Country Information
| Sovereign State | No (Special Administrative Region of China) |
| Country Codes | HK, HKG |
| Official Name | Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China |
| Continent | Asia |
| Capital | None (City-State) |
| Government Type | Special Administrative Region under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle |
| Currency | Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) |
| Calling Code | +852 |
| Member Of | Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, World Trade Organization (as Hong Kong, China) |
| Population | Approximately 7.5 million (as of 2023) |
| Total Area | 1,104 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Tai Mo Shan (957 meters or 3,140 feet) |
| Lowest Point | South China Sea (0 meters or 0 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | Around $46,000 USD |
| Life Expectancy | Approximately 85 years |
| Internet TLD | .hk |
Hong Kong National Anthem
March of the Volunteers (same as China)
Arise, ye who refuse to be slaves!
With our flesh and blood, let us build a new Great Wall!
As the Chinese nation faces its greatest peril,
All forcefully expend their last cries.
Arise! Arise! Arise!
Millions of hearts with one mind,
Brave the enemy’s gunfire, march on!
Brave the enemy’s gunfire, march on!
March on! March on! On!
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Hong Kong Flag
The flag of Hong Kong, officially adopted on July 1, 1997, symbolizes the region’s unique status as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. This was the date when Hong Kong’s sovereignty was transferred from the United Kingdom to the People’s Republic of China, marking the end of British colonial rule and the beginning of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy.
The flag features a white, stylized, five-petal Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana) flower in the center of a red field. The red color is a nod to the People’s Republic of China, while the Bauhinia blakeana, a species unique to Hong Kong, represents the distinct identity of the region. The flag’s design was chosen to embody both a sense of Chinese national identity and Hong Kong’s regional pride.
The history of the Hong Kong flag is relatively short compared to other regions, given its establishment in the late 20th century. The design process involved public consultation and a design competition that received over 4,000 entries, reflecting the community’s active participation in defining Hong Kong’s new symbol. The flag replaced the British Hong Kong Flag, which had been in use since 1959, and symbolized a new era for Hong Kong under Chinese sovereignty while maintaining a high degree of autonomy.
The adoption of the Hong Kong flag was a significant event, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s history. It reflects the political and cultural changes Hong Kong has experienced and remains a potent symbol of its unique position within China. The flag symbolizes unity and a distinct identity within the framework of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, which grants Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy, separate legal and economic systems, and cultural independence. The Hong Kong flag is a reminder of the region’s resilience, its rich history, and its ongoing journey towards defining its identity in the 21st century.