Your guide to being an expatriate in Hong Kong

Demographics of Hong Kong:

Religion Overview

Hong Kong is home to various religions. Buddhism is the most prominent religion, followed by Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity.

Major Religions

Climate

Hong Kong has a tropical monsoon climate. The summers are hot, humid, and wet, while the winters are cooler and drier.

Economy Overview

Hong Kong has a capitalist economy characterized by highly developed services, low taxation, free trade, and a free port system. It is a main finance, trading, and shipping center in Asia and one of the world's most significant financial hubs.

Key Industries

• Finance
• Manufacturing
• Trading
• Tourism
• Technology

Major Companies

• HSBC Holdings
• Standard Chartered
• China Mobile Telecommunications
• AIA Group
• CGN Power

Culture and Language Overview

Hong Kong's culture is a blend of Chinese, British, and local traditions that make the region unique. Food, festivals, and celebrations are an inherent part of the city's culture. Cantonese is the most commonly spoken variety of Chinese, while English is widely spoken as well.

Cultural Highlights

• Mid-Autumn Festival: A harvest festival celebrated in September or October when mooncakes and lanterns are enjoyed.
• Chinese New Year: Celebrated in January or February, Chinese New Year is marked by the traditional Lunar New Year Parade, fireworks, and family gatherings.
• Dragon Boat Festival: Celebrated in June, this festival commemorates a legendary poet through dragon boat races and traditional sticky rice dumplings called zongzi.
• Hong Kong Festive Season: From December to January, Hong Kong comes alive with a variety of Christmas, Lunar New Year, and Saint Francis Xavier's Day celebrations followed by the New Year's Eve Countdown.
• Tai Chi and Kung-Fu: Traditional martial arts steeped in Chinese history and culture that are widely practiced in Hong Kong.

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Situated on the eastern coast of China, Hong Kong's land is mostly mountainous and steep, surrounded by deep harbors. It is home to many popular landmarks.

Notable Landmarks

• Victoria Harbour: A natural harbor separating Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
• Victoria Peak: The highest point on Hong Kong Island known for its natural beauty and panoramic views.
• Skyscrapers: The skyline of Hong Kong is dominated by skyscrapers like the International Commerce Centre (ICC), the tallest building in Hong Kong.
• The Avenue of Stars: A memorial walkway dedicated to Hong Kong's talented and famous artistes.
• Lantau Island: The largest island in Hong Kong, home to the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Po Lin Monastery, and other exciting attractions.

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year)
• Ching Ming Festival (April 4)
• Labour Day (May 1)
• Dragon Boat Festival (June)
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day (July 1)
• Mid-Autumn Festival (September or October)
• China National Day (October 1)
• Config school resumption day (Thursday before the last Wednesday in October)
• Christmas Day (December 25)
• Boxing Day (December 26)

Political Stability

Hong Kong's system of government, known as the 'one country, two systems' principle, stipulates that Hong Kong shall have a high degree of autonomy in all areas except foreign and defense affairs. Its government is responsible to its recently elected Legislative Council. Hong Kong is committed to the rule of law, human rights, and the protection of freedom of speech and religion.