Kong distribute and print in both Chinese and English, with a focus on sensationalism and celebrity gossip. The media is relatively free from official interference compared to mainland China, although the Far Eastern Economic Review points to signs of self-censorship by journals whose owners have close ties to or business interests in the PRC, but state that even Western media outlets are not immune to growing Chinese economic power.[115]

Hong Kong offers wide recreational and competitive sport opportunities despite its limited land area. It sends delegates to international competition, namely the Olympic Games and Asian Games, and played host to the equestrian events during the 2008 Summer Olympics.[116] There are major multipurpose venues like Hong Kong Coliseum and MacPherson Stadium. Hong Kong's steep terrain and extensive trail network makes it ideal for hiking, with expansive views over the territory, and its rugged coastline provides many beaches for swimming.[117]

Architecture

Main article: Architecture of Hong Kong

According to Emporis, there are 7,650 skyscrapers in Hong Kong, putting the city at the top of world rankings.[118] The high density and tall skyline of Hong Kong's urban area is due to a lack of available sprawl space, with the average distance from the harbour front to the steep hills of Hong Kong Island at 1.3 km (0.81 mi),[119] much of it reclaimed land. This lack of space causing demand for dense, high-rise offices and housing, has resulted in 36 of the world's 100 tallest residential buildings being in Hong Kong,[120] and more people living or working above the 14th floor than anywhere else on Earth, making it the world's most vertical city.[121][122]

As a result of the lack of space and demand for construction, few older buildings remain, and the city is instead becoming a centre for modern architecture. The International Commerce Centre (ICC), at 484 m (1,588 ft) high, is the tallest building in Hong Kong and also the third tallest in the world, by height to roof measurement. [123] The tallest building prior to the ICC is Two International Finance Centre, at 415 m (1,362 ft) high.[124] Other recognisable skyline features include the HSBC Headquarters Building, the triangular-topped Central Plaza with its pyramid-shaped spire, The Center with its night-time multi-coloured neon light show, and I. M. Pei's Bank of China Tower with its sharp, angular façade. According to the Emporis website, the city skyline has the biggest visual impact of all world cities.[125] Notable remaining historical assets include the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower, the Central Police Station, and the remains of Kowloon Walled City.

There are many development plans in place, including the construction of new government buildings,[126] waterfront redevelopment in Central,[127] and a series of projects in West Kowloon.[128] More high-rise development is set to take place on the other side of Victoria Harbour in Kowloon, as the 1998 closure of the nearby Kai Tak Airport lifted strict height restrictions.[129]

Daytime skyline of HK Island, with Victoria Harbour in front
A panoramic view of northern Hong Kong Island between North Point in the east (left) and Kennedy Town in the west (right)
Hong Kong Island skyline at night
A panoramic view of the Hong Kong Island skyline at night.

Transport

A train at Tai Wai Station of the MTR East Rail Line
Hong Kong's double-decker bus
Main article: Transport in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a highly developed transportation network. Over 90% of daily travels (11 million) are on public transport,[130] making it the highest such percentage in the world.[131] Payment can be made using the Octopus card, a stored value system introduced by the MTR, which is now widely accepted on railways, buses and ferries, and well as accepted for cash at other outlets.[132]

The city's rapid transit system, MTR, has 150 stations, which serve 3.4 million people a day.[133] Hong Kong Tramways, which has served the territory since 1904, covers the northern parts of Hong Kong Island.[134] Double-decker buses were introduced to Hong Kong in 1949, and are now almost exclusively used; single-decker buses remain in use for routes with lower demand or roads with lower load capacity. Most normal franchised bus routes in Hong Kong operate until 1 a.m. Public light buses serve most parts of Hong Kong, particularly areas where standard bus lines cannot reach or do not reach as frequently, quickly or directly.

The Star Ferry service, founded in 1888, operates four lines across Victoria Harbour and provides scenic views of Hong Kong's skyline for its 53,000 daily passengers.[135] It acquired iconic status following its use as a setting on The World of Suzie Wong. Travel writer Ryan Levitt considered the main Tsim Sha Tsui to Central crossing one of the most picturesque in the world.[136] Other ferry services are provided by operators serving outlying islands, new towns, Macau and cities in mainland China. Hong Kong is also famous for its junks traversing the harbour, and small kai-to ferries that serve remote coastal settlements.

