Overview
Hong Kong which has become one of the world's most dynamic
regions is located in East Asia, just south of the Tropic
of Cancer. (22 15 N, 114 10 E) Hong Kong occupies a total
area of 1092 sq km (421.6 sq miles) and has some 733 Km
(458 sq miles) of coastline. Hong Kong Island is 32km (20
miles) east of the Pearl River Delta and 135km (84 miles)
southeast of Canton (Guangzhou).
Hong Kong Island was ceded to Britain by the Treaty of
Nanking (1842); and the Kowloon Peninsula (south of Boundary
Street and Stonecutters Island) by the Convention of Peking
(1860). The area of Boundary Street to Shenzhen River and
235 islands, now known as the New Territories, were leased
to Britain in 1898 for a period of 99 years.
Hong Kong has since grown into a world-class financial,
trading and business centre. It is the world's seventh largest
trading economy and the ninth largest exporter of services.
Hong Kong's per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in
1998 is estimated to reach US$27,200, higher than many developed
countries. Over 80 per cent of its GDP income comes from
the services sector, which employs nearly 80 per cent of
the workforce.
Hong Kong advocates and practices free trade. Its economy
is nurtured by a Government policy of maximum support and
minimum intervention. Its taxes are low and simple.
On 01.July 1997 Hong Kong was handed back to China, and
became a "Special Administrative Region" of the
People's Republic of China under the one country two systems
policy. Under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, the
existing economic, legal and social systems will be maintained
for at least 50 years after 1997. Which means Hong Kong
hasn't changed much since. It still remains one of the most
fascinating and dynamic international cities in the world.
Hong Kong has much to offer and can cater to nearly every
interest you might have. It's mixture of East and West,
has created a unique personality which you only can experience
by first hand. Beside fantastic Harbour views, first class
hotels, tall skyscrapers, bustling streets which offer some
of the best shopping opportunities in the world and over
20000 restaurants, nearly 75 % of Hong Kong's land is countryside
and an incredible 40 % of the territory has been officially
conserved country parkland.
Hong Kong has 22 scenic country parks while other rural
and marine stretches have been declared Areas of Special
Scientific Interest. The country parks are within easy reach
and offer great opportunities for a quick getaway to relax
from all the excitement.
Cash/Currency
The basic unit of currency in the colony is the Hong
Kong dollar, which is divided into 100 cents. Two local
banks, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
and the Standard Chartered Bank, issue versions of their
own notes in denominations of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100,
HK$500 and HK$1000. As for coin, they're minted in England
in bronze for HK$0.10, HK$0.20, and HK$0.50 pieces and
in silver for HK$1, HK$2, and HK$5. In 1995 new HK$10
coins were issued; they will gradually replace the HK$10
note. Throughout Hong Kong you'll see the dollar
sign ("$"), which of course refers to Hong
Kong Dollars, not U.S. dollars
Languages
Chinese (Cantonese) and English are the official languages
with Cantonese most widely spoken. English is spoken
by many, particularly in business circles, shops and
most restaurants. English-speaking policemen have
a red shoulder badge.
Religion
Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, with Christian and Muslim
minorities, but there are also places of worship for
most other religious groups.
Time Zone
GMT + 8 hours (GMT + 7 hours in summer).
Hong Kong is 13 hours ahead of New York, 14 hours
ahead of Chicago, and 16 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
Since Hong Kong does not have a daylight saving time,
subtract one hour from the above times if it's summer.
Because Hong Kong is on the other side of the international
Date Line, you lose one day when traveling from the
United States to Asian. Don't worry-you gain it back
when you return to North America, which means that
you arrive back home the same day you left Hong Kong.
Electricity
The voltage is 200/220 volts, 50 Hz. Shaver adaptor
plugs are available in most hotel bathrooms. Adaptors
for other electrical appliances can be requested.
Telecommunication
Hong Kong is connected to all major international
telephone, fax and satellite communications systems.
Microwave radio relay, satellite links and extensive
fiber-optic networks provide excellent domestic and
international services.
Most hotels provide International Direct Dial (IDD)
services direct from the hotel rooms. Telex and fax
services are usually available at hotel business centres.
Outside hotels, long-distance calls can be made from
IDD payphones or card phones. For information about
dial access and IDD phone locations, dial 10013 in
Hong Kong. Country code: 852. Outgoing international
code: 00. For local telephone directory enquiries,
dial 1081 (English) or 1083 (Chinese). Local calls
from public telephones cost HK$1 per five minutes;
emergency calls are free on 999. All local calls from
private phones are free, and shops, restaurants, and
bars which have not installed payphones will usually
permit free use of their phones.
Cellular (mobile) telephones and pagers are very
common and can be rented from major hotels. Hong Kong
offers 3 different kind of mobile networks GSM (GSM
900 MHz), PCS (GSM 1800 MHz) and CDMA. Prepaid calling
cards for cellular phones are also available from
different network providers.
Postal service
Hong Kong's postal services are excellent. On Hong
Kong Island, the General Post Office is located next
to the Star Ferry in Central; in Kowloon, a post office
is located at G/F, Hermes House, 10 Middle Road, Tsim
Sha Tsui, Kowloon (both open 8am - 6pm Mon to Fri,
8am - 2pm Sat &Sun). Further, there are local
post offices throughout the territory; all are closed
on Sundays and public holidays. Airmail to Europe
and North America takes about three to five days.
Most hotels offer postal services for guests' letters
and packages, and a packing service. Many shops and
department stores will handle packing and shipping
of customers' purchases as well.
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