Hong Kong was a British dependency from 1842 until July 1, 1997.  It then became a Special Administrative Region of China.   Hong Kong will be allowed to keep its capitalist system for 50 years after 1997 according to an agreement between Britain and China which was signed, December 19, 1984. 
 
Hong Kong is known as a major center for trade and banking.  Their major industries include textiles and apparel as well as tourism, shipbuilding, iron and steel, fishing, cement, and small manufactures.  The spinning mills in Hong Kong are among the best in the world. 

Tung Chee-Hwa (a shipping magnate) was appointed as Hong Kong’s chief executive.  A legislature appointed by China was appointed to replace Hong Kong’s Legislative Council. ( It had been elected by the democratic process since 1995. ) On July 1st the transfer of government was completed.  There were elaborate celebrations throughout Hong Kong and China. 
 
<Back to top> 

Map of Hong Kong 

Map of China 

Hong Kong Flag 

Hong Kong Government/the Handover


Hong Kong History

Hong Kong Elections
 

Short Facts on:  

China 

Germany 

Norway 

The Unites States