Hong Kong Island's steep, hilly terrain calls for some unusual ways of getting up and down the slopes. It was initially served by sedan chair, steeply ascending the side of a mountain.[137] The Peak Tram, the first public transport system in Hong Kong, has provided vertical rail transport between Central and Victoria Peak since 1888.[138] In Central and Western district, there is an extensive system of escalators and moving pavements, including the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world, the Mid-Levels escalator.[139]

Hong Kong International Airport is a leading air passenger gateway and logistics hub in Asia and one of the world's busiest airports in terms of international passenger and cargo movement, serving more than 47 million passengers and handling 3.74 million tonnes of cargo in 2007.[140] It replaced the overcrowded Kai Tak Airport in Kowloon in 1998, and has been rated as the world's best airport in a number of surveys.[141] Over 85 airlines operate at the two-terminal airport and it is the primary hub of Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, Air Hong Kong, Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express.

See also

Hong Kong SAR Regional Emblem.svg Hong Kong portal

Notes and references

  1. ^ This is the official convention employed on the Chinese text of the Hong Kong regional emblem, the text of the Hong Kong Basic Law, and the Government of Hong Kong Website, although "Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" and "Hong Kong" is also accepted.
  2. ^ The Basic Law of Hong Kong states that the official languages are "Chinese and English". Yearbook.gov.hk It does not explicitly specify the standard for "Chinese". While Standard Mandarin and Simplified Chinese characters are used as the spoken and written standards in mainland China, Cantonese and Traditional Chinese characters are the long-established de facto standards in Hong Kong. See also: Bilingualism in Hong Kong
  3. ^ a b c d "Hong Kong". The World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/hk.html. Retrieved 16 October 2009. 
  4. ^ a b c d "Hong Kong". International Monetary Fund. http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2004&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=532&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a=&pr.x=40&pr.y=4. Retrieved 9 October 2008. 
  5. ^ "Human Development Report 2009 – Gini Index". United Nations Development Programme. http://hdrstats.undp.org/en/indicators/161.html. Retrieved 10 November 2009. 
  6. ^ "Hong Kong, China (SAR)". United Nations Development Programme. http://hdrstats.undp.org/en/countries/country_fact_sheets/cty_fs_HKG.html. Retrieved 10 November 2009. 
  7. ^ The name was often written as Hongkong until the government adopted the current form in 1926 (Hongkong Government Gazette, Notification 479, 3 September 1926). Nevertheless, some century-old organisations still use the name, such as the Hongkong Post, Hongkong Electric and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. While the names of most cities in the People's Republic of China are romanised into English using Pinyin, the official English name is Hong Kong rather than the pinyin Xianggang.
  8. ^ a b "Geography and Climate, Hong Kong" (PDF). Census and Statistics Department, The Government of Hong Kong SAR. http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/FileManager/EN/Content_810/geog.pdf. Retrieved 10 January 2007. 
  9. ^ Ash, Russell (2006). The Top 10 of Everything 2007. Hamlyn. p. 78. ISBN 0-600-61532-4. 
  10. ^ "Population by Ethnicity, 2001 and 2006". Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong Government. http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/hong_kong_statistics/statistical_tables/index.jsp?htmlTableID=139&excelID=&chartID=&tableID=139&ID=&subjectID=1. Retrieved 9 September 2008. 
  11. ^ Cicred.org
  12. ^ So, Alvin Y. Lin, Nan. Poston, Dudley L. Contributor Professor, So, Alvin Y. [2001] (2001). The Chinese Triangle of Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Greenwood Publishing. ISBN 0-313-30869-1.
