About Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) was formally established on 1 July 1997 after PRC assumed the sovereignty over Hong Kong.

Under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle as enshrined in its mini constitution, or the Basic Law, the Hong Kong SAR enjoys a high degree of autonomy. It is responsible for its own domestic affairs, including, but not limited to, the judiciary and court of final adjudication, immigration and customs, public finance, currencies, extradition, and external commercial relations. Diplomatic relations and national defense are, however, the responsibility of the Central People's Government in Beijing.

Hong Kong continues to use the common law. It also uses its own currency, the Hong Kong dollar. Its official languages are Chinese and English.

As a separate economic entity, the Hong Kong SAR is an active member of the World Trade Organization and APEC. It has 11 overseas Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs) around the world, including three in the U.S., namely in Washington D.C., New York and San Francisco. The ETOs are responsible for strengthening Hong Kong's economic, trade, investment, and cultural ties with its trading partners.

The Basic Law
The Basic Law is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the blueprint for the HKSAR's future development.

Hong Kong Economy
The site provides current and detailed information on the Hong Kong economy, including GDP and prices forecasts. The site also offers a comparative study on cost of living for expatriates across various world cities.

Brand Hong Kong
Brand Hong Kong is a strategic communications platform designed to promote Hong Kong’s unique position as one of the most cosmopolitan and vibrant cities in Asia to a wide range of international audiences.

Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department
The site is dedicated to providing detailed, relevant, reliable and timely statistics on a variety of key Hong Kong economic and social indicators, including the domestic sector, external trade (trade in goods and services), prices, commerce, labor and population.

Hong Kong Fact Sheets
The site provides useful information about Hong Kong on a comprehensive range of topics, from civil aviation and education to public health and telecommunications.

Hong Kong Background Information: Hong Kong Yearbook
The annual Hong Kong Yearbook provides comprehensive information on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, including its constitution and administration, history, infrastructure, economy and demographics.

Major Exhibitions and Conferences
The site provides information on major exhibitions and conferences in Hong Kong organized by the Trade Development Council and other organizers.

Trade Fairs
The site provides information on fairs and shows for gifts, housewares, toys, fashions and more.

Leisure and Culture
Hong Kong Tourism Board’s handy calendar of events listing activities throughout the year, including festivals, performing arts programs and sporting events.