The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, more commonly known simply as Hong Kong, is an autonomous territory of China, based on Hong Kong Island. It is situated south of the Guangdong Province, and east of Macau, and on the eastern side of the Pearl River Estuary.
The territory known as Hong Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and more than two hundred smaller islands, the largest of which is Lantau Island. Hong Kong, without the New Territories, became a British colony after the First Opium War in 1842, when China was forced to cede its claim to the region. In 1860, after the Second Opium War, Britain was given a 99-year lease of the New Territories in 1898. During World War II, Japan invaded and occupied the islands until 1945, when Britain again took control of the colony. In 1997, when the 99-year lease of the New Territories had expired, the entire region became an autonomous region of the People’s Republic of China.
Prior to the region being handed over the China, tens of thousands of its citizens left for the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand during the 1980s. The concerns of the Hong Kong people were intensified in 1989, when the Chinese military killed pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. In an attempt to soothe the concerns of the people of Hong Kong, the Chinese government introduced a Bill of Rights in 1990, and allowed Hong Kong to elect eighteen of the sixty members of the Chinese Legislative Council. China also agreed to allow Hong Kong to handle its own internal administrative, legislative, and judicial matters.
Under a “one country, two systems” agreement, Hong Kong is given a degree of autonomy over its internal affairs, maintaining its own political and economic system, while China has jurisdiction in foreign affairs and defense. However, Hong Kong has developed and maintains separate relationships with foreign governments and international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization. Hong Kong has its own monetary system, separate from China, and the region has developed into a global financial center.
Relationships between Hong Kong and mainland China have been tense, however. The people of Hong Kong were not trusting of the promises made by the Chinese government, which had frequently been accused of reneging on promises made, and of interfering in Hong Kong’s internal affairs. Hong Kong has elected pro-democracy candidates to its political offices, including representatives to the Chinese Legislative Council. Calls for democracy on the part of Hong Kong have been continuous, although its pro-democracy parties have been often divided over matters of political strategy.
One of the most densely populated areas in the world, Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers, particularly in the area surrounding Victoria Harbour. Of concern to many of the people of Hong Kong are the mainland Chinese migrants who have come into the city over the past decade, as they are placing a strain on Hong Kong’s public services. Meanwhile, tourism has increased the cost of living for Hong Kong residents and businesses, and Hong Kong real estate rates have gone up considerably, so that wealthy mainland Chinese are buying up property that local residents can no longer afford.
While the overall economy of Hong Kong is high, it has the highest income gap in the Asia-Pacific region, and the income gap has increased considerably since the transfer of sovereignty to China, with about 20% of earners receiving 60% of the income.
Religious freedom is protected in Hong Kong, by law and in practice. Nevertheless, most of the Hong Kong population does not have a religious affiliation. Once heavily Christian, fewer than 12% of the population identifies as Christian today, while a larger number adhere to either Buddhism, Confucianism, or Taoism. Most, however, identify as agnostics or atheists.
The literacy rate in Hong Kong approaches 96%, and nearly 25% of its population has achieved a bachelor’s degree or higher. The official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese and English, while Cantonese is spoken by the majority of the population. Mandarin is also common, particularly among those who have recently emigrated to Hong Kong from mainland China.
Categories
Faith & Spirituality |
Recommended Resources
ASHK is an international school in Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, offering a college preparatory curriculum, accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, for students in K-12th grade. A school calendar, parent handbook, and an academic performance report are posted to the site, along with its admissions policies, community programs, and extracurricular activities.
http://www.ashk.edu.hk/
Situated on Central Harborfront in Hong Kong, Art Central features more than a hundred international galleries, most of which are from the Asia Pacific region. An annual gallery list, calendar of events, opening hours, and an overview of Art Central's upcoming projects, contacts, and career opportunities are published to the site, along with photographs and video. Ticket price, VIP access, and online ticket sales are included.
http://artcentralhongkong.com/
Based in Hong Kong, the Asia Times is an English-language news website that covers political and other news, economic and business reports, and other issues from an Asian perspective, with specific sections for China and India, but covering Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East as well. News analysis, opinion columns, and cultural issues are also discussed. Advertising opportunities may be available.
http://www.atimes.com/
CUHK was founded as City Polytechnic of Hong Kong in 1984, and became an accredited university in 1994. With four colleges and three schools, the university offers more than fifty bachelor's degree programs. Information about its rankings, reputation, accreditation, governance, and admissions policies are set forth, along with its academic programs, research facilities and programs, library facilities, offices, and departments.
http://www.cityu.edu.hk/
The Cable News Network television station offers a profile of the city and region of Hong Kong, an autonomous region under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China. Included is a guide to Hong Kong restaurants and dining facilities, entertainment venues, visitor attractions, hotels and other guest accommodations. Photographs, video, and current weather information are offered.