  13. ^ "The World's Most Competitive Financial Centers - Slideshows - CNBC.com". www.cnbc.com. http://www.cnbc.com/id/32970596?slide=14. Retrieved 30 October 2009. 
  14. ^ Triennial Central Bank Survey (April 2007), Bank for International Settlements.
  15. ^ a b c d e "Basic Law, Chapter IV, Section 4". Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee. http://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_4.html#section_4. Retrieved 10 November 2009. 
  16. ^ a b "Basic Law, Chapter IV, Section 1". Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee. http://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_4.html#section_1. Retrieved 10 November 2009. 
  17. ^ "Joint Declaration of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong". 19 December 1984. http://www.cmab.gov.hk/en/issues/jd2.htm. ""The Government of the People's Republic of China declares that to recover the Hong Kong area (including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, hereinafter referred to as Hong Kong) is the common aspiration of the entire Chinese people, and that it has decided to resume the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong with effect from 1 July 1997."" 
  18. ^ a b "On This Day: 1997: Hong Kong handed over to Chinese control". BBC. 1 July 1997. http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/july/1/newsid_2656000/2656973.stm. Retrieved 9 September 2008. 
  19. ^ a b c "Basic Law, Chapter II". Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee. http://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_2.html. Retrieved 10 November 2009. 
  20. ^ T. L. Tsim, Tsim, T. L (1989-03). The Other Hong Kong Report 1989, Page 383. Chinese University Press, 1989, ISBN 962-201-430-5. ISBN 9789622014305. http://books.google.com/?id=ecDVOmyyIbMC&pg=PA383&dq=hong+kong+salt+production&q=hong%20kong%20salt%20production. Retrieved 6 November 2009. 
  21. ^ "The Trial Excavation at the Archaeological Site of Wong Tei Tung, Sham Chung, Hong Kong SAR". Hong Kong Archaeological Society. 29 April 2005. http://www.hkarch.org/en_news.html. Retrieved 24 December 2008. 
  22. ^ The Treaty of Nanking is currently earliest record available with the name "Hongkong" (香港) on it.
  23. ^ Jonathan Porter (1996). Macau, the Imaginary City: Culture and Society, 1557 to the Present. Westview Press. ISBN 0813328365. http://books.google.com/?id=IHjyAAAACAAJ. 
  24. ^ Richard L. Edmonds (2002). China and Europe Since 1978: A European Perspective. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521524032. http://books.google.com/?id=mXoFscQ2QwsC. 
  25. ^ a b c d e f Trea Wiltshire (1997). Old Hong Kong. FormAsia. ISBN 9627283134. http://books.google.com/?id=vQIXIQAACAAJ. 
  26. ^ "Thousands March in Anti-Japan Protest in Hong Kong". The New York Times. 18 April 2005. http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0418-04.htm. Retrieved 1 February 2008. 
  27. ^ Moore, Lynden (1985). The growth and structure of international trade since the Second World War‎. Cambridge University Press. p. 48. ISBN 9780521469791. http://books.google.com/?id=cxxGJ7c10noC&pg=PA48&dq=textiles+growth+hong+kong&q=textiles%20growth%20hong%20kong. 
  28. ^ Shang-Jin Wei (January 2000). "Why Does China Attract So Little Foreign Direct Investment?" (PDF). National Bureau of Economic Research. pp. 6–8. http://www.nber.org/chapters/c8501.pdf. Retrieved 10 November 2009. 
  29. ^ Dodsworth, John; Mihaljek, Dubravko (1997). Hong Kong, China: Growth, Structural Change, and Economic Stability During the Transition. International Monetary Fund. p. 54. ISBN 1557756724. http://books.google.com/?id=6csHC4xlmFAC&pg=PT35&lpg=PT35&q=. 
  30. ^ "Links between SARS, human genes discovered". People's Daily. 16 January 2004. http://english.people.com.cn/200401/16/eng20040116_132721.shtml. Retrieved 1 February 2008. 
  31. ^ The Economist Economic Unit (2 January 2008). "Hong Kong politics: China sets reform timetable". The Economist. http://www.eiu.com/index.asp?layout=VWPrintVW3&article_id=1222907707&printer=printer&rf=0. 
  32. ^ a b Room, Adrian (2005). Placenames of the World. McFarland. p. 168. ISBN 0786422483. http://books.google.com/?id=M1JIPAN-eJ4C&pg=PA168&lpg=PA168&dq=hong+kong+etymology+fragrant+harbor. 
