Hong Kong Basics

Here is Hong Kong, (circled crudely in red) as you can see its relatively small compared to the vast expanse of  China.
 However it's a very different place to most places in the People's Republic. The Chinese state has little say in how Hong Kong governs itself, it operates a different economic system and maintains a high level of interaction with western nations and culture (this is known as one country,two systems).

Because of it's history in the British Empire and its deep historical roots in China, Hong Kong has a unique history and culture that draws from both eastern and western life.



Anyway, some basics...

• They Drive on the left (China drives on the right,apparently when crossing the border you enter a big car park at customs and then exit on the other side of the road, i found this amusing).
• The official languages are Chinese and English. (but many speak Cantonese aswell)
• Currency is the Hong Kong Dollar HKD (9th most traded currency in the world)
• Population of around 7 million
• People living in Hong Kong are referred to as Hong Kongers.
• Chinese folk law is a big part of the religious and cultural aspect of Hong Kong (this is something i think i can really get into and will provide some great visuals)
• Because of its freedom from the communist state, many religions come together in Hong Kong including, Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Sikhism,Judaism, Hinduism and many branches of Christianity.
• Hong Kong international airport is built on a huge artificial island.
• Apparently Hong Kongers are celebrity mad (something i guess they've got from western culture) 
•  

Left:Chinese Flag

Right:Hong Kong emblem









Anyway thats all for now folks.
To keep you going until next time heres a quick Chinese lion i knocked together and photo shopped.

 回头见
huí tóu jiàn (see you later apparently)