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At the end of World War II the population was just over 60,000. Today, it is over 7 million, 95 percent Chinese. Approximately 22 percent live on Hong Kong Island, 35 percent in Kowloon, and the remainder in the New Territories and outlying islands. The average age is about 35. Hong Kong is one of the world’s most densely populated areas yet still has large, open green areas away from the developed towns.
The last British governor was Chris Patten. Since 1997 the title “Governor” was dropped. The current Chief Executive is Mr. Donald Tsang, a life-long civil servant. When he served as financial secretary of Hong Kong he was knighted by the queen and used the title, Sir Donald Tsang. The 64-year-old is affectionately known as “bowtie Tsang” because he always wears bow ties for all official events. He first took office in July, 2005.
On September 26, 1984 China and Great Britain signed a Draft Agreement to return Hong Kong to China on July 1, 1997. All of Hong Kong, not just the leased areas, was returned to China with the assurance that Hong Kong, as a Special Administrative Region (SAR), will keep its capitalist economy for 50 years from 1997. After eleven years, Hong Kong people are very sensitive to any supposed changes or new interpretations of the "Basic Law" which was written as part of the turnover agreement.
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| Residence of Chief Executive (governor) |
One country, with two systems is a unique experiment for Hong Kong: capitalism in Hong Kong and communism in China. Any Beijing government moves which are perceived to restrict freedoms in Hong Kong result in mass demonstrations.
Global warming has begun to have an effect on Hong Kong. Our weather may be warmer or colder than predictions. The winter months of January and February are usually chilly and damp, with temperatures dipping below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The high humidity can make Hong Kong feel cooler or hotter than the thermometer indicates. Prepare to wear sweaters, jackets and even overcoats. Since central heating is only available in hotels, it can feel very cold and damp in winter.
March brings warm, damp weather, with mist, fog and rain, making an umbrella important. Although it is warmer, overcast skies and rain make spring one of the worst times to visit.
In mid-June, summer temperatures soar into the high 80s to 90s, with humidity in the same range. Beaches are especially crowded during student’s summer vacations. Typhoon season runs from June to October. Four or five typhoons may hit Hong Kong during the same year. Typhoon damage is much less than it was some years ago when many people lived in unsafe shacks on hillsides.
Heat and humidity last until October, which starts the best season in the year, autumn. The temperature is in the 70s, with sunny skies and low humidity lasting through December. Summer clothes are the norm and it is beach weather.
Exhibition Center next to Fenwick Pier
Restrooms can be found on streets and in public parks and range from moderately clean to shabby. Most hotel lobbies and malls have clean restrooms. Some bars and restaurants reserve restrooms for customer use. In an emergency, you can find a restroom in any fast-food restaurant.
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BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS |
The HK dollar is linked to the US dollar at an official range of HK$7.50 -7.82 for US$1. The rate is never exactly $7.8. Money Exchanges and banks charge a fee for changing money. Your best place to exchange money is either at Fenwick Pier or any of the larger banks.