  33. ^ Bishop, Kevin; Roberts, Annabel (1997). China's Imperial Way. China Books. p. 218. ISBN 9622175112. http://books.google.com/?id=1c0UyPNF_I0C&pg=PT216&lpg=PT216&dq=%22Heung+Gong+Tsai%22. 
  34. ^ Fairbank, John King. Trade and Diplomacy on the China Coast: The Opening of the Treaty Ports, 1842–1854. 2 vols. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1953.
  35. ^ Section 3(2) of the Sino-British Joint Declaration states in part, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will enjoy a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs which, are the responsibilities of the Central People's Government."
  36. ^ Section 3(5) of the Sino-British Joint Declaration states that the social and economic systems and lifestyle in Hong Kong will remain unchanged, and mentions rights and freedoms ensured by law. Section 3(12) states in part, "The above-stated basic policies of the People's Republic of China ... will remain unchanged for 50 years."
  37. ^ "Basic Law, Chapter VIII". Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee. http://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_8.html. Retrieved 10 November 2009. 
  38. ^ "Basic Law, Chapter IV, Section 6". Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee. http://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_4.html#section_6. Retrieved 10 November 2009. 
  39. ^ "Civil Service" (PDF). Information Services Department. June 2009. http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/factsheets/docs/civil_service.pdf. 
  40. ^ "Basic Law, Chapter IV, Section 3". Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee. http://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_4.html#section_3. Retrieved 10 November 2009. 
  41. ^ a b c "Introduction". Hong Kong Judiciary. http://www.judiciary.gov.hk/en/crt_services/pphlt/html/guide.htm. Retrieved 20 September 2008. 
  42. ^ a b "Right of Abode in HKSAR — Verification of Eligibility for Permanent Identity Card". Immigration Department. 5 June 2007. http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hksarvepid.htm. Retrieved 1 February 2008. 
  43. ^ "Presentation to Legislative Council on Right of Abode Issue". Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor. 10 May 1999. http://www.hkhrm.org.hk/english/reports/present_abode.html. Retrieved 20 January 2007. 
  44. ^ Cohen, Warren I. Kirby, William. [1997] (1997). Hong Kong Under Chinese Rule: The Economic and Political Implications of Reversion. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-62761-3
  45. ^ a b c "The Legal System in Hong Kong". Department of Justice. http://www.doj.gov.hk/eng/legal/index.htm. Retrieved 20 September 2008. 
  46. ^ "About Us: Organisation chart of the Secretary for Justice's Office". Department of Justice, Government of Hong Kong. http://www.doj.gov.hk/eng/about/sjo.htm. Retrieved 5 September 2008. 
  47. ^ "Basic Law, Chapter IV, Section 2". Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee. http://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_4.html#section_2. Retrieved 10 November 2009. 
  48. ^ "The Profile of Hong Kong Population Analysed by District, 2007". Government of Hong Kong, Census and Statistics Department. 2008-06-20. http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/products_and_services/products/publications/statistical_report/feature_articles/population/index_cd_B70806FC_dt_latest.jsp. Retrieved 2008-08-30. 
  49. ^ "Hong Kong: Population, Area & Density by District Board District: 1999". Demographia. http://www.demographia.com/db-hkdbd99.htm. Retrieved 2008-08-30. 
  50. ^ a b "Hong Kong – The Facts: District Administration" (PDF). Hong Kong Government. http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/factsheets/docs/district_admin.pdf. Retrieved 31 August 2008. 
  51. ^ "Mission". Home Affairs Department. 30 June 2009. http://www.had.gov.hk/en/about_us/mission/mission.htm. Retrieved 10 November 2009. 
  52. ^ Ahmed Shafiqul Huque, Grace O. M. Lee, Anthony Cheung (1998). The Civil Service in Hong Kong. Hong Kong University Press. p. 19. ISBN 9622094589. http://books.google.com/?id=9Lqq7tp7n00C&pg=PA19&dq=governor+of+hong+kong+is+commander+in+chief. 
