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go fuck yourself because Hong Kong is gay!!!!!!!
{{Redirect|HK}}
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{{Infobox Country
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|native_name = 中華人民共和國 香港特別行政區
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|conventional_long_name = Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China<ref>This is the official convention employed on the Chinese text of the Hong Kong regional emblem, the text of the ], and the , although "Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" and "Hong Kong" is also accepted.</ref><!-- NOTE:This is the established decision on the talk page and is clearly substantiated by numerous Hong Kong government documents. This is also the convention in use in all other languages on Misplaced Pages. Please refrain from Editing. -->
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|common_name = Hong Kong
kwha Jchxsojhvb ka fxjdsnofh2kh3qGb kphva rgkand 'kcej
|image_flag = Flag of Hong Kong.svg
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|alt_flag = flag with white 5-petalled flower design on solid red background
org nvlj'kbdg[e5qrv'ojhrbeslg'h qk;jga nzvpof
|image_coat = Hong Kong SAR Regional Emblem.svg
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|alt_coat = flag with white 5-petalled flower design on circular solid red background and white border
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|symbol_type = Emblem
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|image_map = Hong Kong Skyline Restitch - Dec 2007.jpg
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|map_caption = View at night from ]
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|alt_map = elevated night panorama on illuminated city
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|image_map2 = Hong Kong Location.svg
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|map2_width = 250px
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|alt_map2 = red splodge marking Hong Kong on the south China coast
RTOAJB LK'NV CIKTDNNFKBVB J
|official_languages =<!-- DO NOT ADD CANTONESE TO THIS, the official languages are stated in the Basic Law as "Chinese and English" -->Chinese, English<ref>The ] states that the official languages are "Chinese and English". It does not explicitly specify the standard for "Chinese". While ] and ]s are used as the spoken and written standards in mainland China, ] and ]s are the long-established ''de facto'' standards in Hong Kong. ''See also: ]''</ref>
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|languages_type = ]
SG
|languages = {{collapsible list|title={{nbsp}}|] (de facto)|]|]|French|German|Japanese|Korean{{,}} ]|]|]|]|]|]|]|]|]|]|]}}
T
|demonym = ]
kgj poxpjbJ'FX0OSJFBK
|leader_title1 = <!-- DO NOT insert Head of State of PRC here, HK is not a country and the Hong Kong Government website (http://www.gov.hk) indicates there is no such position as Head of State of Hong Kong.-->]
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|leader_name1 = ]
p f klsrng iprtsp'iobojig
|leader_title2 = ]
|leader_name2 = ]
|leader_title3 = ]
|leader_name3 = ]
|legislature = ]
|government_type = Non-sovereign partial ] with unelected executive
|sovereignty_type = ]
|established_event1 = ]
|established_date1 = 29 August 1842
|established_event2 = ]
|established_date2 = 25 December 1941 –<br />15 August 1945
|established_event3 = ]
|established_date3 = 1 July 1997
|latd= 22 | latm= 16.7 | latNS = N
|longd= 114 |longm= 9.533 |longEW = E
|area_magnitude = 1 E9
|area_km2 = 1,104
|area_rank = 179th
|area_sq_mi = 426 <!--Do not remove as per WP:MOSNUM-->
|percent_water = 4.5
|population_estimate = 7,055,071<ref name="cia" />
|population_estimate_year = 2009
|population_estimate_rank = 98th
|population_census = 6,708,389
|population_census_year = 2001
|population_density_km2 = 6076.4
|population_density_sq_mi = 15737.9 <!--Do not remove as per WP:MOSNUM-->
|population_density_rank = 4th
|GDP_PPP = $293.311 billion<ref name=imf2>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2004&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=532&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a=&pr.x=40&pr.y=4 |title=Hong Kong|publisher=International Monetary Fund|accessdate=9 October 2008}}</ref>
|GDP_PPP_rank = 38th
|GDP_PPP_year = 2008
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $44,413<ref name=imf2/>
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 10th
|GDP_nominal = US$223.764 billion<ref name=imf2/>
|GDP_nominal_rank = 37th
|GDP_nominal_year = 2008
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = US$31,849<ref name=imf2/>
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 27th
|HDI = {{increase}} 0.944<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hdrstats.undp.org/en/countries/country_fact_sheets/cty_fs_HKG.html |title=Hong Kong, China (SAR)|publisher=United Nations Development Programme |accessdate=10 November 2009}}</ref>
|HDI_rank = 24th
|HDI_year = 2007
|HDI_category = <span style="color:#090;"> very high</span>
|Gini = <!-- DO NOT USE CIA World Factbook. The Gini index is a parameter in calculating the HDI so the Gini index and the HDI should be from the same source, i.e. Human Development Report 2009 -->43.4<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hdrstats.undp.org/en/indicators/161.html |title=Human Development Report 2009 - Gini Index |publisher=United Nations Development Programme |accessdate=10 November 2009}}</ref>
|Gini_year = 2007
|currency = ]
|currency_code = HKD
|time_zone = ]
|utc_offset = +8
|date_format = yyyy年m月d日 (Chinese)<br />dd/mm/yyyy (English)
|drives_on = left
|cctld = ]
|calling_code = ]
|nicknames = HK, The 852
}}
{{fixbunching|end}}
'''Hong Kong'''<ref>The name was often written as ''Hongkong'' until the ] adopted the current form in 1926 (Hongkong Government Gazette, Notification 479, 3 September 1926). Nevertheless, some century-old organisations still use the name, such as the ], ] and ]. While the names of most cities in the People's Republic of China are ] into English using ], the official English name is ''Hong Kong'' rather than the pinyin ''Xianggang''. ''See: ]''</ref> ({{zh|c=香港}}) is a ] of the ]. Situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the ] and ],<ref name="censtatd">{{cite web |url=http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/FileManager/EN/Content_810/geog.pdf|title=Geography and Climate, Hong Kong |accessdate=10 January 2007 |publisher=Census and Statistics Department, The Government of Hong Kong SAR|format=PDF}}</ref> it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour. With land mass of {{convert|1104|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} and a population of seven million people, Hong Kong is one of the most ] in the world.<ref>{{cite book | last=Ash | first=Russell | authorlink=Russell Ash | title=The Top 10 of Everything 2007 | publisher=] | isbn=0-600-61532-4 | page=78 | year=2006 }}</ref> Hong Kong's population is 95% ] and 5% from other groups.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/hong_kong_statistics/statistical_tables/index.jsp?htmlTableID=139&excelID=&chartID=&tableID=139&ID=&subjectID=1 |title=Population by Ethnicity, 2001 and 2006 |publisher=Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong Government |accessdate=9 September 2008}}</ref>

Under the principle of "]", Hong Kong runs on economic and political systems different from those of ].<ref>So, Alvin Y. Lin, Nan. Poston, Dudley L. Contributor Professor, So, Alvin Y. (2001). The Chinese Triangle of Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Greenwood Publishing. ISBN 0313308691.</ref> Hong Kong is one of the world's leading ]s, with a major ] service economy characterised by low taxation, free trade and minimum government intervention under the ethos of ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnbc.com/id/32970596?slide=14 |title=The World's Most Competitive Financial Centers - Slideshows - CNBC.com |publisher=www.cnbc.com |accessdate=30 October 2009 }}</ref> The ] is the 9th most traded currency in the world.<ref> (April 2007), Bank for International Settlements.</ref>

Hong Kong's ] functions under the ] framework.<ref name="BasicLawC4S4">{{cite web|url=http://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_4.html#section_4|title=Basic Law, Chapter IV, Section 4|publisher=Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee|accessdate=10 November 2009}}</ref> Its ] is governed by the ], its constitutional document. It has a burgeoning multi-party system, and its ] is partly elected through universal suffrage. The ] is the head of government.<ref name="BasicLawC4S1" />

