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Background information about Hong Kong [THIS SECTION IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION] Hong Kong was established as a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China on 1 July 1997. Under Hong Kong's constitutional document the Basic Law, the existing economic, legal and social systems will be maintained for at least 50 years after 1997. Location Situated at the south-eastern tip of China, Hong Kong is ideally positioned at the centre of East Asia, one of the world's most dynamic regions. With a total area of 1,104 square kilometres, it covers Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, including 262 outlying islands. Hong Kong Island lies just south of Kowloon, separated by Victoria Harbour; the New Territories lie north of Kowloon and run up to the border with Mainland China. A map of Hong Kong can be found here. Population Hong Kong's population was 7,026,400 million at end-2009 (+0.5% compared to end-2008). The population density is 6,352 people per square kilometre. 95% of the population is of Chinese descent. The foreign population comprises many nationalities, with the largest numbers from Philippines, Indonesia and the USA. Language Chinese and English are the official languages. English is widely used in the Government, the legal system and by the professional and business sectors. Free Trade and Free Market Hong Kong advocates and practises free trade - a free and liberal investment regime, the absence of trade barriers, no discrimination against overseas investors, freedom of capital movement, well established rule of law, transparent regulations, and low and predictable taxation. Rule of Law On 1st July 1997, Hong Kong became a well established and trusted legal system based on the common law. The rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people and those living there are founded upon the impartial rule of law, an independent judiciary, a comprehensive system of legal aid, and a free and active press. Law and Order Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world. The overall crime rate, that is the number of crimes per 100,000 population, is lower than in Tokyo and other metropolitan cities. The overall crime rate and violent crime rate in 2008 were 1,123 and 206 respectively, decreasing by 3.7% and 4.2% compared to 2007. To know more about Hong Kong, see the following fact sheets (last updated end December 2009):  Hong Kong's new growth industries How Hong Kong is tackling the financial crisis Hong Kong at a glance
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