  53. ^ "Outdoor Adventure: Tours in Hong Kong". Hong Kong Tourism Board. 27 December 2006. http://discoverhongkong.com/eng/touring/hiking/index.jhtml. Retrieved 1 February 2008. 
  54. ^ "2006 Population By-census" (PDF). Census and Statistics Department. http://www.bycensus2006.gov.hk/FileManager/EN/Content_962/06bc_mainrpt_v1.pdf. Retrieved 13 November 2009. 
  55. ^ "Tai Mo Shan Country Park". Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. 17 March 2006. http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_cou/cou_vis_cou_tms/cou_vis_cou_tms.html. Retrieved 8 November 2009. 
  56. ^ "Olympic Council of Asia : National Olympic Committees". www.ocasia.org. http://www.ocasia.org/NOCS/NocCountries.aspx?Nocs=12. Retrieved 14 November 2009. 
  57. ^ "Chief Executive pledges a clean, green, world-class city". Hong Kong Trade Development Council. November 2001. http://www.hktrader.net/200111/200104/200104s1.htm. 
  58. ^ Bradsher, Keith (5 November 2006). "Dirty Air Becomes Divisive Issue in Hong Kong Vote". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/22/world/asia/22hongkong.html?ex=1332216000&en=d298556ccd753714&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt. Retrieved 1 February 2008. 
  59. ^ "Climate of Hong Kong". Hong Kong Observatory. 4 May 2003. http://www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/climat/climahk.htm. Retrieved 2 August 2007. 
  60. ^ "Hong Kong in Figures 2008 Edition". HKGov Census and Statistics Department. 27 February 2008. http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/products_and_services/products/publications/statistical_report/general_statistical_digest/index_cd_B1010006_dt_latest.jsp. Retrieved 7 May 2008. 
  61. ^ "Extreme Values and Dates of Occurrence of Extremes of Meteorological Elements between 1884–1939 and 1947–2006 for Hong Kong". Hong Kong Observatory. http://www.weather.gov.hk/cis/extreme/mon_extreme_e.htm. Retrieved 1 February 2008. 
  62. ^ "Monthly Meteorological Normals for Hong Kong". Hong Kong Observatory. http://www.weather.gov.hk/cis/normal/1971_2000/normals_e.htm. Retrieved 2008-02-01. 
  63. ^ a b c End of an experiment, The Economist, 15 July 2010
  64. ^ "2009 Index of Economic Freedom". The Heritage Foundation. http://www.heritage.org/index/Ranking.aspx. Retrieved 19 January 2008. 
  65. ^ "2008 Index of Economic Freedom". The Heritage Foundation. Archived from the original on 1 February 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080201022352/http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/. Retrieved 1 February 2008. 
  66. ^ "Top 10 Countries". The Heritage Foundation. Archived from the original on 24 January 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080124041217/http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/topten.cfm. Retrieved 1 February 2008. 
  67. ^ Peter Wallace Preston and Jürgen Haacke (2002). Contemporary China: The Dynamics of Change at the Start of the New Millennium. Routledge. ISBN 0700716378. http://books.google.com/?id=Q79VGofCqIgC. 
  68. ^ Rikkie Yeung (2008). Moving Millions: The Commercial Success and Political Controvesies of Hong Kong's Railways. Hong Kong University Press. ISBN 9789622099630. 
  69. ^ "The Global Financial Centres Index 1 Executive Summary" (PDF). City of London. March 2007. Archived from the original on 5 June 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070605112931/http://www.zyen.com/Knowledge/Research/GFCI+1+March+2007+Executive+Summary.pdf. Retrieved 12 April 2007. 
  70. ^ "Hong Kong IPOs May Raise Record $48 Billion in 2010, E&Y Says". Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aI3U6ahtfIyo. 
  71. ^ HKMA Background Brief No.1. Hong Kong's Linked Exchange Rate System. Hong Kong Monetary Authority. p. 33. http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng/public/hkmalin/full_e.pdf. 
  72. ^ Government of Hong Kong (18 September 2006). "Big Market, Small Government". Press release. http://www.ceo.gov.hk/eng/press/oped.htm. 
  73. ^ "hktdc.com – Export Supply Chain Management Helps to Maintain Hong Kong's Competitiveness, says TDC Chairman". www.hktdc.com. http://www.hktdc.com/info/mi/a/tdcnews/en/1X00NG1N/1/HKTDC-News-Speeches/Export-Supply-Chain-Management-Helps-To-Maintain-Hong-Kong-S-Competitiveness-Says-TDC-Chairman.htm. Retrieved 14 November 2009. 