Hong Kong became a colony of the ] after the ] (1839–1842). Originally confined to ], the colony's boundaries were extended in stages so as to include the ] and the ] by 1898. It was ] during the ], after which the ] resumed control until 1997, when ].<ref>{{citation |title=Joint Declaration of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong |date=19 December 1984 |quote="The Government of the People's Republic of China declares that to recover the Hong Kong area (including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, hereinafter referred to as Hong Kong) is the common aspiration of the entire Chinese people, and that it has decided to resume the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong with effect from 1 July 1997." |url=http://www.cmab.gov.hk/en/issues/jd2.htm}}</ref><ref name=otd>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/july/1/newsid_2656000/2656973.stm |title=On This Day: 1997: Hong Kong handed over to Chinese control |publisher=BBC |accessdate=9 September 2008 | date=1 July 1997}}</ref> The Basic Law stipulates that Hong Kong shall enjoy a "high degree of autonomy" in all matters except foreign relations and military defence.<ref name="BasicLawC2"/>

==History==
{{Main|History of Hong Kong}}

Hong Kong began as a coastal ] geographically located in southern ]. While pockets of settlements had taken place in the Hong Kong region, with archaeological findings dating back thousands of years, regularly written records were not made until the engagement of ] and the British colony in the territory. Starting out as a fishing village, salt production site and trading ground,<ref>T. L. Tsim, {{cite web |url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ecDVOmyyIbMC&pg=PA383&dq=hong+kong+salt+production&lr=#v=onepage&q=hong%20kong%20salt%20production&f=false |title=The Other Hong Kong Report 1989, Page 383 |publisher=Chinese University Press, 1989, ISBN 9622014305 |accessdate=6 November 2009 }}</ref> it would evolve into a military port of strategic importance and eventually an international financial centre that enjoys the world's 6th highest ], supporting 33% of the foreign capital flows into China.<ref>CIA gov. "." ''HK GDP 2004.'' Retrieved on 6 March 2007.</ref>

===Pre-20th century===
].|alt=ancient sepia image of elevated view of a city and its harbour]]
Human settlement in the area now known as Hong Kong dates back to the late ] and early ] era,<ref name="HKArc">{{cite web|url=http://www.hkarch.org/en_news.html|title=The Trial Excavation at the Archaeological Site of Wong Tei Tung, Sham Chung, Hong Kong SAR|publisher=Hong Kong Archaeological Society|date=29 April 2005|accessdate=24 December 2008}}</ref> but the name Hong Kong (香港) did not appear on written record until the ] of 1842.<ref>The Treaty of Nanking is currently earliest record available with the name "Hongkong" (香港) on it.<!-- DON'T remove this statement unless an ever earlier record is presented, thank you --></ref> The area's earliest recorded European visitor was ], a Portuguese explorer who arrived in 1513.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=IHjyAAAACAAJ |author=Jonathan Porter |title=Macau, the Imaginary City: Culture and Society, 1557 to the Present |publisher=Westview Press |year=1996 |isbn=0813328365}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mXoFscQ2QwsC |author=Richard L. Edmonds |title=China and Europe Since 1978: A European Perspective |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2002 |isbn=0521524032}}</ref>

In 1839 the refusal by ] authorities to import opium resulted in the ] between China and Britain. Hong Kong Island became occupied by British forces in 1841, and was formally ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Nanking at the end of the war. The British established a ] with the founding of ] the following year. In 1860, after China's defeat in the ], the ] and ] were ceded to Britain under the ]. In 1898, under the terms of the ], Britain obtained a 99-year lease of ] and the adjacent northern lands, which became known as the ].<ref name="Wiltshire">{{cite book |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=vQIXIQAACAAJ |author=Trea Wiltshire |title=Old Hong Kong |publisher=FormAsia |year=1997 |isbn=9627283134}}</ref> Hong Kong's territory has remained unchanged to the present.

===20th century onwards===
During the first half of the 20th century, Hong Kong was a ], serving as an ] of the ]. The British introduced an education system based on their own model, while the local Chinese population had little contact with the European community of wealthy '']s'' settled near ].<ref name="Wiltshire" />

In conjunction with its military campaign in the ], the ] invaded Hong Kong on 8 December 1941. The ] ended with British and Canadian defenders surrendering control of the colony to Japan on 25 December. During the ], civilians suffered widespread ]s, ], and ] due to forced exchange of currency for military notes. Hong Kong lost more than half of its population in the period between the invasion and Japan's surrender in 1945, when the United Kingdom resumed control of the colony.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0418-04.htm|title=Thousands March in Anti-Japan Protest in Hong Kong|work=]|date=18 April 2005|accessdate=1 February 2008}}</ref>

] and ] in December 1941.|alt=soldiers riding on horseback in a city street]]

Hong Kong's population recovered quickly as a wave of migrants from China arrived for refuge from the ongoing ]. When the People's Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949, more migrants fled to Hong Kong in fear of persecution by the ].<ref name="Wiltshire" /> Many corporations in Shanghai and ] also shifted their operations to Hong Kong.<ref name="Wiltshire" />

As textile and manufacturing industries grew with the help of population growth and low cost of labour, Hong Kong rapidly industrialised, with its economy becoming driven by exports, and living standards rising steadily.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=cxxGJ7c10noC&pg=PA48&dq=textiles+growth+hong+kong&lr=#v=onepage&q=textiles%20growth%20hong%20kong&f=false |title=The growth and structure of international trade since the Second World War‎
|first=Lynden |last=Moore |year=1985
|page=48}}</ref> The construction of ] in 1953 marked the beginning of the ] programme, designed to cope with the huge influx of immigrants. Trade in Hong Kong accelerated even further when ], immediately north of Hong Kong, became a ] of the PRC, and established Hong Kong as the main source of foreign investment to China.<ref name="Wei">{{cite web|author=Shang-Jin Wei|month=January|year=2000|url=http://www.nber.org/chapters/c8501.pdf|title=Why Does China Attract So Little Foreign Direct Investment?|pages=6–8|publisher=]|format=PDF|accessdate=10 November 2009}}</ref> With the development of the manufacturing industry in southern China beginning in the early 1980s, Hong Kong's competitiveness in manufacturing declined and its economy began shifting toward a reliance on the service industry, which enjoyed high rates of growth in the 1980s and 1990s, and absorbed workers released from the manufacturing industry.<ref name="Dodsworth">{{cite book|title=Hong Kong, China: Growth, Structural Change, and Economic Stability During the Transition|publisher=]|year=1997|authors=John Dodsworth, Dubravko Mihaljek|page=54|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=6csHC4xlmFAC&pg=PT35&lpg=PT35&source=bl&ots=paHLtWhG4O&sig=M_XqGboVLy52aEMkbWXrK19tG14&hl=en&ei=VYX5SoaYOcPTnAeIh_mCDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CAsQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=&f=false|isbn=1557756724}}</ref>

In 1983, Hong Kong was reclassified from a British crown colony to a ]. However with the lease of the New Territories due to expire within two decades, the governments of Britain and China were already discussing the issue of Hong Kong's sovereignty. In 1984 the two countries signed the ], agreeing to transfer sovereignty to the People's Republic of China in 1997,<ref name="Wiltshire" /> and stipulating that Hong Kong would be governed as a special administrative region, retaining its laws and a high degree of autonomy for at least fifty years after the transfer. The ], which would serve as the constitutional document after the transfer, was ratified in 1990, and the transfer of sovereignty occurred at midnight on 1 July 1997, marked by a ] at the ].<ref name="Wiltshire" />

