Hong Kong

Government

On 1 July 1997, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, and the Basic Law came into effect. The Basic Law is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It enshrines within a legal document the important concepts of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy. According to the Basic Law, the HKSAR enjoys executive, legislative, and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, and its political system and way of life remains unchanged for 50 years.

  • Head of Government: Chief Executive
  • Cabinet: Executive Council
  • Legislature: Legislative Council (90 seats)
  • Highest Court: Court of Final Appeal

Economy

Hong Kong’s economy is characterised by free trade, low taxation, and minimum government intervention. It is the world’s 7th largest trading economy, with the mainland of China as its most significant trading partner. Hong Kong is also a major service economy, with particularly strong links to mainland China and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region.

  • Currency: Hong Kong dollar
  • GDP: HK$2,869.7 billion (2021)
  • GDP per capita: HK$387,710 (2021)
  • Real GDP growth: +6.3% (2021)
  • Labour force: 3.87 million (2021)

Public Holidays

Hong Kong provides two types of public holidays: statutory and general holidays. Statutory holidays are mandated under the Employment Ordinance and must be provided to all employees. General holidays include every Sunday, all statutory holidays and an additional 4 holidays.

  • Working week: Monday to Saturday
  • Statutory holidays: 13
  • General holidays: 17 (including the 13 statutory holidays)

Geography

At the south-eastern tip of China, Hong Kong covers Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories, including 261 outlying islands. Between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula lies Victoria Harbour, one of the world’s most renowned deep-water harbours.

  • Total area: 1,113.76 square kilometres
  • Land developed: less than 25%
  • Country parks and nature reserves: 40%

Climate

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. January and February are cloudier with cold spells, while March and April are milder and humid with fog. From May to August, it is hot and humid with occasional heavy rain and thunderstorms. Tropical cyclones usually occur between June and October, bringing high winds, heavy rain and sometimes storm surges. November and December are generally fine and dry with pleasantly cool weather and may on occasion be relatively cold at night and in the early morning.

  • Average annual rainfall: 2,431.2 mm
  • Wettest months: June and August
  • Driest months: January and December