  74. ^ "HKDF – Has Hong Kong Lost its Competitiveness?". www.hkdf.org. http://www.hkdf.org/newsarticles.asp?show=newsarticles&newsarticle=126. Retrieved 14 November 2009. 
  75. ^ "About Hong Kong". Hong Kong SAR Government Information Centre. April 2006. Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080119053435/http://www.info.gov.hk/info/hkbrief/eng/ahk.htm. Retrieved 1 February 2008. 
  76. ^ "The Panama Canal: A plan to unlock prosperity". The Economist. 3 December 2009. http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15014282. Retrieved 4 December 2009. 
  77. ^ Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics, March 2008
  78. ^ Adobe Photoshop PDF
  79. ^ Worldwide Cost of Living survey 2009
  80. ^ Explore Economies World Bank. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
  81. ^ "Hong Kong: The Facts – Population". Government of the Hong Kong SAR. October 2009. http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/factsheets/docs/population.pdf. Retrieved 4 December 2009. 
  82. ^ "Who is entitled to sponsor family members to come to live in Hong Kong? If I am a lawful resident of Hong Kong, can my family members in the Mainland (or elsewhere) apply to immigrate to Hong Kong?". Community Legal Information Centre. http://www.hkclic.org/en/topics/immigration/for_non_residents/q1.shtml. Retrieved 4 November 2009. 
  83. ^ a b Census and Statistics Department. "Population and Vital Events: Table 139 Population by ethnicity 2001 and 2006". Hong Kong Government. http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/hong_kong_statistics/statistical_tables/index.jsp?htmlTableID=139&excelID=&chartID=&tableID=139&ID=&subjectID=1. Retrieved 2 November 2009. 
  84. ^ "Entry of Foreign Domestic Helpers" (PDF). Hong Kong SAR Government Information Centre. November 2006. http://www.info.gov.hk/info/hkin/fdh.pdf. Retrieved 18 March 2007. [dead link]
  85. ^ The Census and Statistics Department has reported that the number of people identifying themselves as "white" fell from 46,584 in the 2001 census to 36,384 in the 2006 by-census, a decline of 22 percent.
  86. ^ "JMSC – HKStories – Hong Kong as a Cantonese speaking city". jmsc.hku.hk. http://jmsc.hku.hk/hkstories/content/view/97/35/. Retrieved 14 November 2009. 
  87. ^ "ICE Hong Kong". University College London. http://www.ucl.ac.uk/english-usage/ice/icehk.htm. Retrieved 1 February 2008. 
  88. ^ Swarthmore.edu
  89. ^ Buddhist and Taoist Communities, Hong Kong Tourism Board.
  90. ^ General Information – Religion marimari.com
  91. ^ "Hong Kong Year Book (2006): Chapter 18 – Religion and Custom". Yearbook.gov.hk. 15 August 2007. http://www.yearbook.gov.hk/2006/en/18_03.htm. Retrieved 16 May 2009. 
  92. ^ a b "International Religious Freedom Report 2007 – Hong Kong". State.gov. http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2007/90133.htm#hk. Retrieved 16 May 2009. 
  93. ^ "Hong Kong Year Book (2006):Chapter 18 – Religion and Custom: Christianity". Yearbook.gov.hk. 15 August 2007. http://www.yearbook.gov.hk/2006/en/18_06.htm. Retrieved 16 May 2009. 
  94. ^ LDS Newsroom – China — Hong Kong
  95. ^ "2007 Report of Jehovah's Witnesses Worldwide". http://www.watchtower.org/e/statistics/worldwide_report.htm. Retrieved 9 August 2008. 
  96. ^ "International Religious Freedom Report 2006 – Hong Kong". Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. U.S. Department of State. 2006. 
  97. ^ Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 4 June 1999, [[1]], p. 74
  98. ^ [[2]]
  99. ^ [[3]], Annex E
  100. ^ [[4]]
  101. ^ Chan, Shun-hing; Leung, Beatrice (2003). Changing Church and State Relations in Hong Kong, 1950–2000. HK university press. p. 24. ISBN 962-2096123. 
  102. ^ Education Bureau. "母語教學小冊子 (Mother Tongue Instruction Handbook)" (in Traditional Chinese). Government of Hong Kong. http://www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeID=1909&langno=2. Retrieved 4 November 2009. 
