Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong
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| Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong | |
|---|---|
| Name | Hong Kong |
| Native name | 香港 |
| Settlement type | Special administrative region |
| Subdivision type | Sovereign state |
| Subdivision name | People's Republic of China |
| Established title | Handover |
| Established date | 1 July 1997 |
| Area total km2 | 1106.34 |
| Population total | 7482500 |
| Population as of | 2021 |
| Government type | Special administrative region |
Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong is a coastal metropolis centered on Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island–Kowloon peninsula. It is a global node linking Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau and serving as a hub for International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank engagements. The territory hosts major ports, an international airport, and regional headquarters for corporations such as HSBC, Cathay Pacific, Swire Group, CLP Group and Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.
History
The territory's history includes interactions among the Qing dynasty, British Empire, Opium Wars, Treaty of Nanking, Convention of Peking and treaties with Portugal over nearby enclaves. Colonial administration under the Governor of Hong Kong followed arrival of companies like the East India Company and developments such as the Victoria Harbour reclamation, the construction of the Star Ferry, and the expansion of the Kowloon-Canton Railway. During the 20th century events linked to the Second World War, Battle of Hong Kong, Japanese occupation of Hong Kong and postwar reconstruction connected to firms including Jardine Matheson, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, and institutions like the University of Hong Kong and Chinese University of Hong Kong. The 1997 transfer of sovereignty involved the Sino-British Joint Declaration, Margaret Thatcher, Zhou Enlai-era diplomacy and transition arrangements overseen by the National People's Congress and the State Council of the People's Republic of China.
Constitutional Status and Basic Law
The constitutional framework derives from the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the territory's mini-constitution, the Basic Law. Drafting engaged bodies such as the Hong Kong Basic Law Drafting Committee, the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and legal advisers linked to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. Provisions implement the principle articulated as "one country, two systems" endorsed by figures including Deng Xiaoping and reviewed by institutions like the Legislative Council and the Chief Executive selection mechanisms. Legal and political interpretation has involved the National Security Law for Hong Kong (2020), rulings by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and cases adjudicated by the Court of Final Appeal.
Government and Politics
Executive authority rests with the Chief Executive, supported by the Executive Council and bureaux that interact with bodies such as the Legislative Council, district councils like those in Central and Western District, Yau Tsim Mong District, and parties including the Democratic Party (Hong Kong), Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, Civic Party, Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions and civic groups like Occupy Central and Umbrella Movement. Political developments have involved protests referencing the 2014 Hong Kong protests, the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests, electoral reforms enacted by the Electoral Affairs Commission and interventions by the Hong Kong Police Force and the Committee for Safeguarding National Security. External relations are coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (PRC), the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, and regional partners such as ASEAN members and United Kingdom offices.
Economy and Finance
The territory is a global financial center hosting the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Hang Seng Index, multinational banks like Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank, and conglomerates such as Sun Hung Kai Properties. Trade and logistics connect to Port of Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Airport, Airport Authority Hong Kong, and cross-boundary infrastructure like the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge and Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link. Fiscal institutions include the Inland Revenue Department, the Hong Kong Pension Fund, and regulators like the Securities and Futures Commission. The service sector intersects with companies such as AIA Group, Link REIT, and industries tied to tourism attractions like Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland.
Demographics and Culture
Population patterns reflect migration from Guangdong, Fujian, United Kingdom expatriates, returnees from British Hong Kong and communities from Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Nepal. Languages include Cantonese, English, and Putonghua with institutions like the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Hong Kong Film Archive, and festivals including Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, Mid-Autumn Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and cultural exports such as films by Wong Kar-wai and works featuring actors like Bruce Lee, Chow Yun-fat, and directors associated with Hong Kong New Wave. Media organizations include Radio Television Hong Kong, South China Morning Post, TVB, Ming Pao and literary figures connected to Xi Xi and Bei Dao.
Law and Judiciary
The legal system is based on common law traditions inherited from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council era, with courts such as the Court of Final Appeal, the High Court of Hong Kong, and tribunals like the District Court of Hong Kong and the Magistrates' Courts. Legal professions include the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Law Society of Hong Kong, and legal education at University of Hong Kong Faculty of Law and Chinese University of Hong Kong Faculty of Law. Notable cases and instruments involve the Interpretation of the Basic Law by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the National Security Law (2020), and precedents referencing judges formerly on the Privy Council.
Infrastructure and Public Services
Transport networks include the Mass Transit Railway, Cross-Harbour Tunnel, Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong International Airport and ferry services like Star Ferry. Utilities are provided by corporations such as CLP Group and Hong Kong Electric, water supply links to the Dongjiang River project, and public providers like the Hospital Authority overseeing hospitals such as Queen Mary Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital. Education institutions include the University Grants Committee, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Polytechnic University and secondary systems administered by the Education Bureau. Public safety and emergency services engage agencies such as the Hong Kong Police Force, Hospital Authority, Fire Services Department, and disaster responses coordinated with the Civil Aid Service.