Hong Kong

Occupied by the UK in 1841, Hong Kong was formally ceded by China the following year; various adjacent lands were added later in the 19th century. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and the UK on 19 December 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 1 July 1997. In this agreement, China has promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic system will not be imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong will enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 6,980,412 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Chinese/Hong Konger

Nationality (Adjective): Chinese/Hong Kong

Official Language(s): Chinese, English

Major Languages Spoken: Chinese, English, Tagalog, Filipino, Cantonese

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Country Name (short form): Hong Kong

Country Name (local long form): Xianggang Tebie Xingzhengqu

Country Name (local short form): Xianggang

Countries Near by, and Bordering Hong Kong: China

Land Area: 1042 sq km

Water Area: 50 sq km

Comparative Area: six times the size of Washington, DC

Total Land Boundry: 30 km

Coastline: 733 km

National Holiday: National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China), 1 October (1949); note - 1 July 1997 is celebrated as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

International Phone Code: 852

Currency Code: Hong Kong dollar (HKD)

Internet Country Code: .hk

US Embassy Location: 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong

US Embassy Mailing Address: PSC 461, Box 1, FPO AP 96521-0006