Map In Hong Kong

About Hong Kong (General, Government, Business, Education)

GENERAL
Kowloon, only 3.5 miles square, is one of the world's most densely populated area. In contrast, the New Territories and Outlying Islands are largely rural, although old towns are developing and new towns rise from the fields, as space becomes scarcer and more expensive on Hong Kong side and in Kowloon. The new airport under construction at Chek Lap Kok, northwest of Lantau Island, is causing a demographic reshuffle as the airport itself, and access routes to it, are being built with a scheduled opening in April 1998. Victoria Harbour itself will also change if the proposed building of a large shipping container terminal east of Lantau Island is carried out. No project seems too big for the engineers and construction workers of Hong Kong, who move mountains and create land where once there was sea.

Government
The Executive Council ("Exco") is and appointed cabinet-like body which serves the Governor in an advisory capacity. The Legislative Council ("Legco") is a body of representatives, fully elected only in 1995 (but with only 20 of 60 seats through universal suffrage). Legco controls public finance and is responsible for enacting Hong Kong law. China has pledged to replace the elected legislature with a fully appointed "Provisional Legislature" to serve after the reversion to China.
The seat of government is the Legco Building in Central. Government House in Central has been the home of the British Governors of Hong Kong and their families since 1891. This gracious building, situated below the Botanical Gardens, was altered by the occupying Japanese forces during World War II.
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BUSINESS
Hong Kong was founded on trade. Its status as a free trade port, coupled with limited taxes and tariffs and an industrious population have ensured its continued success. During the 1980's, a booming financial sector was developed to complement the already well-established trading and manufacturing industries. Many international companies have made Hong Kong the headquarters of their Asian and Pacific enterprises. Today Hong Kong ranks as the world's third largest financial centre.

Hong Kong people tend to work long hours. Most offices do business form 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday to Friday, although staff often stay on much later. Many offices are open half-days on Saturdays. Retail hours are usually form 10:00 or 11:00 AM to between 6:00 and 10:00 PM, six or seven days a week, depending on the store.

Banking
Hong Kong operates on a three-tier banking system comprising licensed banks, licensed deposit-taking companies and registered deposit-taking companies. Regulations governing banks and deposit-taking companies are available from the Banking Commission. Banking hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays.

The Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank and its subsidiary, the Hang Seng Bank, operate 24-hour electronic banking facilities ("E.T.C.") throughout the Territory. The Dah Sing Bank also has E.T.C. machines (called "JETCO") in many locations. Other banks may operate E.T.C's near their branches. The unit of currency in the Territory is the Hong Kong dollar, which operates on the decimal system of 100 cents to the dollar. Refer to rate of exchange tables at banks and in the daily press for currency conversions.

EDUCATION
Universities and Tertiary Education
Universities and tertiary education institutions in Hong Kong offer a range of courses conducted through the medium of English. The student population is composed mainly of local Chinese residents since foreigners invariably choose to study in their home country. Nonetheless it is possible for foreigners to attend university in Hong Kong, with the same conditions of admission as for locals being applicable.

Nursery Schools, Kindergartens and Play Groups

Although at the other end of the educational spectrum from universities, nursery schools, kindergartens and play groups play as important a role through action as the foundation for a child's education. There are scores of kindergartens and nursery schools in Hong Kong.