  103. ^ Education Bureau. "Policy for Secondary Schools -Medium of Instruction Policy for Secondary Schools". Government of Hong Kong. http://www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeID=1901&langno=1. Retrieved 4 November 2009. 
  104. ^ "PISA 2006 Science Competencies for Tomorrow's World". http://www.pisa.oecd.org/document/2/0,3343,en_32252351_32236191_39718850_1_1_1_1,00.html. Retrieved 14 December 2007. 
  105. ^ "Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Education". Education Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR. http://www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeID=97&langno=1. Retrieved 1 February 2008. 
  106. ^ "University Profiles – University of Hong Kong". Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd. 2008. http://www.topuniversities.com/schools/data/school_profile/default/universityhongkong. Retrieved 16 February 2009. 
  107. ^ Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd (2008). "Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings 2009 – Top 200 world universities". Times Higher Education Supplement. http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/Rankings2009-Top200.html. Retrieved 16 February 2009. 
  108. ^ a b "Top 200 Universities". TopUniversities. 2009. http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/asian-university-rankings. Retrieved 27 July 2009. 
  109. ^ "24 hours in Hong Kong: Urban thrills where East meets West". CNN. 8 March 2009. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/03/06/24hours.hongkong/index.html?eref=rss_travel. Retrieved 27 May 2009. 
  110. ^ "Feng shui used in 90% of RP businesses – INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos". globalnation.inquirer.net. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/propertyfocus/propertyfocus/view/20090217-189707/Feng-shui-used-in-90-of-RP-businesses. Retrieved 14 November 2009. 
  111. ^ Stone, Andrew; Chow, Chung Wah; Ho, Reggie (2008-01-15). Hong Kong and Macau – Google Books. books.google.com. ISBN 9781741046656. http://books.google.com/?id=PgJTSYeEnNkC&pg=PA172&dq=Hong+Kong%27s+cuisine&q=Hong%20Kong%27s%20cuisine. Retrieved 14 November 2009. 
  112. ^ a b "Hong Kong calls itself Asia's entertainment hub". Monsters and Critics Movie News. 23 March 2007. http://www.monstersandcritics.com/movies/news/article_1281858.php/Hong_Kong_calls_itself_Asia_s_entertainment_hub. 
  113. ^ Corliss, Richard (24 September 2001). "Hong Kong music circles the globe with its easy-listening hits and stars". Time. http://www.time.com/time/musicgoesglobal/asia/mcantopop.html. Retrieved 4 November 2009. 
  114. ^ Commerce and Economic Development Bureau. "Broadcasting: Licences". Government of Hong Kong. http://www.cedb.gov.hk/ctb/eng/broad/licences.htm. Retrieved 4 November 2009. 
  115. ^ Walker, Christopher; Cook, Sarah (12 October 2009). "China's Export of Censorship". http://www.feer.com/politics/2009/october54/Chinas-Export-of-Censorship. Retrieved 4 November 2009. 
  116. ^ Beijing2008. "Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Beas River & Shatin)". http://en.beijing2008.cn/venues/equ/index.shtml. Retrieved 4 November 2009. 
  117. ^ "Hiking Hong Kong – Your Guide to Adventure". www.hiking-hong-kong.com. http://www.hiking-hong-kong.com/. Retrieved 14 November 2009. 
  118. ^ "Most Active Cities in terms of High-rise Construction". Emporis. http://www.emporis.com/en/bu/sk/st/ma/ci/. Retrieved 24 May 2009. 
  119. ^ Tong, C. O.; C. O. Tong, S. C. Wong (August 1997). "The advantages of a high density, mixed land use, linear urban development". Transportation 24 (3): 295–307. doi:10.1023/A:1004987422746. http://www.springerlink.com/content/g20972028u70l7t2/. Retrieved 26 April 2008. 
  120. ^ "World's Tallest Residential Towers". Emporis. http://www.emporis.com/en/bu/sk/st/tp/ty/rs/. Retrieved 24 May 2009. 
  121. ^ Timeout.com
  122. ^ Skyscraper.org
  123. ^ "International Commerce Centre". Emporis. http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=101555. Retrieved 2 September 2008. 
  124. ^ "Two International Finance Centre". Emporis. http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=2internationalfinancecentre-hongkong-china. Retrieved 24 May 2009. 
