| At a glance
Hong Kong is located in the Far East , just south of the Tropic of Cancer. Hong Kong Island is 32km (20 miles) east of the mouth of Pearl River and 135km (84 miles) southeast of Canton . It is separated from the mainland by a good natural harbour. Hong Kong Island was ceded to Britain in 1842 by the Treaty of Nanking; and the Kowloon Peninsula (south of Boundary Street and Stonecutters Island ) in 1860 by the Convention of Peking.
The area of Boundary Street to Shenzhen River and a group of 260 islands, now known as the New Territories , were leased to Britain in 1898 for a period of 99 years. The New Territories (plus the 260 islands) comprise 891 sq km (380 sq miles). Shortage of land suitable for development has led to reclamation from the sea, principally from the seafronts of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon .
When to go
The average temperature of Hong Kong is about 23 degrees. Many prefer to visit Hong Kong during November and December when there are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. January and February are ok months, but the temperature can drop to below 10°C ( 50°F ). Warmer temperatures make March and April pleasant months to go, but as the year progresses into May the air becomes uncomfortably sticky and humid, and by September you can expect typhoons. Hotels tends to offer substantial discounts outside the high seasons of March-April and October-November. Travel can be difficult during Chinese New Year in late January/early February.
Fast Facts
Area: 1097 sq km (423.6 sq miles).
Population: 6,687,200 (1998).
Time Zone: GMT/UTC + 8 Language: Chinese and English Chinese and English are the official languages with Cantonese most widely spoken. English is spoken by many, particularly in business circles.
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar ($)
Electricity: 220V 50HzHz |