Hong Kong's economy was affected by the ], and the ], both in 1997. After a gradual recovery, Hong Kong suffered again due to an outbreak of ] in 2003.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://english.people.com.cn/200401/16/eng20040116_132721.shtml |title=Links between SARS, human genes discovered |work=] |date=16 January 2004 |accessdate=1 February 2008}}</ref> Today, Hong Kong continues to serve as an important global financial centre, but faces uncertainty over its future role with a growing ], and its relationship with the PRC government in areas such as democratic reform and universal suffrage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eiu.com/index.asp?layout=VWPrintVW3&article_id=1222907707&printer=printer&rf=0 |title=Hong Kong politics: China sets reform timetable |date=2 January 2008 |
author=The Economist Economic Unit |work=The Economist}}</ref>

===Etymology===
{{Hong Kong pronunciation}}
The name "Hong Kong" is an approximate phonetic rendering of the ] pronunciation of the ] or Hakka name "香港", meaning "fragrant harbour" in English.<ref name="etym">{{cite book |last=Room |first=Adrian |title=Placenames of the World |url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=M1JIPAN-eJ4C&pg=PA168&lpg=PA168&dq=hong+kong+etymology+fragrant+harbor&source=web&ots=idqkH_NOZK&sig=tDrezBcwrNKBib14Z6XRa-z9VhI&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=10&ct=result |year=2005 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=0786422483 |page=168}}</ref>

Before 1842, the name Hong Kong originally referred to a small inlet (now ]/Little Hong Kong) between the island of ] and the south side of ]. The inlet was one of the first points of contact between British sailors and local fishermen.<ref>{{cite book |author=Bishop, Kevin; Roberts, Annabel |title=China's Imperial Way |url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=1c0UyPNF_I0C&pg=PT216&lpg=PT216&dq=%22Heung+Gong+Tsai%22&source=web&ots=hwfbi_cIdH&sig=O12V-P04XM9fFJl7xWxFKLMW5Kw&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=3&ct=result#PPT214,M1 |year=1997 |publisher=China Books |isbn=9622175112 |page=218}}</ref>

The reference to fragrance may refer to the harbour waters sweetened by the fresh water estuarine influx of the ], or to the incense factories lining the coast to the north of Kowloon which was stored around Aberdeen Harbour for export, before the development of ].<ref name=etym /> In 1842, the Treaty of Nanking was signed, and the name Hong Kong was first recorded on official documents to encompass the entirety of the island.<ref>Fairbank, John King. Trade and Diplomacy on the China Coast: The Opening of the Treaty Ports, 1842-1854. 2 vols. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1953.</ref>

==Governance==
{{Main|Politics of Hong Kong|Government of Hong Kong|Elections in Hong Kong}}
{{Image stack
|align=right
|image_size=180
|image1=HongKongLegcoBuilding2.jpg
|image1_cap=
|image2=Government House rightview.jpg
|image2_cap=''Top:'' The ].<br />''Bottom:'' ], the official residence of the ].
}}
In accordance with the ], and reflecting the policy known as "]", Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy as a special administrative region in all areas except defence and foreign affairs.<ref>Section 3(2) of the ''Sino-British Joint Declaration'' states in part, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will enjoy a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs which are the responsibilities of the Central People's Government."</ref> The declaration stipulates that the region maintain its ] economic system and guarantees the rights and freedoms of its people for at least 50 years beyond the 1997 handover.<ref>Section 3(5) of the ''Sino-British Joint Declaration'' states that the social and economic systems and lifestyle in Hong Kong will remain unchanged, and mentions rights and freedoms ensured by law. Section 3(12) states in part, "The above-stated basic policies of the People's Republic of China ... will remain unchanged for 50 years."</ref> The Basic Law is the ] that outlines the executive, legislative and judicial authorities of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, although final authority for interpreting the Basic Law rests with the ].<ref name="BasicLawC8">{{cite web|url=http://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_8.html|title=Basic Law, Chapter VIII|publisher=Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee|accessdate=10 November 2009}}</ref>

The primary ] are:
*'''The executive''': The ], headed by the ] who is elected by the ] and then appointed by the ];<ref name="BasicLawC4S6">{{cite web|url=http://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_4.html#section_6|title=Basic Law, Chapter IV, Section 6|publisher=Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee|accessdate=10 November 2009}}</ref><ref name="CivilServiceFactSheet">{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/factsheets/docs/civil_service.pdf|title=Civil Service|publisher=]|month=June|year=2009|format=PDF}}</ref>
**''']''': A politically neutral body that implements policies and provides government services, where public servants are appointed based on ];<ref name="BasicLawC4S1">{{cite web|url=http://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_4.html#section_1|title=Basic Law, Chapter IV, Section 1|publisher=Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee|accessdate=10 November 2009}}</ref>
*'''The legislature''': The ] with 60 members, half of which are directly elected by ] by ], and headed by the ] who serves as the ];<ref name="BasicLawC4S3">{{cite web|url=http://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_4.html#section_3|title=Basic Law, Chapter IV, Section 3|publisher=Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee|accessdate=10 November 2009}}</ref>
*'''The judiciary''': Hong Kong Judiciary, comprising the ], the ] (which includes the ] and the ]), the ], ].<ref name="jud">{{cite web |url=http://www.judiciary.gov.hk/en/crt_services/pphlt/html/guide.htm |title=Introduction |publisher=Hong Kong Judiciary |accessdate=20 September 2008 }}</ref> Judges are appointed by the Chief Executive on the recommendation of an independent commission.<ref name="BasicLawC4S4" />

The implementation of the Basic Law and universal suffrage have been major issues of political debate since the transfer of sovereignty. In 2002, the government's proposed anti-subversion bill pursuant to ], which required the enactment of laws prohibiting acts of treason and subversion against the Chinese government, was met with fierce opposition, and eventually shelved.<ref name="BasicLawC2">{{cite web|url=http://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_2.html|title=Basic Law, Chapter II|publisher=Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee|accessdate=10 November 2009}}</ref><ref name="immd" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hkhrm.org.hk/english/reports/present_abode.html|title=Presentation to Legislative Council on Right of Abode Issue|work=]|date=10 May 1999|accessdate=20 January 2007}}</ref> Debate between pro-Beijing groups and ] characterises Hong Kong's political scene, with the latter supporting a faster pace of ].<ref name="Cohen">Cohen, Warren I. Kirby, William. (1997). Hong Kong Under Chinese Rule: The Economic and Political Implications of Reversion. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521627613</ref>

===Legal system and judiciary===
{{Main|Law of Hong Kong|Judiciary of Hong Kong}}
] in ] is the ] of Hong Kong.|alt=view of red brick building from below]]
In contrast to mainland China's ] system, Hong Kong continues to follow the ] tradition established during British rule. Her legal system is completely independent from the ].<ref name=doj>{{cite web |url=http://www.doj.gov.hk/eng/legal/index.htm |title=The Legal System in Hong Kong |publisher=]|accessdate=20 September 2008}}</ref> Hong Kong's courts are permitted to refer to decisions rendered by courts of other common law jurisdictions as ],<ref name="BasicLawC4S4" /> and judges from other common law jurisdictions are allowed to sit as non-permanent judges of the ].<ref name="BasicLawC4S4" />

Structurally, Hong Kong's court system consists of the Court of Final Appeal, the High Court, which is made up of the Court of Appeal and the Court of First Instance, and the District Court, which includes the ].<ref name="jud" /> Other adjudicative bodies include the Lands Tribunal, the Magistrates' Courts, the Juvenile Court, the Coroner's Court, the Labour Tribunal, the Small Claims Tribunal, and the Obscene Articles Tribunal.<ref name="jud" /> Justices of the ] are appointed by Hong Kong's Chief Executive.<ref name="BasicLawC4S4" />

