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HONG KONG

Population: 7 million people US$1 = 7.75 HK$ (Hong Kong dollar)

Bus Schedule MTR Schedule Hong Kong Guide

Exotic Hong Kong

Lying at the southeastern tip of China, Hong Kong adjoins the province of Guangdong (Canton). Hong Kong was founded in 1841 by the British after its Navy defeated China as an aftermath of China's expulsion of British merchants from Canton in the First Opium War. Hong Kong stayed under British control until 1 July 1997, when it was handed back to China. Hong Kong is divided into four main areas -- Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world; with almost 7 million people largely concentrated on the Kowloon peninsula and the northern part of Hong Kong Island. The remainder of the territory is rural. 95 percent of the population is Chinese and Cantonese is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect. Hong Kong is one of the world's largest financial centers, has an outstanding natural deep water harbour and much its wealth come from trading.

Public transportation is excellent. Train service provided by the MTR between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and the KCR between Kowloon and the New Territories (continuing on into mainland China) is so good that few people drive. In addition to the train, which also runs an airport express, there are extensive bus and minibus throughout Hong Kong, and streetcars (trams) are popular in the Central District of Hong Kong, as well as regular ferry services between the outlying islands, Macau and mainland China.

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