[3] Slightly over half the population (58.7%) speaks English, the other official language;[2] 4.6% are native speakers, and 54.1% speak English as a second language. [62][63], Nevertheless, widespread public discontent resulted in multiple protests from the 1950s to 1980s, including pro-Republic of China and pro-Chinese Communist Party protests. Hong Kong (US: /hk/ or UK: /hk/; Chinese: , Cantonese: [h.k] (listen)), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (abbr. Is Hong Kong part of China? [178] The Ping Shan Heritage Trail has architectural examples of several imperial Chinese dynasties, including the Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda (Hong Kong's only remaining pagoda). Yes! [163], Hong Kong has the world's largest number of skyscrapers, with 482 towers taller than 150 metres (490ft),[167] and the third-largest number of high-rise buildings in the world. The first modern competition was organised in 1976, and overseas teams began competing in the first international race in 1993. [310], Western classical music has historically had a strong presence in Hong Kong and remains a large part of local musical education. [67] The impending transfer triggered a wave of mass emigration as residents feared an erosion of civil rights, the rule of law, and quality of life. With 7.4 million residents of various nationalities[e] in a 1,104-square-kilometre (426sqmi) territory, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated territories in the world. [196], The city has a severe amount of income inequality,[197] which has risen since the transfer of sovereignty, as the region's ageing population has gradually added to the number of nonworking people. [211] Hong Kong is highly developed, and ranks fourth on the UN Human Development Index. [106] However, mainland criminal procedure law applies to cases investigated by the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the CPG in the HKSAR. [53] Kai Tak Airport began operation in 1924, and the colony avoided a prolonged economic downturn after the 192526 CantonHong Kong strike. Hong Kong Crackdown Is Part of China's Larger Global Strategy, Experts Say Hong Kong Crackdown a Part of China's Larger Strategy The erosion of civil liberties in the territory is. [85], Hong Kong is on China's southern coast, 60km (37mi) east of Macau, on the east side of the mouth of the Pearl River estuary. Realist evaluation of PPPs in Hong Kong", A List of Licensed Broadcasting Services in Hong Kong, Adaptation of Laws Programme Guiding Principles and Guideline Glossary of Terms, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Akamai's State of the Internet Q1 2017 Report, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Bthanie The Academy's Landmark Heritage Campus, Developing a Supplementary Guide to the Chinese Language Curriculum for Non-Chinese Speaking Students, Economic development: Statistical Highlights, The UK's relations with Hong Kong: 30 years after the Joint Declaration, Written evidence from Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Guidelines on the Legislative Council Election, Hong Kong Energy Statistics 2016 Annual Report, Human Development Indices and Indicators Statistical Update 2018, The Profitability of the Banking Sector in Hong Kong, List of Political Affiliations of LegCo Members and DC Members, Literacy Rates Continue to Rise from One Generation to the Next, A Century of Railway Development The Hong Kong Story, Grant to the Hong Kong Shue Yan University for Establishing a General Development Fund, "List of Historical Buildings Declared as Monuments from 1997 to 2006", Registration and Licensing of Vehicles by Class of Vehicles, Follow-ups on the Service Suspension of Tseung Kwan O Line and Part of Kwun Tong Line on 16 December 2013, and Report on Subsequent Major Incidents on East Rail Line and Light Rail, Report of the Task Force on Population Policy, Thematic Report: Household Income Distribution in Hong Kong, Report on Study of Road Traffic Congestion in Hong Kong, Technical Legislative Amendments on Traffic Arrangements for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Triennial Central Bank Survey: Foreign exchange turnover in April 2016, Usage of Information Technology and the Internet by Hong Kong Residents, 2000 to 2016, Women and Men in Hong Kong Key Statistics, Final Report for Provision of Service for Fine Particulate Matter (PM, "Special Report: The mainland's colonisation of the Hong Kong economy", "Hong Kong ban on pro-independence candidates sparks backlash", "Hong Kong villagers using solar energy to help power their homes and show its potential as a source of electricity for city", "The case for extending Hong Kong's 2047 deadline", "Too soon to talk about 2047? [180] Examples include Lui Seng Chun, the Blue House in Wan Chai, and the Shanghai Street shophouses in Mong Kok. [256] With a daily ridership of almost five million, the system serves 41% of all public transit passengers in the city[257] and has an on-time rate of 99.9%. [114][115], The Hong Kong Garrison of the People's Liberation Army is responsible for the region's defence. The protests are the largest in Hong Kong's history,[82] with organisers claiming to have attracted more than three million Hong Kong residents. Hong Kong and China Relationship | Is Hong Kong part of China Hong Kong and China's relationship 6 min read | Last Updated: September 13, 2021 Brief History of Hong Kong Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous region with its own money, passports, immigration channels, and legal system, was ruled by Great Britain for 156 years. Some of the aforementioned acts were previously considered protected speech under Hong Kong law. Population: (2023 est.) Cheung Ka-long wins gold for HK", Women and Men in Hong Kong Key Statistics 2017, "Teaching and Learning | HKU Teaching and Learning", "Proof of English as Medium of Instruction | HKUST - Academic Registry", "Res - Frequently Asked Questions on Applications for Transcript/Letter of Certification/Report on Curriculum Details", "QS World University Rankings 2023: Top Global Universities", "20222023 Best Global Universities Rankings", The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ordinance, The Education University of Hong Kong Ordinance, The Open University of Hong Kong Ordinance. [271] Ferries also serve outlying islands inaccessible by other means. [61] With a rapidly increasing population, the colonial government attempted reforms to improve infrastructure and public services. [49], Administrative infrastructure was quickly built by early 1842, but piracy, disease, and hostile Qing policies initially prevented the government from attracting commerce. [146] In October 2020, Hong Kong police arrested seven pro-democracy politicians over tussles with pro-Beijing politicians in the Legislative Council in May. Hong Kong Crackdown a Part of China's Larger Strategy [131][132], Ethnic