Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, located on the southeastern coast of China. It consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and more than 200 outlying islands. Hong Kong has a population of around 7.5 million people and is one of the world's most densely populated regions.

Hong Kong is a major international financial center and a hub for international trade and commerce. It has a free market economy and low taxation, and is considered one of the most business-friendly places in the world. Its port is one of the busiest in the world, and it is also an important center for tourism.

Hong Kong has a unique political system, known as "One Country, Two Systems." It operates under a mini-constitution called the Basic Law, which guarantees a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong and its residents. Hong Kong has its own government, legal system, and police force, and enjoys a high degree of freedom of speech, press, and assembly.

The official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese (Cantonese) and English. Its culture is a blend of Eastern and Western influences, and it has a rich history and heritage, including traditional festivals and customs.

Hong Kong is also known for its skyline, which features numerous skyscrapers and buildings with innovative and unique designs. The city is also home to a variety of attractions, including theme parks, museums, and natural landmarks like Victoria Peak and the Dragon's Back hiking trail.

Telephone Code
852

Local Emergency Phone
999

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Subtropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall

Currency (Code)
Hong Kong dollars (HKD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages
Cantonese, English, Mandarin, other Chinese dialects

Major Religions
Buddhist or Taoist 27.9%, Protestant 6.7%, Roman Catholic 5.3%, Muslim 4.2%, Hindu 1.4%, Sikh 0.2%, note: many people practice Confucianism, regardless of their religious affiliation

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Victoria Peak; Tian Tan Buddha; Hong Kong Disneyland; Ocean Park; Wong Tai Sin Temple; Victoria Harbour (includes Symphony of Lights, Avenue of Stars); Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve

Major Sports
Soccer, dragon boat racing, badminton

Cultural Practices
Hong Kong Chinese may stand close when talking. However, they are reserved and uncomfortable with body contact.

Tipping Guidelines
A 10% service charge is usually included at most restaurants, but you can leave coins if paying with cash or round up the amount you wish to tip if paying by credit card. Round up taxi fares to the nearest dollar. Taxi drivers sometimes will round up to the nearest dollar to tip themselves. Tip bellhops 2-3 (HKD) per bag.

Souvenirs
Chinese-made goods including silk and cotton items, jade statues, silk paintings, and printed chopsticks; tailored clothing; electronics and computer equipment; bone porcelain items

Traditional Cuisine
Sweet and Sour Pork — spare ribs or pork loin with a scarlet sauce made of vinegar, preserved plums, and hawthorn candy; Roast goose – roasted goose with a delicately crispy skin traditionally served over white rice with a sweet plum sauce on the side

Geography
Area
total: 1,108 sq km
land: 1,073 sq km
water: 35 sq km

Climate
subtropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall

Natural resources
outstanding deepwater harbor, feldspar

People and Society
Population
7,288,167 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Chinese 92%, Filipino 2.5%, Indonesian 2.1%, other 3.4% (2016 est.)

Languages
Cantonese (official) 88.9%, English (official) 4.3%, Mandarin (official) 1.9%, other Chinese dialects 3.1%, other 1.9% (2016 est.)

Religions
Buddhist or Taoist 27.9%, Protestant 6.7%, Roman Catholic 5.3%, Muslim 4.2%, Hindu 1.4%, Sikh 0.2%, other or none 54.3% (2016 est.)

Population growth rate
0.15% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential limited democracy; a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China

Economy
Economic overview
high-income tourism- and services-based economy; global financial hub; COVID-19 and political protests fueled recent recession; ongoing recovery but lower-skilled unemployment remains high; investing in job-reskilling programs

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$444.624 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$60,000 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
pork, poultry, spinach, vegetables, pork offals, game meat, fruit, lettuce, green onions, pig fat

Industries
trading and logistics, financial services, professional services, tourism, cultural and creative, clothing and textiles, shipping, electronics, toys, clocks and watches

Exports
$751.26 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
China 23%, India 14%, Netherlands 6%, United Kingdom 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
gold, broadcasting equipment, integrated circuits, diamonds, telephones (2019)

Imports
$733.459 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 46%, Taiwan 7%, Singapore 7%, South Korea 5%, United States 5%, Japan 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
integrated circuits, broadcasting equipment, office machinery, telephones, diamonds (2019)