  125. ^ "Emporis Skyline Ranking". Emporis. http://www.emporis.com/en/bu/sk/st/sr/. Retrieved 24 May 2009. 
  126. ^ "Tamar Development Project". Hong Kong SAR Government. http://www.tamar.gov.hk/eng/design.htm. Retrieved 26 April 2008. 
  127. ^ "Central Waterfront Design Competition". DesigningHongKong. http://centralwaterfront.designinghongkong.com/index.php?lang=eng. Retrieved 26 April 2008. 
  128. ^ "West Kowloon Cultural District Public Engagement Exercise". HKGov Home Affairs Bureau. http://www.hab.gov.hk/wkcd/pe/eng/intro.htm. Retrieved 26 April 2008. 
  129. ^ "Kai Tak building height restrictions lifted". Hong Kong SAR Government. 10 July 1998. http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/199807/10/0710062.htm. Retrieved 26 April 2008. 
  130. ^ "Public Transport Introduction". Transport Department. Archived from the original on 7 July 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080707095241/http://www.td.gov.hk/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/introduction/index.htm. Retrieved 13 July 2008. 
  131. ^ William H. K. Lam and Michael G. H. Bell (2003). Advanced Modeling for Transit Operations and Service Planning. NetLibrary, Incorporated. ISBN 0585475229. http://books.google.com/?id=Nb9UAAAACAAJ. 
  132. ^ "Octopus Card Information". Octopus Cards Limited. http://www.octopuscards.com/consumer/products/en/index.jsp. Retrieved 10 December 2008. 
  133. ^ "Tourist Information". MTR Corporation. http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/whatsnew/tourist_intro.html. Retrieved 29 April 2008. 
  134. ^ "The Company". Hongkong Tramways Limited. http://www.hktramways.com/en/company/index.html. Retrieved 29 April 2008. 
  135. ^ "Not even HK's storied Star Ferry can face down developers". International Herald Tribune. 10 November 2006. http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/11/10/news/ferry.php. Retrieved 29 April 2008. 
  136. ^ "Ferry is amongst the world's best". BBC News. 19 October 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/3755270.stm. Retrieved 29 April 2008. 
  137. ^ Thomson, John (London, 1873–1874). "A Hong Kong Sedan Chair, Illustrations of China and Its People". http://irc.aa.tufs.ac.jp/thomson/vol_1/mother/104.html. 
  138. ^ Cavaliero, Eric (24 July 1997). "Grand old lady to turn 110". The Standard. http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=&art_id=52189&sid=&con_type=1&d_str=19970724&sear_year=1997. 
  139. ^ Rory Boland. "Hong Kong's Central-Mid Levels Escalator – The Longest in the World". about.com. http://gohongkong.about.com/od/whattoseeinhk/a/midlevelsescala.htm. Retrieved 3 November 2009. 
  140. ^ "About Us". Hong Kong International Airport. Archived from the original on 21 August 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070821101759/http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/aboutus/index.html. Retrieved 28 April 2008. 
  141. ^ "International travellers have voted Hong Kong the best airport in the world". Skytrax. 8 August 2007. http://www.airlinequality.com/news/080807-Awards.htm. Retrieved 28 April 2008. 

Further reading

External links

Find more about Hong Kong on Wikipedia's sister projects:
Definitions from Wiktionary
Textbooks from Wikibooks
Quotations from Wikiquote
Source texts from Wikisource
Images and media from Commons
News stories from Wikinews
Learning resources from Wikiversity
Pearl River / Guangzhou Shenzhen Shanwei
Zhuhai South China Sea
   Hong Kong    
Macau South China Sea South China Sea
v • d • e
Province-level divisions of the People's Republic of China
Provinces

Anhui • Fujian • Gansu • Guangdong • Guizhou • Hainan • Hebei • Heilongjiang • Henan • Hubei • Hunan • Jiangsu • Jiangxi • Jilin • Liaoning • Qinghai • Shaanxi • Shandong • Shanxi • Sichuan • Yunnan • Zhejiang
Autonomous regions
Municipalities
Special Administrative
Regions

Hong Kong • Macau
Territorial disputes
v • d • e
Districts of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong
Kowloon East
Kowloon West
New Territories East
New Territories West


Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong"
Personal tools
Namespaces
Variants
Actions
Navigation
Interaction
Toolbox
Print/export
Languages