The ] is the government department responsible for handling legal matters, and its responsibilities involve providing legal advice to the government, criminal prosecution, civil representation, legal and policy drafting and reform, and international legal cooperation between different jurisdictions.<ref name=doj /> Apart from prosecuting criminal cases, lawyers of the Department of Justice also appear in court on behalf of the government in all civil and administrative lawsuits against the government.<ref name=doj /> As protector of the ], it may apply for ]s and may intervene in any cases involving greater public interest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.doj.gov.hk/eng/about/sjo.htm |title=About Us: Organisation chart of the Secretary for Justice's Office|publisher=Department of Justice, Government of Hong Kong |accessdate=5 September 2008}}</ref> The Basic Law, which serves as the constitutional document of the Hong Kong SAR, protects the Department of Justice from any interference by the government when exercising its control over criminal prosecution.<ref name="BasicLawC4S2">{{cite web|url=http://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_4.html#section_2|title=Basic Law, Chapter IV, Section 2|publisher=Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee|accessdate=10 November 2009}}</ref>

===Administrative districts===
{{Hong Kong districts imagemap}}
{{Main|Districts of Hong Kong}}
Hong Kong has a ] system of government, no ] exists since the two municipal councils were abolished in 2000. And as such there is no formal definition for its ]. Administratively, Hong Kong is subdivided into 18 geographic districts, each represented by a ] whose role is to advise the government on local matters such as public facilities, community programmes, cultural activities and environmental improvements.<ref name=district>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/factsheets/docs/district_admin.pdf |title=Hong Kong - The Facts: District Administration |publisher=Hong Kong Government |accessdate=31 August 2008|format=PDF}}</ref>

There are a total of 534 district councils seats, 405 of which are elected, while the rest are appointed by the Chief Executive and 27 '']'' chairmen of rural committees.<ref name=district/> The government's ] communicates government policies and plans to the public through the district offices.<ref name="HAD">{{cite web|url=http://www.had.gov.hk/en/about_us/mission/mission.htm|title=Mission|publisher=]|date=30 June 2009|accessdate=10 November 2009}}</ref>

===Military===
{{Main|Hong Kong Military Service Corps|People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison}}
As a British Colony and later ], defence was provided by the ] under the command of the ] who was ''ex officio'' ].<ref>{{cite book |title=The Civil Service in Hong Kong |url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=9Lqq7tp7n00C&pg=PA19&dq=governor+of+hong+kong+is+commander+in+chief&as_brr=3&ei=3wbNSOqsNpWszATNqZTPAg&sig=ACfU3U2A5FF6eiicjAiwdgfKxdQ3LhrO4A |year=1998 |publisher=Hong Kong University Press |isbn=9622094589 |page=19 |author=Ahmed Shafiqul Huque, Grace O. M. Lee, Anthony Cheung}}</ref> When the People's Republic of China assumed sovereignty in 1997, the British barracks were replaced by a ], comprising ground, naval, and air forces, and under the command of the Chinese ].<ref name=otd />

The Basic Law protects local civil affairs against interference by the garrison, and members of the garrison are made subject to Hong Kong laws. The Hong Kong Government remains responsible for the maintenance of public order; however, it may request the PRC government for help from the garrison in maintaining public order and in disaster relief. The PRC government is responsible for the costs of maintaining the garrison.<ref name="BasicLawC2" />

==Geography and climate==
{{Main|Geography of Hong Kong|Environment of Hong Kong|Climate of Hong Kong}}
] and ]|alt=natural slopes with conurbation in the distance]]
]

Hong Kong is located on China's south coast, {{convert|60|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of ] on the opposite side of the ]. It is surrounded by the ] on the east, south, and west, and borders the Guangdong city of Shenzhen to the north over the Shenzhen River. The territory's {{convert|1104|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} area consists of ], the ], the ], and over 200 offshore islands, of which the largest is ]. Of the total area, {{convert|1054|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} is land and {{convert|50|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} is inland water. In addition Hong Kong claims ] to a distance of {{convert|3|nmi|km|abbr=out}}. The land area makes Hong Kong the ] in the world.<ref name="cia">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/hk.html |title=Hong Kong |work=The World Factbook |publisher=CIA |date= |accessdate=16 October 2009}}</ref><ref name="censtatd" />

As much of Hong Kong's terrain is hilly to mountainous with steep slopes, less than 25% of the territory's landmass is developed, and about 40% of the remaining land area is reserved as ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://discoverhongkong.com/eng/touring/hiking/index.jhtml|title=Outdoor Adventure: Tours in Hong Kong|publisher=Hong Kong Tourism Board|year=27 December 2006|accessdate=1 February 2008}}</ref> Most of the territory's ] exists on Kowloon peninsula, along the northern edge of Hong Kong Island and in scattered settlements throughout the New Territories.<ref name="Census2006">{{cite web|url=http://www.bycensus2006.gov.hk/FileManager/EN/Content_962/06bc_mainrpt_v1.pdf|title=2006 Population By-census|publisher=Census and Statistics Department|accessdate=13 November 2009|format=PDF}}</ref> The highest elevation in the territory is at ], at a height of {{convert|957|m|ft}} above sea level.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_cou/cou_vis_cou_tms/cou_vis_cou_tms.html|title=Tai Mo Shan Country Park|date=17 March 2006|publisher=Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department|accessdate=8 November 2009}}</ref> Hong Kong's long, irregular and curvaceous coast line provides it with many bays, rivers and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ocasia.org/NOCS/NocCountries.aspx?Nocs=12 |title=Olympic Council of Asia : National Olympic Committees |publisher=www.ocasia.org |accessdate=14 November 2009 }}</ref>

Despite Hong Kong's reputation of being intensely ], the territory has made much effort to promote a green environment,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hktrader.net/200111/200104/200104s1.htm|title=Chief Executive pledges a clean, green, world-class city|publisher=Hong Kong Trade Development Council|month=November|year=2001}}</ref> and recent growing public concern has prompted the severe restriction of further ] from Victoria Harbour. Awareness of the environment is growing as Hong Kong suffers from increasing pollution compounded by its geography and tall buildings. Approximately 80% of the ] originates from other parts of the Pearl River Delta.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/22/world/asia/22hongkong.html?ex=1332216000&en=d298556ccd753714&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt |title=Dirty Air Becomes Divisive Issue in Hong Kong Vote|publisher=The New York Times|date=5 November 2006|accessdate=1 February 2008}}</ref>

Situated just south of the ], Hong Kong's climate is ] (] ''Cwa''). Summer is hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms, and warm air coming from the southwest. It is also the time when ] are most likely, sometimes resulting in flooding or landslides. Winter weather usually starts sunny and becomes cloudier towards February, with the occasional cold front bringing strong, cooling winds from the north. The most pleasant seasons are spring, although changeable, and autumn, which is generally sunny and dry.<ref name="HKClimate">{{cite web|url=http://www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/climat/climahk.htm|title=Climate of Hong Kong|publisher=Hong Kong Observatory|date=4 May 2003|accessdate=2 August 2007}}</ref> Hong Kong averages 1,948 hours of sunshine per year,<ref name="sunshine">{{cite web |url=http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/products_and_services/products/publications/statistical_report/general_statistical_digest/index_cd_B1010006_dt_latest.jsp |title=Hong Kong in Figures 2008 Edition|publisher=HKGov Census and Statistics Department|date=27 February 2008|accessdate=7 May 2008}}</ref> while the highest and lowest ever recorded temperatures at the ] are {{convert|36.1|°C|°F|sigfig=4|lk=on}} and {{convert|0.0|°C|°F|sigfig=4}}, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.gov.hk/cis/extreme/mon_extreme_e.htm|title=Extreme Values and Dates of Occurrence of Extremes of Meteorological Elements between 1884–1939 and 1947–2006 for Hong Kong|publisher=Hong Kong Observatory|accessdate=1 February 2008}}</ref>

