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Travel Advisory: Hong Kong
Country Profile: Claiming a history and culture over 5,000 years old, China (pop. 1.2billion) is today the third largest country in terms of geographic sizeand is the most populous nation in the world. There are at least 56 differentethnic groups living in China’s 22 provinces, five "autonomousregions" and the special administrative region of Hong Kong. The People’sRepublic of China, the nation’s most recent political incarnation,was founded in 1949 and is governed by the Chinese Communist Party Politburoand a shrinking circle of retired but still powerful senior leaders. OnJuly 1, 1997, Hong Kong rejoined China after 156 years of British rule.The incorporation of Hong Kong back into China should provided an addedboost to the nation’s already expanding economy. The main securityproblems for visitors to China are moderate crime and the possibility ofgovernment surveillance. City Profile: Hong Kong "May you live in interesting times," is an ancient Chineseproverb. The residents of Hong Kong (pop. 6 million) must feel somewhatoverwhelmed by their interesting times. After 156 years of British occupation,China regained control of Hong Kong on July 1, 1997. Under British control,Hong Kong grew to become a modern metropolis and a major center of internationalbusiness and finance. Officially, Hong Kong under Chinese rule will be governedas a Special Administrative Region and China has pledged to rule the territoryunder a "one country, two systems" formula that promises HongKong a high degree of autonomy. Meanwhile, it is business as usual in theformer colony as China prepares to unleash the Hong Kong economic tigeron mainland industry. The main part of what most people consider Hong Kongis located on the north shore of Hong Kong Island and the southernmost shoreof the mainland. The territory actually has several other large areas, mostof which are very sparsely populated. Across Victoria Harbor on the northshore of Hong Kong Island are the areas of Central and Wanchai-CausewayBay. These areas are extremely densely populated and are where most visitorsto Hong Kong spend their time. The Tsimshatsui area of Kowloon is especiallypopular with visitors. The city is generally quite safe with few incidentsof violent crime. The main security problems for visitors are petty theftand credit card fraud. Security Tips: Pickpockets are quiet active in some parts of Hong Kong, including theairport and tourist shopping areas. Accordingly, you should take precautionsto safeguard your belongings. Be extra careful of your credit card and carbons while in Hong Kong.Sophisticated organized crime gangs have the capability of turning out upto 10,000 fake cards a day; they can even replicate cards with securityholograms. Emergency Contacts: Police: The police emergency telephone number in Hong Kong is 999. U.S. Government: AMERICAN CONSULATE GENERAL Test Your Cultureal I.Q. 1. Are street signs in Hong Kong written Chinese or English? 2. What is the most important holiday in Hong Kong? 3. Why should you avoid wearing blue and white? |