Hong Kong: World Encyclopedia for Students and Children

System of government: British colony administered by a governor; due to revert to China in 1997
Capital: Victoria
Location: Off the south coast of China, Hong Kong includes the island of Hong Kong, the Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters Island, together with the New Territories (comprising more than 230 islands and an area on the mainland), which were leased from China for 99 years
Area: 1,045 sq km
National composition: Mostly Chinese
Official languages: Chinese, English
Currency: Hong Kong dollar = 100 cents

Hong Kong is a major industrial, banking and commercial centre with a fine natural harbour, large dockyards and freight facilities. Hong Kong International Airport is a major air traffic junction. Manufacturing, tourism and entre-pot trade are the leading activities.