Located in the eastern Pearl River by the South China Sea, Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China home to 7.4 million people. Because of its large population and small geographic size, only 426 square miles, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places on earth.

The city of Hong Kong is highly developed and is home to the largest number of skyscrapers in any city in the world. Hong Kong is the third-largest global financial center after New York City and London. Hong Kong has topped the list for countries' economic freedom 25 years in a row.

What's life like in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is an administrative region of China, but it has its own government, laws, currency, and culture. With one of the highest population densities of any city in the world, Hong Kong also has one of the highest costs of living.

Most people in Hong Kong live in small apartments that are packed into tall skyscrapers. The streets are busy with cars and an excellent public transport system. Rent, utilities, groceries, and other monthly costs tend to be more expensive in Hong Kong than in many other countries.

Most people who live in Hong Kong speak some English, though Cantonese is the regional dialect. While there are some parks in the city, it's a dense urban environment without much green space. Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with four seasons and two monsoons a year. For most of the year, temperatures are warm and humid.

Work in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is known for its economic freedom. Its capitalist mixed service economy is renowned for its low taxes and minimal government intervention. Hong Kong has one of the most highly established international financial markets in the world.

Because of Hong Kong's strategic location, its transportation and logistics industries have always played major roles in the territory's economy. Hong Kong's largest export markets are the US and China. Most of its food and raw materials are imported, resulting in high prices for consumers.

Nowadays, Hong Kong's economy is dominated by the service sector, generating over 90% of the territory's economic output. Tourism has also become a major player in Hong Kong's economy, with over 26 million visitors annually, over 70% of whom come from China.

Major Attractions of Hong Kong

Here are some of the top attractions that make Hong Kong a great place to live and work:

• Victoria Peak: A hill overlooking downtown Hong Kong with manicured public parks and amazing views over the city.
• Lantau Island: The largest island in Hong Kong has undergone massive development over the last few years to become a leading tourist attraction with shopping and Hong Kong Disneyland.
• Victoria Harbor: A historic natural harbor and one of the most important ports in the world.
• Tian Tan Buddha: A huge bronze Buddha on Lantau Island located near the Po Lin Monastery.
• Ngong Ping 360: A gondola lift located on Lantau Island connecting Tung Chung with Ngong Ping and offering spectacular views over downtown Hong Kong.

Pros and Cons of Living in Hong Kong

Pros:

• Economic freedom – Low taxes and minimal government intervention make Hong Kong a great place for businesses.
• Vibrant and energetic – There's always something to do in Hong Kong, no matter what time it is as the city truly never sleeps.
• Safe – Even though it's one of the most densely populated cities in the world, Hong Kong has exceptionally high safety standards.

Cons:

• Air pollution – With such a large population crammed into a small area, Hong Kong often suffers from terrible air pollution, especially in hotter months.
• Busy – If you don't like crowds, then Hong Kong isn't for you. Commuting can be especially intense.
• Cost of living – Renting an apartment in Hong Kong is expensive, as are groceries and utilities, making it more expensive to live there than in many Western cities.