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Hong Kong is situated on the southern coast of China and its territory consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, including more than 250 outlying islands. The total area size is about 1,100 sq km. It borders to the north with Shenzhen and is located about 60 km from Macau. A narrow strip of water that separates Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula is known as Victoria Harbour. It is one of the deepest natural seaports in the world.

Since July 1, 1997 Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC). It is a part of the Pearl River Delta region, one of the leading economic regions of China with high population density. The region also includes Dongguan, Foshan, Guangzhou, Jiangmen, Macau, Shenzhen and Zhongshan. Hong Kong as Asia's premier international city is a world-class destination. Every year millions of travelers visit Hong Kong for business and leisure.

Population
Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places in the world with land population density of about 6 400 persons per square kilometre. Fertility rate in Hong Kong is remaining at a low level. Medical services are at a high standard.

Population size: ~ 7 million.
Population growth rate: ~ 0.9%.
Ethnic groups: Chinese 95%; other 5%.
Religion: Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist, with Christian and Muslim minorities.

Language: Chinese and English are the official languages. Cantonese (Chinese dialect) is spoken by most of the population. English is spoken by more than one-third of the population, particularly in business circles, shops and hotels. Also, some hotels in Hong Kong have the staff who speak Japanese and German.

Miscellaneous
Electricity: The local voltage is 220 volts AC (220V/50Hz). Visitors will need an adaptor for their 110-volt appliances and electrical equipment. Adaptors are available in local shops. The majority of electrical outlets have a British three-pin rectangular blade plug that has a protective fuse inside to protect cords from high-current circuits.
Time Difference: GMT + 8 hours. Abbreviation: HKT - Hong Kong Time.

Telephone Code: +852
Bank Hours: Major banks are open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (Monday-Friday), 9:00 am to 12:30 pm (Saturday).
Office Hours: From 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Monday-Friday), 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Saturday)
Shopping Hours: Normal shopping hours are from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (daily). Some of the shops, shopping malls or department stores are remain open till 10:00 pm.

Crime: Hong Kong SAR has a low crime rate. Even so, travelers should exercise caution when in congested areas and pay particular attention to personal belongings in crowded markets and while traveling on public transportation. Protect yourself from pickpockets and carry as little cash as possible. Violent crime, though rare, does occur. The local equivalent to the "911" emergency line in Hong Kong is 999. Police who speak English have a red shoulder badge.

Currency
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD or HK$) is the official currency. It is pegged to the US Dollar at HK$ 7.8 to US$1. There are 100 cents in a dollar. The coins have the following denominations: 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, HK$1, HK$2, HK$5 and HK$10. The notes have the following denominations: 
HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500, HK$1000. Also, the notes of HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500, HK$1000 are issued by three banks: Bank of China, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and Standard Chartered Bank. The notes of HK$10 are issued by the Hong Kong Government. 
MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. There are no sales or value-added (VAT) taxes in Hong Kong.

Post Office in Hong Kong
The main post office is adjacent to the Star Ferry Terminal on Hong Kong Island. Opening hours vary from office to office. Stamps are available in convenience stores. You can also find post boxes on most streets.
Address: 2 Connaught Plaza, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 08:00-18:00, Sunday 12:00-17:00
Phone: +852 2921 2222

Hong Kong Passport / Visa
Hong Kong's visa policy is more liberal than that of mainland China. Citizens of most world countries may enter Hong Kong without a visa for periods ranging from 14 to 180 days.

Hong Kong Pharmacy
There are around 600 pharmacies in Hong Kong. If you want to see a pharmacist, look for the "Rx" sign with a red cross outside the pharmacy. You can also get medicine at Mannings, Watsons, or any convenience store.
SOS International Alarm   Tel: +852 2528 9900

For general enquiries and advice, call +852 2300 6555 or go to Hong Kong Central Hospital, 1b Lower Albert Road, Central, Tel +852 2537 8441.