http://www.cnn.com/travel/destinations/hong-kong
Headquartered in Kowloon, Hong Kong, Conpak is an accounting firm with offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, China, offering services for local and international clients for business development, such as accounting and auditing, tax consultations, incorporations, corporate financing, trademark registration, patent application, and valuation services, which are highlighted here along with its publications, office locations, and brochures.
https://www.conpak.com/
Hong Kong is a financial city, favored by financial specialists worldwide for its legal framework, tax assessment framework, low tax collection values, and established foundations. The reasons for setting up a Hong Kong company are set forth, with information about company registrations in Hong Kong, setting up a corporate bank account, and annual services available from Corporation Hong Kong. Its service packages and pricing are featured, and contacts are included.
https://www.corporationhongkong.com/
Created and maintained by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, a governmental body established to promote Hong Kong as a travel destination and to improve the experiences of its visitors, the organization's structure, management, and contacts are posted here, including its awards, achievements, and annual reports. A guide to attractions, events, shopping venues, and transportation options are included.
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/
Dyslexia Association of Hong Kong
Organized in 1995, the DAHK strives to increase awareness of specific learning difficulties and to provide support to those who are affected by them. Its organizational structure and contacts are posted to the site, and a schedule of upcoming meeting and events, past events, and informational articles on the effects of dyslexia, assessment, and interventions, as well as local and international interventions.
http://www.dyslexia.org.hk//
Associated with Langham Hospitality Group, the hotel is in the Kowloon area of Hong Kong, and offers a variety of rooms and suite arrangements and layouts, which are highlighted here, with details about each, photographs, features, amenities, and services, along with its on-site restaurants and bars, meeting and event spaces and arrangements, fitness facilities, and other common areas. A gallery of photographs, and online bookings are included.
http://www.eatonhongkong.com/en
Based in Hong Kong, the ESF is an educational organization that operates twenty-two educational institutions, most of which are international schools, in Hong Kong, which takes in students from several nationalities. Its governance and senior management, sports and language programs, accreditation, funding, and contacts are posted, along with its admissions policies, alumni programs, professional services, and career opportunities.
http://www.esf.edu.hk/
German Consulate General in Hong Kong
Located in Hong Kong, the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany provides a variety of services to German citizens in Hong Kong, including the issuance of passports and visas, travel advice, pension and welfare matters, and notarial recording of documents for official purposes, and other services. Its address, office hours, contacts, and information about the relationships between Germany and Hong Kong.
http://www.hongkong.diplo.de/
HX is headquartered in the Tung Chung district, with its main hub at Hong Kong International Airport. Flight schedules, check-in instructions, and flight statuses may be viewed online, and flights may be planned and booked through the site, including promotional offers and frequent flyer promotions. Other resources include hotel bookings, car rentals, travel insurance, and other resources.
http://www.hongkongairlines.com/en_HK/homepage
Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
HSBC is the largest bank in Hong Kong, operating branches and offices throughout the Asia Pacific region, and in other countries. Established in 1865, during the British colonial era, HSBC has been headquartered in Hong Kong ever since. Its global banking services and markets are highlighted, along with its personal and business banking products, information about its loan, investment, and insurance programs, credit cards, and mortgages.
https://www.hsbc.com.hk/
Founded in 2000, HKAS is a division of the Hong Kong Arts Centre, and it an accredited institute offering fine art, applied art, media art, and applied theatre and drama education, awarding diplomas and degrees. Its location, programs, events, projects, and research facilities are put forth, along with information about scholarships and sponsorships, learning platform, and support data.
http://www.hkas.edu.hk/en/
The theme park is situated within the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in Penny's Bay, on Lantau Island. In designing the park, Disney incorporated Chinese culture, customs, and traditions, including adhering to the principles of Feng Shui. The park also includes typical Disneyland themes, such as Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Grizzly Gulch, and Toy Story Land. Park hours, ticket prices, and online ticket sales are featured, along with special offers.
https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/
HKFP is a not-for-profit free online newspaper based in Hong Kong, established in 2015 in response to a belief press freedom in the Hong Kong region was eroding. Only a few months after its launch, the site was blocked in mainland China. The site covers a variety of topics, including those relating to independence, censorship and press freedom, and scandals, as well as news and news analysis, opinion columns, and regular featured articles. Photographs, video, and a law blog are included.
https://www.hongkongfp.com/
The free tours are designed to provide an unconventional travel experience, one that highlights the local heritage of Hong Kong, and to create a platform for the encouragement of cultural exchanges between travelers and local residents of Hong Kong. Its team are introduced, and its regularly scheduled tours are described, including dates and times. Partnering companies are acknowledged, and policy information, links, and contact are included.
https://hongkongfreetours.com/
Hong Kong International Airport
HKG is the chief airport in Hong Kong. Located on Chek Lap Kok Island, the airport is sometimes known as Chek Lap Kok Airport and is among the world's busiest passenger airports. Real-time flight information, a passenger guide, and information about its cargo services, shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities, photographs, video, and information about future developments of the airport.
