Hong Kong - Where the World Looks Ahead
Hong Kong at a Glance
Hong Kong is a vibrant city, and a major gateway to Mainland China. This page will give you the facts about Hong Kong - from the form of government to the languages used.
Government
On 1 July 1997, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law came into effect. The Basic Law is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It enshrines within a legal document the important concepts of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy. According to the Basic Law, Hong Kong's political system and way of life remain unchanged for 50 years. The rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong are based on the impartial rule of law and an independent judiciary.
- Head of Government: Chief Executive
- Cabinet: Executive Council
- Legislature: Legislative Council, 90 seats
- Highest Court: Court of Final Appeal
- Hong Kong's Government structure
Legal System
The legal system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is based on the principles of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. The constitutional framework for the legal system is provided by the Basic Law enacted by the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in accordance with Article 31 of the Constitution of the PRC. Under the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, the HKSAR legal system, which is different from that of Mainland China, is based on the common law, supplemented by statutes. All legislation in force in the HKSAR is accessible on the Hong Kong e-Legislation website.
Economy
Hong Kong's economy is characterised by free trade, low taxation and minimum government intervention. It is the world's 6th largest trading economy, with the mainland of China as its most significant trading partner. Hong Kong is also a major service economy, with particularly strong links to mainland China and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region.
Population
Hong Kong's population was approximately 7.4 million in mid-2021. People of Chinese descent comprise the vast majority of the population.
More on Hong Kong's population
Language
Chinese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong. English is widely used in the Government and by the legal, professional and business sectors. Trilingual professionals who speak English, Cantonese and Putonghua play a vital role in the numerous enterprises trading in Hong Kong or doing business with mainland China and Taiwan.
More on Hong Kong's official languages
Geography
At the south-eastern tip of China, Hong Kong covers Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, including 262 outlying islands. Between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula lies Victoria Harbour, one of the world's most renowned deep-water harbours.
- Total area: 1,110.18 square kilometres
- Land developed: less than 25%
- Country parks and nature reserves: 40%
- Hong Kong maps
Climate
Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical, tending towards temperate for nearly half the year. During November and December there are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Many people regard these as the best months of the year. January and February are cloudier, with occasional cold fronts followed by dry northerly winds. It is not uncommon for temperatures to drop below 10 Degree C in urban areas. Sub-zero temperatures and frost also occur at times on high ground and in the New Territories.
Public Holidays
Hong Kong provides two types of public holidays: statutory and general holidays. Statutory holidays are mandated under the Employment Ordinance and must be provided to all employees. General holidays include every Sunday, all statutory holidays and an additional 4 holidays.
- Working week: Monday to Saturday
- Statutory holidays: 13
- More information on statutory holidays
- List of general holidays