Macau

Colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Macau was the first European settlement in the Far East. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and Portugal on 13 April 1987, Macau became the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 20 December 1999. China has promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic system will not be practiced in Macau, and that Macau will enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 456,989 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Chinese

Nationality (Adjective): Chinese

Official Language(s): Chinese

Major Languages Spoken: Chinese, Cantonese

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Macau Special Administrative Region

Country Name (short form): Macau

Country Name (local long form): Aomen Tebie Xingzhengqu (Chinese); Regiao Administ

Country Name (local short form): Aomen (Chinese); Macau (Portuguese)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Macau: China

Land Area: 28 sq km

Comparative Area: less than one-sixth the size of Washington, DC

Total Land Boundry: 0.34 km

Coastline: 41 km

National Holiday: National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China), 1 October (1949); note - 20 December 1999 is celebrated as Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

International Phone Code: 853

Currency Code: pataca (MOP)

Internet Country Code: .mo

US Embassy Location: the US has no offices in Macau; US interests are monitored by the US Consulate General in Hong Kong

US Embassy Mailing Address: the US has no offices in Macau; US interests are monitored by the US Consulate General in Hong Kong