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Geography
Hong Kong spreads out over 1,100 square kilometres on the southern coast of China. Main areas include Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. Hong Kong Island lies south of Kowloon and the two are separated by Victoria Harbour. The New Territories lie north of Kowloon and run up to the boundary with mainland China at Lo Wu. The New Territories also include more than 260 outlying islands.
Geographically, Hong Kong is the heart of Asia. Situated on the southeastern coast of China, it serves as a gateway for thousands of businessmen who want to gain entrance to the mainland's massive market, and for travelers who are fascinated by the charms of this captivating land.
Language
The official languages in Hong Kong are Chinese and English. The latter is more commonly used in the business community while Cantonese is the most widely spoken dialect. Cantonese is quite a difficult tonal dialect. Different tones of a word may have different meanings. Some expatriates or visitors coming to Hong Kong will learn speaking Cantonese or Mandarin.
Weather
Spring (March to mid-May)
Warm and wet. The average temperature ranges from 18oC-27oC (64of-80of), humidity about 82%
Summer (late May to mid-September)
Hot and humid with temperature ranges from 26oC-33oC (78of-91of) and humidity near 90%. Short sleeves and cotton clothes work best. A slight sweater should be always ready, as restaurants tend to be high air-conditioned.
Autumn (late September to early December)
The best time of the year. Short sleeves with light jackets are the most recommended. The average temperature ranges from 18oC-28oC (64of-82of), humidity about 72%.
Winter (mid-December to February)
Winters are mild with low humidity at 72%. Temperature ranges from 14oC-20oC (57of-68of), but the mercury may drop to or below 10oC (50of) at times. Occasional chills make woolens and overcoats necessary.
Religion & Culture
As a multicultural city with a multiracial population, Hong Kong stands for a peaceful land. Each culture possesses its customs and traditions, as well as tolerance to other beliefs and ethics. No ideology or censorship is imposed on Hong Kong people, and you can find presence of most of the world's religions here.
Islam
There are about 80,000 followers of the Islamic faith in Hong Kong. Most are them are Chinese. The rest are made up of nationals from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Muslim countries of the Middle East and Africa.
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Islamic Associations in Hong Kong |
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Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong
Address: Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, Wan Chai |
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Chinese Muslim Cultural and Fraternal Association
Address: 7/F Chan Tong Lane, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island
Phone: 852 2834 8581 |
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Hong Kong Dawoodi Bohra Association
Address: 1/F, Abdoolally House, 20 Stanley Street, Central District, Hong Kong Island
Phone: 852 2810 8110 |
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Islam Union of Hong Kong
Address: Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island
Phone: 852 2575 2218 |
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Pakistan Association of Hong Kong
Address: 150 Princess Margaret Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon
Phone: 852 2780 2157 |
Buddhism
Because of China's influence, Buddhism in Hong Kong is the most popular religion. Temples spread over Hong Kong are always crowded with worshippers bringing in smoky shrines, laden with incense and offerings of fruit and flowers.
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Buddhist Associations in Hong Kong |
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Hong Kong Buddhist Association
Address: 2/F, 388 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island
Phone: 852 2574 9371 |
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Hong Kong Council of Buddhist Societies
Address: Block C, 6/F, Bay View Mansion, Moreton Terrace, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island
Phone: 852 2808 1885 |
Christianity
There are more than 500,000 Christians in Hong Kong. Christian Church, Organizations and Communities can be found everywhere. The main church, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, is located at 16 Caine Road, Mid-levels.
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Christian Associations in Hong Kong |
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Anglican Diocesan of Hong Kong and Macau
Address: Diocesan Office , 1 Lower Albert Road, Central District, Hong Kong Island
Phone: 852 2526 5335 (Office) |
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Chinese Christian Literature Council Ltd.
Address: 4A/F, 138 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Phone: 852 2367 8031 |
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Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong
Address: 23 Waterloo Road, Prince Edward, Kowloon
Phone: 852 2783 3636 |
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Christian Act
Address: 4/F, New Horizons Building, 2 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon
Phone: 852 2383 0988 |
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Hong Kong Bible Society
Address: 9/F Oriental Centre, 67-71 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon
Phone: 852 2368 5147 |
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Hong Kong Christian Council
Address: 9/F, Christian Ecumenical Building, 33 Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Phone: 852 2368 7123 |
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Tao Fung Shan Christian Centre
Address : 33 Tao Fung Shan Road, Sha Tin, New Territories
Phone: 852 2605 0839 |
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The Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China
Address: Morrison Memorial Centre, 191 Prince Edward Road, Prince Edward, Kowloon
Phone: 852 2397 1022 (Office) |
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The Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service
Address: 89 Chung Hau Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon
Phone: 852 2711 9131 |
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The Hong Kong Y.W.C.A.
Address: 1 MacDonnell Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Island
Phone: 852 2522 3101 |
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The Salvation Army
Address: 11 Wing Sing Lane, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon
Phone +852 2332 4531 (Office), 852 2771 2555 (Church) |
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YMCA of Hong Kong
Address: 41 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Phone +852 2369 2211 |
Environment
Air pollution is definitely the most serious problem in Hong Kong. The Government has been trying very hard to deal with this issue. Different strategies and a $3.8 billion, 10-year campaign has also been held. Another environmental issue confronting Hong Kong is waste disposal. The Government started educating the public on recycling in the late 1990s. But public awareness on saving our environment remains thin and insufficient. Irresponsible sewage and waste loads are also increasing. Lots of pollutants are being dumped into Victoria Harbour. Landfill capacity is being depleted.
To know more about the weather and environment in Hong Kong, check out the Hong Kong Observatory Homepage. |