{{wide image|Hong Kong Overview.jpg|900px|A view from Hong Kong Island, looking north over Central district, the harbour and Kowloon|alt=panorama: looking down on a city of skyscrapers, land mass in the distance separated by a body of water}}
{{Hong Kong weatherbox}}

==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Hong Kong}}
].|alt=brightly lit very tall skyscraper at night]]
Hong Kong is one of the world's leading financial centres.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zyen.com/Knowledge/Research/GFCI%201%20March%202007%20Executive%20Summary.pdf|title=The Global Financial Centres Index 1 Executive Summary|publisher=City of London|month=March|year=2007|accessdate=12 April 2007|format=PDF}}</ref> Its highly developed ] has been ranked the freest in the world by the ] for 15 consecutive years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heritage.org/index/Ranking.aspx|title=2009 Index of Economic Freedom |publisher=The Heritage Foundation|accessdate=19 January 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/|title=2008 Index of Economic Freedom |publisher=The Heritage Foundation|accessdate=1 February 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/topten.cfm|title=Top 10 Countries|publisher=The Heritage Foundation|accessdate=1 February 2008}}</ref> It is an important centre for international finance and trade, with one of the greatest concentration of corporate headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region, and is known as one of the ] for its high growth rates and rapid development between the 1960s and 1990s. In addition, Hong Kong's ], between 1961 and 1997, has grown 180 times larger than the former while per capita GDP rose by 87 times.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=Q79VGofCqIgC|author=Peter Wallace Preston and Jürgen Haacke|title= Contemporary China: The Dynamics of Change at the Start of the New Millennium|publisher=Routledge|year=2002|isbn=0700716378}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Rikkie Yeung|title=Moving Millions: The Commercial Success and Political Controvesies of Hong Kong's Railways|publisher=] Press|year=2008|isbn=9789622099630}}</ref>

The ] is the sixth largest in the world, with a ] of ]2.97 trillion as at October 2007. In 2009, Hong Kong raised 22 percent of worldwide IPO capital, making it the largest centre of ]s in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aI3U6ahtfIyo|title=Hong Kong IPOs May Raise Record $48 Billion in 2010, E&Y Says|publisher=Bloomberg}}</ref> Hong Kong's currency is the ], which has been ] to the U.S. dollar since 1983.<ref>{{Cite book |url=http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng/public/hkmalin/full_e.pdf |author=HKMA Background Brief No.1 |title= Hong Kong's Linked Exchange Rate System |page=33
|publisher=Hong Kong Monetary Authority}}</ref>

The Government of Hong Kong plays a passive role in the financial industry, mostly leaving the direction of the economy to market forces and the private sector. Under the official policy of "]", Hong Kong is often cited as an example of ]. Following the Second World War, Hong Kong industrialised rapidly as a manufacturing centre driven by exports, and then underwent a rapid transition to a service-based economy in the 1980s.<ref name-ceo>{{cite press release |url=http://www.ceo.gov.hk/eng/press/oped.htm |title=Big Market, Small Government |first=Donald |last=Tsang |date=18 September 2006 |author=Chief Executive's Office |publisher=Government of Hong Kong }}</ref>

Hong Kong matured to become a financial centre in the 1990s, but was greatly affected by the Asian financial crisis in 1998, and again in 2003 by the SARS outbreak. A revival of external and domestic demand has led to a strong recovery, as cost decreases strengthened the competitiveness of Hong Kong exports and a long deflationary period ended.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hktdc.com/info/mi/a/tdcnews/en/1X00NG1N/1/HKTDC-News-Speeches/Export-Supply-Chain-Management-Helps-To-Maintain-Hong-Kong-S-Competitiveness-Says-TDC-Chairman.htm |title=hktdc.com - Export Supply Chain Management Helps to Maintain Hong Kong's Competitiveness, says TDC Chairman |publisher=www.hktdc.com |accessdate=14 November 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hkdf.org/newsarticles.asp?show=newsarticles&newsarticle=126 |title=HKDF - Has Hong Kong Lost its Competitiveness? |publisher=www.hkdf.org |accessdate=14 November 2009 }}</ref>

The territory has little arable land and few natural resources, so it imports most of its food and raw materials. Hong Kong is the world's eleventh largest trading entity,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.info.gov.hk/info/hkbrief/eng/ahk.htm|title=About Hong Kong|publisher=Hong Kong SAR Government Information Centre|month=April|year=2006|accessdate=1 February 2008}}</ref> with the total value of ]s and ]s exceeding its gross domestic product. Hong Kong is the world's largest re-export centre.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15014282|title=The Panama Canal: A plan to unlock prosperity|publisher=]|date=3 December 2009|accessdate=4 December 2009}}</ref> Much of Hong Kong's exports consist of re-exports, which are products made outside of the territory, especially in mainland China, and distributed via Hong Kong. Even before the transfer of sovereignty, Hong Kong had established extensive trade and investment ties with the mainland, and now enables it to serve as a point of entry for investment flowing into the mainland. At the end of 2007, there were 3.46 million people employed full-time, with the unemployment rate averaging 4.1%, the fourth straight year of decline.<ref>Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics, March 2008</ref> Hong Kong's economy is dominated by the service sector, which accounts for over 90% of its GDP, while industry now constitutes just 9%. Inflation was at 2% in 2007, and Hong Kong's largest export markets are mainland China, the United States, and Japan.<ref name="cia" /><ref>http://www.brandhk.gov.hk/brandhk/en/pdf/This_is_HK.pdf</ref>

As of 2009, Hong Kong is the fifth ], behind Tokyo, ], Moscow, and ]. In 2008, Hong Kong was ranked sixth, and in 2007, it was ranked fifth.<ref>http://www.mercer.com/costoflivingpr#Top_50</ref> In 2009, Hong Kong was ranked third in the ].<ref> World Bank. Retrieved 18 September 2009.</ref>

==Demographics==
], at 6,200 people per&nbsp;km².|alt=busy street scene at night, with lit advertising panels]]
] on Lantau Island|alt=large bronze statue of Buddha with right hand raised]]
{{Main|Demographics of Hong Kong}}
The territory's population is more than seven million. In 2008, Hong Kong had a low birth rate of 11.3 per 1,000 population and a fertility rate of 1,056 children per 1,000 women.<ref name="Factsheet Population">{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/factsheets/docs/population.pdf|title=Hong Kong: The Facts - Population|publisher=Government of the Hong Kong SAR|month=October|year=2009|accessdate=4 December 2009}}</ref> However, the population in Hong Kong continues to grow due to the influx of immigrants from mainland China, approximating 45,000 per year &ndash; there exists a daily quota of 150 people from Mainland China with family ties in Hong Kong are granted a 'one way permit'.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hkclic.org/en/topics/immigration/for_non_residents/q1.shtml |title=Who is entitled to sponsor family members to come to live in Hong Kong? If I am a lawful resident of Hong Kong, can my family members in the Mainland (or elsewhere) apply to immigrate to Hong Kong? |publisher=Community Legal Information Centre |accessdate=4 November 2009}}</ref> According to a United Nation report, ] in Hong Kong is 81.8 years as of 2006, the second highest in the world.<ref>{{cite news |title=UN report ranks SAR second in life expectancies
|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=31951&sid=10897156&con_type=1&d_str=20061116&sear_year=2006
|first=Chester |last=Yung |work=The Standard
|date=16 November 2006}}</ref>

