Ventures Dialogue

When you are doing business in Hong Kong it is just as important to know about Hong Kong itself – the neighborhoods, districts and areas – as it is to know about the business culture. After all, when you close that deal and you want to take your partners out for dinner you need to know where to go. Or, if it is your first time to Hong Kong, you need to do your homework before you go so you can make the most of your trip.

Hong Kong is located off China’s southern coast on the Pearl River Delta with Guangdong Province to the north and the South China Sea in the east, west and south. The United Kingdom first established Hong Kong Island as a trading post under the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. Through the Treaty of Beijing in 1860, the British gained Kowloon Peninsula, and through the Convention of Extension of Hong Kong Territory in 1898, it incorporated the New Territories into what is today known as Hong Kong. These areas, including the Outlying Islands, can be further broken down into 18 geographic districts. The entire Hong Kong territory was later transferred to the People’s Republic of China in 1997 and became a special administrative region (SAR). The relationship between Hong Kong and China is best described as a one country, two systems policy, in which Hong Kong is allowed a great deal of freedom to govern itself.

Hong Kong has a total population of around seven million people and covers 1,104 square kilometers. Its terrain is hilly and mountainous and considered one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Most of the territory’s urban development exists on Kowloon peninsula, along the northern edge of Hong Kong Island and in scattered settlements throughout the New Territories. Less than 25 per cent of Hong Kong is developed, and about 40 per cent of the territory is parks and nature reserves. The official languages are Cantonese and English, but Mandarin is increasing in popularity due to greater integration with mainland China.

Because Hong Kong cannot be summed up in just one post, this is the first in a series of posts strictly dedicated to the culture and history of Hong Kong. If there is anything you think I’ve missed or want to add  yourself, just let us know in the comments below.

For more information on Hong Kong visit the CIA’s The World Factbook.

Photo by Stuck in Customs.