Hong Kong (HK) is one of world’s greatest city (actually a country) and every traveler/tourist will come back with great memories. Here are some interesting facts and trivia that you might have not know about Hong Kong.
History
1. In 1773 Hong Kong became a trading port of opium between the Chinese and the British East India company.
2. The Chinese did not like this trade, so they declared a war against the British in 1839, which later on came to be known as Opium War.
3. China surrenders Hong Kong to the British in 1842.
4. China leases more land from Mainland China to the British for a term of 99 years, starting from 01 July 1898. HK was only HK island until this lease.
5. China takes back control of Hong Kong after the lease, in July 1997.
6. At present Hong Kong and China have different governments, different flags, different currency, different passport for citizens, different trade policy, etc, but the China considers HK as just a special zone of China and calls it as ‘One Country, Two Systems’, if any issues is found with the authorities find legal info and assistance at https://tadeosilvalaw.com/.
Geography
7. Hong Kong is divided into four parts – HK Island, Kowloon, New Territories and the Outlying Islands.
8. The total area of Hong Kong is 1104 kilometer square (km2) out of which 50 km2 is water.
9. The largest island in HK is Lantau (147 km2) and the second largest is HK island (79 km2).
10. Kowloon is only 46 km2 but is more urbanized than HK island.
11. 70% of Hong Kong is still countryside and 40% among it is government parks.
12. The terrain of HK island is steep. This lead to an unusual transportation method of using escalators, as public transport.
Country Facts
13. The official name of HK is ‘Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China’ and ‘Xianggang Tebie Xingzhengqu’ in Chinese.
14. The official languages of HK are Chinese (whether Mandarin or Cantonese is not officially mentioned) and English.
15. HK’s government is more democratic than that of Mainland China.
People
16. The population of HK is 7.15 million in 2012.
17. A person from Hong Kong is called Hong Konger.
18. 93% of Hong Kongers belong to Chinese ethnicity.
19. The life expectancy of a Hong Konger at birth is 83.8 years, fifth best in the world.
20. HK has 100% urbanized population.
21. 90% of Hong Kongers practice Chinese Buddhism, Taoism or Confucianism.
Economy
22. The currency of HK is Hong Kong Dollar(HKD), 13th most traded currency in the world.
22. The GDP of Hong Kong in 2012 is 263.30 billion USD & the 36th biggest economy.
23. The GDP per capita is 36,795.82 USD in 2012, 28th from the top.
What the name of places mean?
24. Hong Kong means Fragrant Harbor.
25. Kowloon means Nine Dragons.
26. Lantau means Big Island Mountain.
27. Soho means South of Hollywood.
Other facts
28. Jackie Chan was born in Hong Kong.
29. Madame Tussauds Museum on Victoria Peak has a wax statue of Amitabh Bachchan.
30. It is believed that eating long noodles on birthday, you will be blessed with a long life.
31. Tsing Ma Bridge is world’s longest suspension bridge which is capable of carrying both road and rail traffic.
32. HK has the most number of Rolls Royce per person among the whole world.
33. Hong Kong has the most number of skyscrapers in the world (more than 2000 building have 14 floors or higher).
34. HK is one of the most densely populated country on the planet, 4th on the list of most densely populated countries.
35. In Hong Kong Feng Shui is very important when designing a building.
Lately Added
- HK has the biggest film industry after Hollywood and Bollywood.
- Star Ferry was founded by an Indian Parsi businessman.
- HK trams are also called as Ding Ding or Ding Dong in a lighter way.
- Tapping with your fingers on the table when someone pours tea for you, means saying Thank You.
- Indian Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif was born in Hong Kong to a Indian-British couple.
Disclaimer – All the statistical information is taken from Wikipedia.
Photo Sources.