COUNTRY PROFILE

Geographical Background

Location :Eastern Asia, bordering the  South China Sea and China

Total land area :1,092 sq km

Area :comparative -six times the size of  Washington, DC

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

Political status :Special Administrative Region  (People's Republic of China) with one legislative house (Legislative Council [60]).

People of Hong Kong

Population :22.6 million   (as of July 2003)

Mode of Dressing: Western Clothing

Religion: Predominantly Buddhists  but tolerant of other religions such as Catholicism and other Christian faith.

Language: Chinese and English

The Hongkong Government

·         Became Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 1 July 1997;

·         Not under by China  "one country, two systems "formula;

·         Enjoy a high degree of autonomy.

Head of state and government:  Chief  Executive

The Economy

Impressive growth transformed into an International, commercial communication and transport center.

Major linkages between East and West in the area of Business.

 National currency  :  Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)

             1USD = 7.8HKD

             1HKD = 7.2PHP

           (as of July 04, 2004)

Transportation System

Ferry boats, Trains, Buses, and Taxi Cabs are widely accessible for intra and inter island travel Note: Right hand drive is observed.  Be cautious and alert at all times.

Telecommunication System

Public Phones, cellular phones, internet are  very accessible.

IDD Country Access Code is 010, 011 or 012 or call 013 for details