Introduction:
With its fast-paced, bustling streets shrouded in neon lights, Hong Kong is a vibrant city where a myriad of cultures intertwines. With its combination of traditional Han Cantonese culture and Western values, it has become one of the biggest financial hubs in the world. The wide variety of delectable cuisines, the enchanting islands and beaches, the intricate and dense markets, and the one-of-a-kind nightlife are all that make Hong Kong one of the world’s most exquisite cities.
Key Facts:
Area: 1,106 km² (428.64 sq miles)
Population: 7,507,400
Capital: None
National anthem: March of the volunteers
Government type: An Autonomous Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of
China, except in defense and foreign affairs.
Market in Temple street by Alesio Lin on Unsplash
Languages: Cantonese (96%), Mandarin (48%), English (46%)
Religion: Chinese folk religions (49%)
Ethnic Groups: Chinese 92%, Filipino 2.5%, Indonesian 2.1%, White 0.8%, Indian 0.5%,
Nepalese 0.3%, Pakistani 0.2%, Thai 0.1%, Japanese 0.1%, Other Asians 0.3%, Others
0.9% (est. 2016)
Climate: Hong Kong has a subtropical climate accompanied by four seasons: a warm and humid spring, a hot and rainy summer, warm and pleasant autumn, and cold and dry winter. Spring lasts from February to May with an average temperature of 23 C. Summers last from June to August with summer showers, typhoons, and thunderstorms. During the day, temperatures exceed 30 °C. Autumn is experienced from mid-September until the end of November and is the best time to visit Hong Kong. Temperatures are pleasant during the day and at night, with minimal rainfall. The winters are drier and have an average temperature of 17°C but drop lower in some of the Northern parts of Hong Kong.
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
Expat Population: 705,695 immigrants
Taboos: There are certain cultural taboos to be mindful of. You should avoid firm handshakes when greeting people and lower your gaze. Also, be mindful of the social rank; introduce older people before young people and women before men. Public displays of affection or physical contact are also frowned upon, so respect people’s personal space. Also avoid talking very loudly in public and bringing up the topic of politics, particularly regarding China, with a stranger. The colors red and golden have positive connotations of luck in Hong Kong, so choose them when appropriate.
By John Lee Pexels
Cultural behavior: Despite their fast-paced lives, Hong Kongers value good etiquette and tradition. They take great pride in their region and culture but are also respectful and accepting of foreigners. Because Hong Kong is a densely populated place, its people may seem cold and distant, but this is not at all the case. Most of them lead very busy lives, so it’s important to be mindful of that when interacting with them and to respect their time. Once you earn their trust, they are kind and welcoming people who will not only appreciate your foreignness but introduce you to their own culture.
The people of Hong Kong are often referred to as Hong Kongers or Hong Kongese in English
Hong Kong is ranked 4th in the Human Development Index (HDI), which is based on its high scores in areas such as life expectancy, education, Gross national income (GNI), Gender Development Index (GDI), and others. This is a further testament to what makes Hong Kong such an enticing travel destination and place to live.
Hong Kong was ranked the most expensive city in the world to live in for expatriates, beating even the likes of Zurich and Tokyo. While life here is exciting and fast-paced, it does come at a price.