Knowra Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China on the southern coast, comprising Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and surrounding islands. Its separate legal and economic systems developed under British rule and continued after its 1997 handover.
First Opium War : A war between Britain and Qing China from 1839 to 1842 that ended with the cession of Hong Kong Island to Britain. Its outcome began British rule over Hong Kong Island.
Basic Law of Hong Kong : Hong Kong's constitutional document, enacted by China in 1990 and effective from the 1997 handover. It defines the region's institutions, autonomy, rights, and relationship with China.
Hong Kong dollar : The official currency of Hong Kong, issued by three commercial banks under a linked exchange-rate system. Its currency arrangement supports Hong Kong's separate monetary system.
Pearl River Delta : A densely populated region in southern China where the Pearl River flows into the South China Sea. Hong Kong is a major coastal city within this wider economic region.
Macau handover : The 1999 transfer of sovereignty over Macau from Portugal to China. It offers a nearby comparison with Hong Kong's earlier handover and similar special administrative status.
Treaty of Nanking : The 1842 treaty that ended the First Opium War and ceded Hong Kong Island to Britain. It established the first formal transfer of Hong Kong territory to Britain.
One country, two systems : A framework under which Hong Kong retains distinct systems within the sovereignty of the People's Republic of China. It is the principle underpinning Hong Kong's separate arrangements.
Hong Kong Stock Exchange : A major securities exchange based in Hong Kong and operated by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing. It anchors the region's role in international capital markets.
Shenzhen : A major city in Guangdong, China, bordering Hong Kong to the north. Its proximity makes cross-border trade, travel, and development central to Hong Kong's regional ties.
Taiwan : An island governed by the Republic of China, with a political status disputed by the People's Republic of China. Its contested status contrasts with Hong Kong's sovereignty transfer and defined regional status.
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