About 95% of the people of Hong Kong are of ] descent,<ref name=census1>{{cite web |url=http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/hong_kong_statistics/statistical_tables/index.jsp?htmlTableID=139&excelID=&chartID=&tableID=139&ID=&subjectID=1 |title=Population and Vital Events: Table 139 Population by ethnicity 2001 and 2006 |author=Census and Statistics Department|publisher=Hong Kong Government |accessdate=2 November 2009}}</ref> the majority of whom are ], ] and ]. The remaining 5% of the population is composed of non-ethnic Chinese forming a highly visible group despite their smaller numbers.<ref name=census1/> In addition, there are in excess of 300,000 ] from Indonesia and the Philippines, according to official figures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.info.gov.hk/info/hkin/fdh.pdf|title=Entry of Foreign Domestic Helpers|month=November|year=2006|publisher=Hong Kong SAR Government Information Centre|accessdate=18 March 2007|format=PDF}}</ref>

There is a ] population of ], ]is and ]ese. Some ]s have become permanent residents of Hong Kong. There are also a number of Europeans (mostly ]), ], ], ], ], and ] working in the city's commercial and financial sector.<ref>The Census and Statistics Department has reported that the number of people identifying themselves as "white" fell from 46,584 in the 2001 census to 36,384 in the 2006 by-census, a decline of 22 percent.</ref> Residents from ] do not have the ], nor are they allowed to enter the territory freely.<ref name="immd">{{cite web|url=http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hksarvepid.htm|title= Right of Abode in HKSAR — Verification of Eligibility for Permanent Identity Card|publisher=]|date=5 June 2007|accessdate=1 February 2008}}</ref>

Hong Kong's ''de facto'' official language is Cantonese, a ] originating from ] to the north of Hong Kong.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jmsc.hku.hk/hkstories/content/view/97/35/ |title=JMSC - HKStories - Hong Kong as a Cantonese speaking city |publisher=jmsc.hku.hk |accessdate=14 November 2009 }}</ref> English is also an official language, and according to a 1996 by-census is spoken by 3.1% of the population as an everyday language and by 34.9% of the population as a second language.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/english-usage/ice/icehk.htm|title=ICE Hong Kong|publisher=University College London|accessdate=1 February 2008}}</ref> Signs displaying both Chinese and English are common throughout the territory. Since the 1997 handover, an increase in immigrants from mainland China and greater integration with the mainland economy have brought an increasing number of ] speakers to Hong Kong.<ref>http://www.swarthmore.edu/SocSci/Linguistics/Papers08/Yum.pdf</ref>

Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of freedom, guaranteed by the Basic Law. 90% of Hong Kong's population practises a ],<ref name="cia" /> most prominently ] (mainly ]), ], and ].<ref>, Hong Kong Tourism Board.</ref><ref> marimari.com</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yearbook.gov.hk/2006/en/18_03.htm |title=Hong Kong Year Book (2006): Chapter 18 – Religion and Custom |publisher=Yearbook.gov.hk |date=15 August 2007 |accessdate=16 May 2009}}</ref> A ] community of around 600,000 exists,<ref name = "onnxty">{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2007/90133.htm#hk |title=International Religious Freedom Report 2007 - Hong Kong |publisher=State.gov |date= |accessdate=16 May 2009}}</ref><ref name="Hong Kong 2006">{{cite web|url=http://www.yearbook.gov.hk/2006/en/18_06.htm |title=Hong Kong Year Book (2006):Chapter 18 – Religion and Custom: Christianity |publisher=Yearbook.gov.hk |date=15 August 2007 |accessdate=16 May 2009}}</ref> forming about 8% of the total population, and is nearly equally divided between ] and ]s, although other, smaller Christian communities exist including the ]<ref></ref> and ].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.watchtower.org/e/statistics/worldwide_report.htm |title = 2007 Report of Jehovah's Witnesses Worldwide |accessdate = 9 August 2008}}</ref> There are also ], ], ], ] and ] communities.<ref name = "onnxty"/> ] after the 1997 handover is guaranteed under the Basic Law. The practice of ] is tolerated; the ] and ] churches each freely appointing its own bishops, unlike in mainland China.<ref>{{cite web |title=International Religious Freedom Report 2006 - Hong Kong |year=2006 |publisher=U.S. Department of State
|work= Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor |accessdate=4 November 2009}}</ref>

==Education==
{{Main|Education in Hong Kong}}
]|alt=3-storey red brick building with gabled roof adjacent to 7-storey modern building with flat roof]]

]

Hong Kong's education system roughly follows the ],<ref>{{cite book |last=Chan |first=Shun-hing |coauthor=Leung, Beatrice |year=2003 |title=Changing Church and State Relations in Hong Kong, 1950-2000|publisher=HK university press |page=24 |ISBN=962-2096123}}</ref> although international systems exist. The government maintains a policy in which the ] is Cantonese (母語教學),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeID=1909&langno=2 |title=母語教學小冊子 (Mother Tongue Instruction Handbook) |language=Traditional Chinese |author=Education Bureau |publisher=Government of Hong Kong |accessdate=4 November 2009}}</ref> with written Chinese and English. In secondary schools, 'biliterate and trilingual' proficiency is emphasised, and ] language education has been increasing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeID=1901&langno=1 |title=Policy for Secondary Schools -Medium of Instruction Policy for Secondary Schools |author=Education Bureau |publisher=Government of Hong Kong |accessdate=4 November 2009}}</ref> The ] ranked Hong Kong's education system as the second best in the world.<ref name="OECD">{{cite web|url=http://www.pisa.oecd.org/document/2/0,3343,en_32252351_32236191_39718850_1_1_1_1,00.html|title=PISA 2006 Science Competencies for Tomorrow's World|accessdate=14 December 2007}}</ref>

Hong Kong's ] are operated by the ]. The system features a non-compulsory three-year ], followed by a compulsory six-year ], a three-year junior ], a non-compulsory two-year senior secondary education leading to the ]s and a two-year ] course leading to the ]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeID=97&langno=1|title=Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Education|publisher=Education Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR|accessdate=1 February 2008}}</ref>

However, starting with Form 1 students of 2006, all students receive 3 years of compulsory junior and 3 years compulsory senior secondary education. Most comprehensive schools in Hong Kong fall under three categories: the rarer public schools; the more common subsidised schools, including government aids and grant schools; and ]s, often run by Christian organisations and having admissions based on academic merit rather than on financial resources. Outside this system are the schools under the ] and private ]s.