minorities (except those of European ancestry) have marginal representation in government and often experience discrimination in housing, education, and employment. Lingnan University,[346] Education University of Hong Kong,[347] Hong Kong Metropolitan University (formerly Open University of Hong Kong),[348] Hong Kong Shue Yan University[349] and Hang Seng University of Hong Kong all attained full university status in subsequent years. Is Hong Kong a Part of China, or Not? - TripSavvy The city has hosted numerous major sporting events, including the 2009 East Asian Games, the 2008 Summer Olympics equestrian events, and the 2007 Premier League Asia Trophy. [235][236], As the mainland liberalised its economy, Hong Kong's shipping industry faced intense competition from other Chinese ports. After reversal of the last colonial era Legislative Council democratic reforms following the handover,[75] the regional government unsuccessfully attempted to enact national security legislation pursuant to Article 23 of the Basic Law. Secondary schools emphasise "bi-literacy and tri-lingualism", which has encouraged the proliferation of spoken Mandarin language education. (An attempt to tweak thisthe doomed extradition lawsparked the protests that continue to this day.). [305], Cantopop is a genre of Cantonese popular music which emerged in Hong Kong during the 1970s. [247] The city is ranked as one of the most expensive cities for expatriates. [308] Despite a general decline since late in the decade,[309] Cantopop remains dominant in Hong Kong; contemporary artists such as Eason Chan, Joey Yung, and Twins are popular in and beyond the territory. [287] Although the vast majority of the population is ethnically Chinese, Hong Kong has developed a distinct identity. All travellers between Hong Kong and China and Macau must pass through border controls, regardless of nationality. Since resumption of cross-boundary train service in 1979, many rail and road links have been improved and constructed, facilitating trade between regions. It was ruled by a governor appointed by Parliament in London and answerable to the Queen. Hong Kong has a highly developed, sophisticated transport network. Carlyle, Trustar Plan $4 Billion McDonald's China Exit [58] Hong Kong was occupied by Japan for almost four years before the British resumed control on 30 August 1945. [129] The government has been repeatedly petitioned to introduce direct elections for these positions. [255] Hong Kong Tramways covers a portion of Hong Kong Island. However, unofficially Hong Kong is, by most practical measures, something different entirely. [169] Single-family detached homes are uncommon and generally only found in outlying areas. [31] Neolithic to Bronze Age Hong Kong settlers were semi-coastal people. Hong Kong | History, China, Location, Map, & Facts | Britannica Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China that has, until recently, largely been free to manage its own affairs based on "one country, two systems," a . [181], The Census and Statistics Department estimated Hong Kong's population at 7,413,070 in 2021. A Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) garrison consisting of some 5,000 soldiers, officers, and support staff now occupy former British Army buildings in Hong Kong, including the Central Barracks in Admiralty; the Stonecutters Island Naval Base; and the Shek Kong Airfield. Hong Kong and China are one countries with two different systems; Hong Kong has a separate basic law that China does not have. [48] After more than a year of further hostilities, Hong Kong Island was formally ceded to the United Kingdom in the 1842 Treaty of Nanking. HONG KONG (Reuters) - Concerns over Hong Kong's political and economic future are growing as pro-democracy protests drag on and turn increasingly violent, and China makes clear that. McDonald's China owners Carlyle, Trustar plan partial exit with US$4 Colonial governments had little industrial policy and implemented almost no trade controls. [144] The law criminalises secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign elements and establishes the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the CPG in the HKSAR, an investigative office under Central People's Government authority immune from HKSAR jurisdiction. Alibaba Mulls Selling Shares to Ant for Buyback as Probe Ends After the control change, I think HK accounted for 37% of China's . The reason is that from 1842 to 1997 the island was part of Britain's empire. HalfDream.org, a website set up by Hong Kong artist Doreen Chan to connect people who've had similar dreams, features in an exhibition at Hong Kong's Para Site art space, and is part of a . [52] The University of Hong Kong was established in 1911 as the territory's first institution of higher education. [119], The central government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs handle diplomatic matters, but Hong Kong retains the ability to maintain separate economic and cultural relations with foreign nations. These schools are subject to the curriculum guidelines as provided by the Education Bureau. [100], Twenty-two political parties had representatives elected to the Legislative Council in the 2016 election. Local and foreign women and girls are often forced into prostitution in brothels, homes, and businesses in the city. [38][39] Portuguese merchants established a trading post called Tamo in Hong Kong waters and began regular trade with southern China. The Hong Kong government was forced to use substantial foreign exchange reserves to maintain the Hong Kong dollar's currency peg during the 1997 Asian financial crisis,[60] and the recovery from this was muted by an H5N1 avian-flu outbreak[72] and a housing surplus. "Hong Kong Activists Stare Down 'Great Firewall of China'", Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, "Education in Hong Kong and China: Towards Convergence? Hong Kong is a special administrative regions of China (SAR) and enjoys a high degree of autonomy as a part of the People's Republic of China, as stipulated by Article 2 of the Hong Kong Basic Law ratified under the Sino-British Joint Declaration. British forces began controlling Hong Kong shortly after the signing of the convention, from 26 January 1841. Beijing allows the SAR to participate as an associate member in certain intergovernmental bodies like the Asian Development Bank and the World Health Organization; and in certain trade-related agreements as Hong Kong, China.. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) was founded as the city's first institute of higher education during the early colonial period in 1911. The degree of its adherence to feng shui is believed to determine the success of a business. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. is considering selling shares to Ant Group Co. as part of the fintech company's planned buyback after financial regulators wrapped a .