General Information 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 just under 1 100 square kilometres, it covers Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon peninsula and the New Territories, including 235 outlying islands. Hong Kong has no natural resources, except a deep-water harbour and an industrious population of 6.8 million. A hardworking, flexible and well-educated workforce of three million, coupled with entrepreneurial flair, is the bedrock of Hong Kong's productivity and creativity. Described as a 'barren rock' 150 years ago, Hong Kong has since grown into a world-class financial, trading and business centre. It is the world's eighth-largest trading economy and the ninth-largest exporter of services. Hong Kong advocates and practises free trade. Its economy is nurtured by a government policy of maximum support and minimum intervention. Its taxes are low and simple. Hong Kong has a trusted legal system and an independent judiciary, which ensures that the rule of law is upheld and that no one is above the law. Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China on 1 July, 1997, after a century and a half of British administration. 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. Go to the official Hong Kong SAR of the PRC web site.