http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/
Hong Kong International School
HKIS is a private Christian school in Tai Tam and Repulse Bay, Hong Kong. Opening in 1966, HKIS offers an international educational curriculum for students in grades one through twelve, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Its admissions policies, schools, and co-curricular programs are highlighted, and a history of the school, a school calendar, bus information, awards, and alumni services.
https://www.hkis.edu.hk/
The horse racing club generates significant economic and social value to the Hong Kong region. Its history, organizational structure, courses and other equine entertainment features, general information about horse racing, race schedules, and membership information are set forth, including memberships for horse owners, young members, and other members levels. Community events and charities are discussed.
http://www.hkjc.com/home/english/
The Chinese language school in Hong Kong specializes in Mandarin and Cantonese language lessons for expatriates and locals, both children and adults, as well as to group and corporate clients. Group class schedules are published to the site, its corporate training programs and policies, and private class policies are set forth. Course introductions and structure are outlined, and office contacts are posted.
http://www.hk-mandarin-school.com.hk/
The HKMA is the de facto central bank of Hong Kong, as well as its currency board. Created through a merger of the Office of the Exchange Fund and the Office of the Commissioner of Banking, HKMA reports to the Financial Secretary of the Autonomous Region of Hong Kong. Its key functions and authorities are set forth, along with market data and statistics, and access to various publications and research documents. Also included are guidelines and circulars, press releases, warnings and notices.
http://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
HKTDC is a statutory body established to promote trade with Hong Kong, connecting Hong Kong companies with business partners around the world. Its activities include arranging exhibitions and conferences, promoting Hong Kong products and services, publishing and distributing product magazines, marketing Hong Kong brands to mainland China, establishing an online marketplace, and establishing global partnerships, all of which are highlighted here.
http://www.hktdc.com/
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Founded in 1991, HKUST is a public research institution in Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong. Made up of four academic schools, which are highlighted here, its academic and degree programs and policies, admissions and application procedures, research facilities, and global connections are discussed. Other resources include press releases, university events, its programs for alumni and donors, visitor information, faculty, and staff.
http://www.ust.hk/
The directory of verified schools in Hong Kong allows parents to research the options available for their children in Hong Kong, to search for schools in a specific area, to compare features between schools, and receive up-to-date information on public, private, and international schools. The school finder program also offers school search services, guiding parents through options, including interim placements.
http://www.topschools.com.hk/
The Mercedes Benz auto dealership in Hong Kong is featured, including a profile of the company, its dealer network, and services, as well as an overview of Mercedes models, its fleet sales programs, price list, promotions, and financial services, parts and accessories. An owner's manual and Mercedes Benz road performance guide can be downloaded from the site. A payment estimator is available, as well.
http://www.mercedes-benz.com.hk/
China specialists since 1996, the company's consultants have operated from Hong Kong since 2009, the company specializes in assisting company incorporations in Hong Kong. The requirements for establishing an offshore company are outlined, including the steps involved, prerequisites, and options. Package details are included, with information about the purchase of a shelf company, nominee services, establishing corporate bank accounts, and other services.
http://www.pena.hk/
Catering to children, five to eighteen years of age, the school is in the Kowloon region of Hong Kong, where it offers the American Education Reaches Out and Common Core Plus curricula for elementary students, and the International Baccalaureate program for high school students. Its location is shown on a map, a school schedule and calendar of events, administrative contacts, and admissions policies are put forth.
https://www.sais.edu.hk/
The specialist addition treatment rehabilitation center is in Hong Kong, where it focuses on the misuse of substances like alcohol or drugs, as well as dealing with addictions such as gambling, sex, and compulsive Internet use. A promotional video is featured, and a brochure may be downloaded from the site, and general information about addictions, a descriptive of its outpatient and residential rehab programs are discussed, along with a blog and references to other resources.
http://www.thecabinhongkong.com.hk/
Located in the Kowloon area of Hong Kong, the hotel is near the Hong Kong Cultural Center, Hong Kong Space Museum, Star Ferry Terminal, and the Harbour City Shopping Center. Its location is shown on a map, and its rooms and suites are highlighted in pictures, with a list of features and amenities, prices, special offers, meeting facilities, shopping arcade, and onsite dining facilities.
http://hongkong.peninsula.com/en/
US Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau
Located in Hong Kong, the consulate office covers the autonomous region of Macau as well as Hong Kong, offering a variety of services to American citizens in Hong Kong, as well as to citizens of Hong Kong, and others who wish to travel to the United States, study in the United States, or do business with an American company. US educational exchange programs, cultural programs, and small grants programs are put forth.
https://hk.usconsulate.gov/
The Central Intelligence Agency of the United States offers an assessment of the autonomous region of Hong Kong, which includes maps showing its location and that of its chief cities, and introduction and history of Hong Kong, its political and geographical features, economy, energy resources, transportation infrastructure, transnational issues and relationships, and security issues.
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/hk.html
