Hong Kong Island

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Hong Kong Island (Chinese: 香港島 ) is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. It is located in the South China Sea, east of the Pearl River Delta. The island is historically significant as the site of the original settlement of the British colony of Hong Kong in 1841. Today, it is a major financial center and a vibrant urban area.

Geography

Hong Kong Island covers an area of approximately 78.59 square kilometers. It is characterized by a rugged terrain with steep hills and a coastline that is deeply indented with bays and harbors. The highest point on the island is Victoria Peak, which rises to 552 meters above sea level. The island is separated from the Kowloon Peninsula by Victoria Harbour, one of the world's most famous natural harbors.

History

Hong Kong Island was ceded to the United Kingdom by the Qing dynasty in 1842 under the Treaty of Nanking, following the First Opium War. It became a crown colony and developed rapidly as a trading port. The island's strategic location and deep-water harbor made it an ideal location for international trade and commerce.

During World War II, Hong Kong Island was occupied by Japan from 1941 to 1945. After the war, it was returned to British control and continued to grow as a major financial and commercial hub.

In 1997, Hong Kong Island, along with the rest of Hong Kong, was handed over to the People's Republic of China under the principle of "one country, two systems", which allows Hong Kong to maintain a separate legal and economic system from mainland China.

Economy

Hong Kong Island is a major financial center, home to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and numerous multinational corporations. The Central district is the island's business and financial heart, with a skyline dominated by skyscrapers such as the International Finance Centre and the Bank of China Tower.

The island's economy is driven by finance, trade, and tourism. It is known for its low taxation, free trade policies, and well-established legal system, which have attracted businesses from around the world.

Demographics

As of 2021, Hong Kong Island has a population of approximately 1.27 million people. The population is diverse, with a mix of ethnic Chinese and expatriates from around the world. The island is known for its high standard of living, excellent public services, and vibrant cultural scene.

Transportation

Hong Kong Island is well-connected by an extensive public transportation network, including the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, trams, and ferries. The Star Ferry provides iconic cross-harbor service between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

The island is also served by major roads and tunnels, including the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and the Eastern Harbour Crossing, which connect it to the rest of Hong Kong.

Education

Hong Kong Island is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Hong Kong, which is one of the leading universities in Asia. The island also has a number of international schools catering to the expatriate community.

Also see

• Victoria Harbour
• Kowloon Peninsula
• New Territories
• Lantau Island
• Hong Kong SAR