Hong Kong

CAPITAL CITY OF Hong Kong: Hong Kong
LANGUAGE OF Hong Kong: Chinese
CURRENCY OF Hong Kong: Hong Kong dollar (HKD)
COMMENTS ABOUT Hong Kong: Electricity : 220V/50Hz (UK plug) Calling Code : +852 Time Zone : UTC +8 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.
CLIMATE OF Hong Kong: Spring (March to mid-May) Temperatures and humidity rise gradually in spring. Evenings can be cool but lightweight jackets suffice. The average temperature ranges from 18oC-27oC (64oF-80oF), humidity about 82 per cent. Summer (late May to mid-September) Hot and humid with temperatures ranges from 26oC-33oC (78oF-91oF) and humidity near 86 per cent. Short sleeves and cotton clothes work best, with a lightweight sweater for indoors as restaurants tend to set air-conditioning on high. An umbrella or hat works well to ward off the sun. Autumn (late September to early December) Clear and sunny days are the norm in autumn. Short sleeves and light jackets are most suitable at this time of year. The average temperature ranges from 18oC-28oC (64oF-82oF), humidity about 72 per cent. Winter (mid-December to February) Winters are mild with low humidity at 72 per cent. Though the temperature ranges from 14oC-20oC (57oF-68oF), the mercury can drop to 10oC (50oF). Occasional chills make woollens and overcoats necessary. Weather Signals Hong Kong can sometimes be affected by extreme weather. The government has issued a simple but effective warning system. There are five grades of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals (signals 1, 3, 8, 9 and 10, with 10 being the highest). However, typhoons rarely pass directly over Hong Kong. In addition, there are three Rainstorm Warning Signals (amber, red and black, with black being the highest). When the typhoon signal is 8 or above and/or the rain signal is black, visitors are advised to stay in their hotels.
RELIGION OF Hong Kong: Hong Kong is a multicultural city with a multiracial population living in harmony. Tolerance for the customs and traditions of all religions and ethnic groups is part of the city's cosmopolitan philosophy. It is only natural that facilities exist for all in this peaceful and eclectic city. In Hong Kong, everyone is free to openly worship according to their own beliefs. As most of the world's religions have places of worship here, any religious group with special dietary requirements is easily catered for in Hong Kong. As can be expected in a Chinese city, the largest religious communities in Hong Kong are the Buddhists and Taoists. Hong Kong's colonial history is reflected in the large and active Christian community. More than 80,000 Hong Kong people are followers of Islam. Other religions are also well represented, such as Hinduism and Sikhism. The Jewish Community Centre, meanwhile, has an extensive programme of activities and associated organisations.
POPULATION OF Hong Kong: 6,855,125 (July 2004 est.)>>>