Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, located on the southern coast of the country near the Pearl River estuary. Its territory includes Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and more than 200 smaller islands. Much of the landscape is hilly or mountainous, so only a limited part of the territory is suitable for dense urban development. This has contributed to the city's distinctive skyline and its concentration of tall buildings.

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild, relatively dry winters. Typhoons can affect the region, particularly between May and November. With a deep natural harbour and a strategic position along major Asian trade routes, Hong Kong developed into an important centre for international commerce, finance and shipping. Its economy today also includes professional services, tourism, technology and logistics.

Hong Kong became a British colony in the 19th century, while different parts of the territory came under British control at different times. In 1997, sovereignty over Hong Kong was transferred to China, and the region became a Special Administrative Region under the principle known as "one country, two systems". This arrangement provides Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy in many areas, while defence and foreign affairs are the responsibility of the central government.

The city is known for its efficient public transport, busy harbour and dense urban districts, but it also contains extensive country parks, forests and protected natural areas. Victoria Harbour separates Hong Kong Island from Kowloon and remains one of the most recognizable features of the city. Hong Kong therefore combines a highly urbanized environment with varied natural landscapes and a long history shaped by its position between China and the wider world.