There are nine public universities in Hong Kong, and a number of ], offering various bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, other higher diplomas and associate degree courses. The ], the oldest institution of ] in the territory, was referred by ] as a "''world-class comprehensive research university''"<ref>{{cite web | first = | authorlink = http://www.qsnetwork.com | coauthors = | title = University Profiles - University of Hong Kong | work = | publisher = Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd | date = 2008 | url = http://www.topuniversities.com/schools/data/school_profile/default/universityhongkong | doi = | accessdate = 16 February 2009}}</ref> and was ranked 24th on the 2009 ],<ref name=THES>{{cite web | last = Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd | first = | coauthors = | title = Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings 2009 - Top 200 world universities | work =Times Higher Education Supplement | date = 2008 | url =http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/Rankings2009-Top200.html | doi = | ccessdate = 16 February 2009}}</ref> making it 1st in Asia.<ref name="200rank">{{Cite web|title=Top 200 Universities|work=TopUniversities|accessdate=27 July 2009|date=2009|url=http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/asian-university-rankings}}</ref> The ] and ] are ranked 35 and 46, respectively, making them rank 2nd and 4th, respectively, in Asia.<ref name="200rank"/>

==Culture==
{{Main|Culture of Hong Kong}}
], a tribute to ] |alt=bronze statue on pedestal with city skyline in background]]
] in ] |alt=Chinese style building behind a fish pond]]Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where "East meets West", reflecting the culture's mix of the territory's Chinese roots with the culture brought to it during its time as a British colony.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/03/06/24hours.hongkong/index.html?eref=rss_travel |title=24 hours in Hong Kong: Urban thrills where East meets West |publisher=CNN |date=8 March 2009 |accessdate=27 May 2009}}</ref> One of the more noticeable contradictions is Hong Kong's balancing of a modernised way of life with traditional Chinese practices. Concepts like '']'' are taken very seriously, with expensive construction projects often hiring expert consultants, and are often believed to make or break a business.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/propertyfocus/propertyfocus/view/20090217-189707/Feng-shui-used-in-90-of-RP-businesses |title=Feng shui used in 90% of RP businesses - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos |publisher=globalnation.inquirer.net |accessdate=14 November 2009 }}</ref> Other objects like ] mirrors are still regularly used to deflect evil spirits, and buildings often lack any floor ] in it, due to its similarity to the word for "die" in the Chinese language. The fusion of east and west also characterises Hong Kong's cuisine, where ], ] and ] restaurants coexist with ].<ref>{{cite book |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=PgJTSYeEnNkC&pg=PA172&dq=Hong+Kong%27s+cuisine&client=firefox-a#v=onepage&q=Hong%20Kong%27s%20cuisine&f=false |title=Hong Kong and Macau - Google Books |publisher=books.google.com |accessdate=14 November 2009 }}</ref>

Hong Kong is a recognised global centre of trade, and calls itself an 'entertainment hub'.<ref name=M&C>{{cite news |url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/movies/news/article_1281858.php/Hong_Kong_calls_itself_Asia_s_entertainment_hub
|title=Hong Kong calls itself Asia's entertainment hub
|work=Monsters and Critics Movie News |date=23 March 2007
}}</ref> Its ] film genre gained a high level of popularity in the late 1960s and 1970s. Several ] performers and martial artists have originated from ], notably ], ], ], and ]. A number of Hong Kong film-makers have also achieved widespread fame in Hollywood, such as ], ] and ].<ref name=M&C/> Homegrown films such as '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']'' have gained international recognition. Hong Kong is the centre for ] music, which draws its influence from other forms of ] and Western genres, and has a multinational fanbase.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/musicgoesglobal/asia/mcantopop.html |title=Hong Kong music circles the globe with its easy-listening hits and stars |first=Richard |last=Corliss |work=Time |accessdate=4 November 2009}}</ref>

The Hong Kong government supports cultural institutions such as the ], the ], the ], and the ]. Also, the government's ] subsidises and sponsors international performers brought to Hong Kong. Many international cultural activities are organised by the government, consulates, and privately.

Hong Kong has two licensed ] &ndash; ] and ]. There are three local and a number of foreign suppliers of ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cedb.gov.hk/ctb/eng/broad/licences.htm |title=Broadcasting: Licences |author=Commerce and Economic Development Bureau |publisher=Government of Hong Kong |accessdate=4 November 2009}}</ref> The production of Hong Kong's soap dramas, comedy series and variety shows reach audiences throughout the Chinese-speaking world. Magazine and newspaper publishers in Hong Kong distribute and print in both Chinese and English, with a focus on sensationalism and celebrity gossip. ] is relatively free from official interference ], although the '']'' points to signs of self-censorship by journals whose owners have close ties to or business interests in the PRC, but state that even Western media outlets are not immune to growing Chinese economic power.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.feer.com/politics/2009/october54/Chinas-Export-of-Censorship |title=China's Export of Censorship |first=Christopher |last=Walker |coauthor=Cook, Sarah|date=12 October 2009 |accessdate=4 November 2009}}</ref>

Hong Kong offers wide recreational and competitive sport opportunities despite its limited land area. It sends delegates to international competition, namely the Olympic Games and ], and played host to the equestrian events during the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/venues/equ/index.shtml |title=Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Beas River & Shatin) |author=Beijing2008 |accessdate=4 November 2009}}</ref> There are major multipurpose venues like ] and MacPherson Stadium. Hong Kong's steep terrain makes it ideal for hiking, with expansive views over the territory, and its rugged coastline provides ] for swimming.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hiking-hong-kong.com/ |title=Hiking Hong Kong - Your Guide to Adventure |publisher=www.hiking-hong-kong.com |accessdate=14 November 2009 }}</ref>

==Architecture==
{{Main|Architecture of Hong Kong}}

According to Emporis, there are 7,650 ]s in Hong Kong, putting the city at the top of world rankings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emporis.com/en/bu/sk/st/ma/ci/ |title=Most Active Cities in terms of High-rise Construction |publisher=Emporis |accessdate=24 May 2009}}</ref> The high ] and tall ] of Hong Kong's ] is due to a lack of available ] space, with the average distance from the harbour front to the steep hills of Hong Kong Island at {{convert|1.3|km|mi|abbr=on|sigfig=1}},<ref>{{cite journal |coauthors=C. O. Tong, S. C. Wong |year=1997 |month=August |title=The advantages of a high density, mixed land use, linear urban development |journal=Transportation |volume=24 |issue=3 |pages=295–307 |doi=10.1023/A:1004987422746 |url=http://www.springerlink.com/content/g20972028u70l7t2/ |accessdate=26 April 2008 |author=Tong, C. O. }}</ref> much of it ]. This lack of space causing demand for dense, high-rise offices and housing, has resulted in 36 of the world's 100 tallest residential buildings being in Hong Kong,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emporis.com/en/bu/sk/st/tp/ty/rs/ |title=World's Tallest Residential Towers |publisher=Emporis |accessdate=24 May 2009}}</ref> and more people living or working above the 14th floor than anywhere else on Earth, making it the world's most vertical city.<ref>http://www.timeout.com/newyork/kids/events/things-to-do/112841/2384561/vertical-cities; http://www.skyscraper.org/home.htm</ref>

As a result of the lack of space and demand for construction, few older buildings remain, and the city is instead becoming a centre for ]. The ] (ICC), at {{convert|484|m|ft|abbr=on}} high, is the tallest building in Hong Kong and also the third tallest in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=101555 |title=International Commerce Centre |publisher=Emporis |accessdate=2 September 2008}}</ref> The tallest building prior to the ICC is ], at {{convert|415|m|ft|abbr=on}} high.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=2internationalfinancecentre-hongkong-china |title=Two International Finance Centre |publisher=Emporis |accessdate=24 May 2009}}</ref> Other recognisable skyline features include the ], the triangular ] with its pyramid-shaped spire, ] with its night-time multi-coloured neon light show, and ]'s ] with its sharp, angular ]. According to the Emporis website, the city skyline has the biggest visual impact of all world cities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emporis.com/en/bu/sk/st/sr/ |title=Emporis Skyline Ranking |publisher=Emporis |accessdate=24 May 2009}}</ref> Notable remaining historical assets include the ], the ], and the remains of ].

