Hong Kong is one
of the most densely populated areas in the world.
Seven million people
live in 415 square miles of the territory of which about 98% are ethnic
Chinese originating from the Guangdong Province of the Republic of China
Hong Kong is an island close
to Pearl River on the south eastern coast of China and near the Tropic
of Cancer.
Its natural harbour is the
reason for its importance as a trading centre in South East Asia.
There are 234 islands, the
largest is Lantau on which the new airport is situated. The smallest are
little more than rocks in the magnificent harbour.
Being near the equator, the
climate is subtropical with the proximity of the sea resulting in cooler
temperatures.
The rainy season is from June to September and is hot and
humid with the risk of an occasional tropical storm.
Construction in Hong Kong
is heavily influenced by Feng Shui (wind and water beliefs) which is an
inspiration in the design of buildings.
Feng Shui is the study of
the harmonies of location, light, air and water and the alignment of buildings
to ensure good luck and harmonious living.
These beliefs also affect the internal
details such as the positioning of doors, windows, etc.
The official languages in
Hong Kong are English and Cantonese. Cantonese is spoken most widely but
English is the language used in business
Mandarin has become more
important since Hong Kong transferred from British rule to become a Special
Administrative Region of China.
Hong Kong has three main
religions: Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism.
There are approximately
six hundred temples, monasteries and shrines which are mainly Buddhist
and Taoist.
The largest monasteries are the Po Lin Monastery (which has
the world's largest outdoor Buddha) and the Sha Tin Ten Thousand Buddhas
Monastery.
There are also synagogues,
mosques, two Christian cathedrals and also temples of the Sikh and Hindu
religions.
The main styles of Chinese
food including cooking from Canton, Peking, Shanghai and Szechuan are widely available.
There is also food
from other countries all over the world such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Thailand and Vietnam. Restaurants serving western food and fast food from
chains such as McDonald's and Pizza Hut are also popular.
Text from Wikitravel Hong Kong where additional general information can be found
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