- Population:
- 7,415,000
- Religion:
- Ethnic Religions
Hong Kong was a British colony from 1842 until it was returned to China in 1997 under the "one country, two systems" framework. It developed into a global financial hub known for its free-market economy, though recent years have seen political changes affecting its autonomy.
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China, located on the southern coast of China, bordering Guangdong province to the north and the South China Sea to the east, south, and west. Covering an area of approximately 1,104 square kilometers, Hong Kong has a population of about 7.5 million people as of 2023, making it one of the most densely populated regions in the world. The official languages are Chinese (Cantonese) and English. Hong Kong operates under the one country, two systems principle, maintaining a separate legal and economic system from mainland China. The economy is highly developed and market-oriented, with key sectors including finance, trade, logistics, and tourism. Hong Kong is known for its skyline, deep natural harbor, and as an international financial center. It is a member of international organizations such as the World Trade Organization and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.