There are many development plans in place, including the construction of ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tamar.gov.hk/eng/design.htm |title=Tamar Development Project |publisher=Hong Kong SAR Government |accessdate=26 April 2008}}</ref> waterfront redevelopment in Central,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://centralwaterfront.designinghongkong.com/index.php?lang=eng |title=Central Waterfront Design Competition |publisher=DesigningHongKong |accessdate=26 April 2008}}</ref> and a series of projects in ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hab.gov.hk/wkcd/pe/eng/intro.htm |title=West Kowloon Cultural District Public Engagement Exercise |publisher=HKGov Home Affairs Bureau |accessdate=26 April 2008}}</ref> More high-rise development is set to take place on the other side of Victoria Harbour in Kowloon, as the 1998 closure of the nearby ] lifted strict height restrictions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/199807/10/0710062.htm |title=Kai Tak building height restrictions lifted |publisher=Hong Kong SAR Government |date=10 July 1998 |accessdate=26 April 2008}}</ref>

{{Panorama
|image = Image:Pauliyas Hongkong.jpg
|fullwidth = 3495
|fullheight = 480
|caption = A ] view of northern ] between ] in the east (left) and ] in the west (right)
|alt = daytime skyline of a city, with a large body of water in front
|height = 192
}}

==Transport==
] is the only one in the world that runs exclusively with ].|alt=yellow double-decker tram]]
] on one of its nine-minute voyages across ]|alt=double-decker ferry boat in harbour with tall buildings in background]]
{{Main|Transport in Hong Kong}}
Hong Kong has a highly developed transportation network. Over 90% of daily travels (11 million) are on public transport,<ref name="TD">{{cite web |url=http://www.td.gov.hk/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/introduction/index.htm|title=Public Transport Introduction|publisher=Transport Department|accessdate=13 July 2008}}</ref> making it the highest percentage in the world.<ref name="pubtransport">{{cite book |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=Nb9UAAAACAAJ |author=William H. K. Lam and Michael G. H. Bell |year=2003 |title=Advanced Modeling for Transit Operations and Service Planning |publisher=NetLibrary, Incorporated |isbn=0585475229}}</ref> Payment can be made using the ], a stored value system introduced by the MTR, which is now widely accepted on railways, buses and ferries, and well as accepted for cash at other outlets.<ref name="octopus">{{cite web|url=http://www.octopuscards.com/consumer/products/en/index.jsp|title=Octopus Card Information|publisher=]|accessdate=10 December 2008}}</ref>

The city's ] system, ], has 150 stations, which serve 3.4 million people a day.<ref name="mtr">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/whatsnew/tourist_intro.html |title=Tourist Information |publisher=] Corporation |accessdate=29 April 2008}}</ref> ], which has served the territory since 1904, covers the northern parts of Hong Kong Island and is the only tram system in the world run exclusively with ].<ref name="trams">{{cite web |url=http://www.hktramways.com/en/company/index.html |title=The Company |publisher=Hongkong Tramways Limited |accessdate=29 April 2008}}</ref> ]es were introduced to Hong Kong in 1949, and are now almost exclusively used; single-decker buses remain in use for routes with lower demand or roads with lower load capacity. Most normal franchised bus routes in Hong Kong operate until 1 a.m. ]es serve most parts of Hong Kong, particularly areas where standard bus lines cannot reach or do not reach as frequently, quickly or directly.

The ] service, founded in 1888, operates four lines across ] and provides scenic views of Hong Kong's skyline for its 53,000 daily passengers.<ref name="ferryyears">{{cite web |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/11/10/news/ferry.php |title=Not even HK's storied Star Ferry can face down developers |publisher=International Herald Tribune |date=10 November 2006 |accessdate=29 April 2008}}</ref> It acquired iconic status following its use as a setting on ]. Travel writer Ryan Levitt considered the main Tsim Sha Tsui to Central crossing one of the most picturesque in the world.<ref name="worldferry">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/3755270.stm |title=Ferry is amongst the world's best |publisher=BBC News |date=19 October 2004 |accessdate=29 April 2008}}</ref> Other ferry services are provided by operators serving ], new towns, Macau and cities in mainland China. Hong Kong is also famous for its ] traversing the harbour, and small ] ferries which serve remote coastal settlements.

Hong Kong Island's steep, hilly terrain calls for some unusual ways of getting up and down the slopes. It was initially served by ], steeply ascending the side of a mountain.<ref name=thomson>{{cite web |url=http://irc.aa.tufs.ac.jp/thomson/vol_1/mother/104.html |title=A Hong Kong Sedan Chair, Illustrations of China and Its People |first=John |last=Thomson |date=London, 1873-1874}}</ref> The ], the first public transport system in Hong Kong, has provided vertical rail transport between Central and Victoria Peak since 1888.<ref name="old lady">{{cite news |first=Eric |last=Cavaliero |url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=&art_id=52189&sid=&con_type=1&d_str=19970724&sear_year=1997 |title=Grand old lady to turn 110 |work=The Standard |date=24 July 1997}}</ref> In ], there is an extensive system of escalators and ]s, including the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world, the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gohongkong.about.com/od/whattoseeinhk/a/midlevelsescala.htm |title=Hong Kong's Central-Mid Levels Escalator - The Longest in the World |author=Rory Boland|date= |work= |publisher=about.com |accessdate=3 November 2009}}</ref>

] is a leading air passenger gateway and logistics hub in Asia and one of the world's busiest airports in terms of international passenger and cargo movement, serving more than 47 million passengers and handling 3.74 million tonnes of cargo in 2007.<ref name="airportnumbers">{{cite web |url=http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/aboutus/index.html |title=About Us |publisher=] |accessdate=28 April 2008}}</ref> It replaced the overcrowded ] in Kowloon in 1998, and has been rated as the world's best airport in a number of surveys.<ref name="bestairport">{{cite web |url=http://www.airlinequality.com/news/080807-Awards.htm |title=International travellers have voted Hong Kong the best airport in the world |publisher=] |date=8 August 2007 |accessdate=28 April 2008}}</ref> Over 85 airlines operate at the two-terminal airport and it is the primary hub of ], ], ], ] and ].

==See also==
{{Portal Hong Kong}}
* ]
* ]

==Notes and references==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==Further reading==
*Fu, Poshek and David Deser. ''The Cinema of Hong Kong: History, Arts, Identity''. Poshek Fu, David Deser. ]. 2002. 346 pages. ISBN 0-521-77602-3.
*Ngo, Tak-Wing. ''Hong Kong's History: State and Society Under Colonial Rule (Asia's Transformations)''. . Routledge. 1 August 1999. 205 pages. ISBN 0-415-20868-8.
*Shuyong, Liu. ''An Outline History of Hong Kong''. Liu Shuyong. 291 pages. ISBN 7-119-01946-5.
*Tsang, Steve. ''A Modern History of Hong Kong'' (2007)
* Welsh, Frank. ''A Borrowed Place: The History of Hong Kong'' (3rfd ed. 1998), 624 pages. ISBN 1-56836-002-9.
*''Mathematical Modelling of Hong Kong Political and Economical Development''. Derek Lam. Guangzhou Academic Press. 18 February 1986. 23 pages.
*''Forts and Pirates - A History of Hong Kong''. Hong Kong History Society. Hyperion Books. December 1990. ISBN 962-7489-01-8.
*Endacott, G. B., ed. '' An Eastern Entrepot: A Collection of Documents Illustrating the History of Hong Kong'' (1964) 293 pp
*Tsang, Steve. ''Government and Politics: A Documentary History of Hong Kong.'' (1995), 312pp

==External links==
{{sisterlinks}}
*
* – Official government site
*
*
* – Official publication by Information Services Department of the Hong Kong Government
* – Official site of the legislative body
* at ]
* {{CIA World Factbook link|hk|Hong Kong}}
* at ''UCB Libraries GovPubs''
* {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/Hong_Kong}}
* {{wikiatlas|Hong Kong}}
* .
* – Official site of the Hong Kong Tourism Board
* {{wikitravel}}
*

{{Template group
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{{Geographic Location
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{{Countries and territories of East Asia}}
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Revision as of 13:53, 3 February 2010

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