HONG KONG

The Location of CAOS 2008

In Brief

Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China, is a world-class financial, trading, and business center and, indeed, a great world city. Under Hong Kong's constitutional document, the Basic Law, the existing economic, legal, and social systems will be maintained for 50 years. The SAR enjoys a high degree of autonomy except in defence and foreign affairs.

Location

Situated at the south-eastern tip of China, Hong Kong is ideally positioned at the center of rapidly developing East Asia. With a total area of 1,104 square kilometers, it covers Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula just opposite, and the New Territories, which also include 262 outlying islands.

Language

Chinese and English are the official languages. English is widely used in the Government and by the legal, professional, and business sectors. There is no shortage of well-educated competent bilingual or even trilingual professionals who speak English, Cantonese, and Putonghua. These are vital staff for any enterprise trading in Hong Kong or doing business with the Mainland and Taiwan.

Climate

Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical, tending towards the temperate for nearly half the year. Temperatures can drop below 10 degrees Celsius in winter and exceed 31 degrees Celsius in summer. About 90% of the rainfall occurs between April and September. For details, please refer to the Hong Kong Observatory.

Electrical Equipment

The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50HZ, so you will need an adaptor for your 110-volt appliances and electrical equipment. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged plug. You can buy an inexpensive adaptor for your equipment when you arrive in Hong Kong.