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.
Under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle as enshrined in the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini constitution, 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 responsibilities of the Central People’s Government in Beijing.
Hong Kong retains the British Common Law tradition. It maintains its own currency, the Hong Kong dollar, and its cherished civil liberties, such as freedom of the press and freedom of religion. Its official languages are Chinese and English.
As a separate economic entity, the Hong Kong SAR is an active and separate member of the World Trade Organization and APEC. It maintains three Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs) 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 and the blueprint for its future development.
From 1 July 1997, Hong Kong has become a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China enjoying a high degree of autonomy. Specific provisions have been laid down in the Basic Law on the changes brought about by this new status and on the implementation of the concept of “One Country, Two Systems.”
Hong Kong Fact Sheets
The Web 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.
Hong Kong Economy
The Web site provides comprehensive information on developments in the Hong Kong economy, such as GDP growth, external trade, retail sales, property market, labor market, financial market, consumer price inflation, etc.
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.
Census and Statistics Department (C&SD)
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) is the provider of official statistics in Hong Kong. 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.