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 Hong
Kong, described as a 'barren rock' over 150 years ago, has
become a world-class financial, trading and business centre
and, indeed, a great world city.
Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of
the People's Republic of China on July 1, 1997, after a century
and a half of British administration. Under Hong Kong's constitutional
document, the Basic Law, the existing economic, legal and
social system will be maintained for 50 years. The SAR enjoys
a high degree of autonomy except in defence and foreign affairs.
Location
Situated at the southeastern tip of China, Hong Kong is
ideally positioned at the centre of rapidly developing East
Asia. With a total area of 1 102 square kilometres, it covers
Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon peninsula just opposite, and
the New Territories - the more rural section of Hong Kong,
which also includes 235 outlying islands. [ HKSAR
Map ] [ Hong
Kong in its Regional Setting ]
Population
Hong Kong's population was about 6.816 million at the end
of 2002. The population density is 6 300 people per square
kilometre. Hong Kong has a large foreign population of about
529 870. The top three nationalities come from the Philippines
(142 640), Indonesia (85 240) and the USA (32 340).
Language
Chinese and English are the official languages. Cantonese
is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect, though Mandarin,
Shanghainese and other Chinese dialects are also spoken.
Many people, especially in shops, hotels, and service industries,
speak English.
Climate
May is hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms,
particularly during the mornings. Afternoon temperatures
often exceed 31 C whereas at night, temperatures generally
remain around 26 C with high humidity.
Entry Permits
Visitors must hold a valid passport, endorsed where necessary
for Hong Kong. For more information on visa or entry permit
requirements of the Hong Kong, contact the nearest Chinese
diplomatic and consular mission or visit the HKSAR
Immigration Department website.
Health Regulations
Vaccination certificates are not required for yellow fever,
cholera and typhoid for visitors travelling to Hong Kong.
Check with your travel agent well before your departure,
however, as requirements can change without notice.
Safety
Hong Kong is generally considered a safe city by day or
night. The police are very helpful, and those who speak
English wear a red label under their shoulder badge.
Currency
The unit of currency is Hong Kong dollar (HK$). The Hong
Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar at the rate of US$
1 = HK$ 7.8. Most foreign currencies and traveler's checks
are easily changed in Hong Kong, at banks, hotels or moneychangers.
Electricity
The voltage in Hong Kong is 200/220 volts, 50 cycles. Most
hotels provide adaptors.
Water
All water direct from government mains in Hong Kong satisfies
the United Nations World Health Organization standards.
Bottled water is widely available in hotels and supermarkets.
Telecommunications
Telephones in Hong Kong are advanced, economical and easy
to use. Local calls are free, and many stores and restaurants
offer use of a telephone free of charge to patrons. Calls
from public coin phones cost HK$1. Most hotels have International
Direct Dialing (IDD). Long-distance calls can also be made
from (IDD) public coin phones. An easy method of making
calls is to purchase stored-value phone cards (HK$50, $150
and $200), which can be used in any Cardphone box.
Generally, internet access is available in the business
centers of hotels. In addition, in-room computer dataport
that allow internet access is offered in most hotels.
Hong Kong Dress Code
Business suit is the normal attire for conducting business.
Travel and Tourism
The Hong
Kong Tourism Board has a website
that contains comprehensive visitor information.
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