Hong Kong
East and Southeast AsiaHK January 14, 2026
Background
The UK seized Hong Kong in 1841, and China formally ceded it the following year at the end of the First Opium War. The Kowloon Peninsula was added in 1860 at the end of the Second Opium War, and the UK obtained a 99-year lease of the New Territories in 1898. Pursuant to a UK-China agreement in 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China as of 1 July 1997. In this agreement, China promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic and strict political system would not be imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong would enjoy a "high degree of autonomy" in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.
After the handover, Hong Kong continued to enjoy success as an international financial center. However, growing Chinese political influence and dissatisfaction with the Hong Kong Government in the 2010s became central issues and led to considerable civil unrest, including large-scale pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019 after the HKSAR attempted to revise a local ordinance to allow extraditions to mainland China. In response to the protests, the governments of the HKSAR and China reduced the city's autonomy and placed new restrictions on the rights of Hong Kong residents, moves that were widely criticized as contravening obligations under the Hong Kong Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Democratic lawmakers and political figures were arrested in a widespread crackdown, while others fled abroad. At the same time, dozens of civil society groups and several independent media outlets were closed or disbanded. In 2021, Beijing imposed a more restrictive electoral system, restructuring the Legislative Council (LegCo) and allowing only government-approved candidates to run for office. The changes ensured that virtually all seats in the 2021 LegCo election went to pro-establishment candidates and effectively ended political opposition to Beijing. In 2024, the LegCo passed a new national security law (Article 23 of the Basic Law) further expanding the Hong Kong Government's power to curb dissent.
After the handover, Hong Kong continued to enjoy success as an international financial center. However, growing Chinese political influence and dissatisfaction with the Hong Kong Government in the 2010s became central issues and led to considerable civil unrest, including large-scale pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019 after the HKSAR attempted to revise a local ordinance to allow extraditions to mainland China. In response to the protests, the governments of the HKSAR and China reduced the city's autonomy and placed new restrictions on the rights of Hong Kong residents, moves that were widely criticized as contravening obligations under the Hong Kong Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Democratic lawmakers and political figures were arrested in a widespread crackdown, while others fled abroad. At the same time, dozens of civil society groups and several independent media outlets were closed or disbanded. In 2021, Beijing imposed a more restrictive electoral system, restructuring the Legislative Council (LegCo) and allowing only government-approved candidates to run for office. The changes ensured that virtually all seats in the 2021 LegCo election went to pro-establishment candidates and effectively ended political opposition to Beijing. In 2024, the LegCo passed a new national security law (Article 23 of the Basic Law) further expanding the Hong Kong Government's power to curb dissent.
Geographic coordinates
22 15 N, 114 10 E
Natural hazards
occasional typhoons
Area - comparative
six times the size of Washington, D.C.
Environmental issues
air and water pollution from rapid urbanization; urban waste pollution; industrial pollution
Climate
subtropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall
Coastline
733 km
Land boundaries
Total: 33 km
Regional borders (1): China 33 km
Regional borders (1): China 33 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 3.8% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 1.9% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 1% (2023 est.)
Forest: 0% (2022 est.)
Other: 96.2% (2022 est.)
Arable land: 1.9% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 1% (2023 est.)
Forest: 0% (2022 est.)
Other: 96.2% (2022 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Natural resources
outstanding deepwater harbor, feldspar
Geography - note
consists of a mainland area (the New Territories) and over 200 islands
Terrain
hilly to mountainous with steep slopes; lowlands in north
Location
Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China
Map references
Southeast Asia
Irrigated land
10 sq km (2012)
Population distribution
population fairly evenly distributed
Elevation
Highest point: Tai Mo Shan 958 m
Lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
Lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
Area
Total : 1,108 sq km
Land: 1,073 sq km
Water: 35 sq km
Land: 1,073 sq km
Water: 35 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 13.2% (male 505,718/female 459,956)
15-64 years: 64.8% (male 2,123,216/female 2,609,102)
65 years and over: 21.9% (2024 est.) (male 738,878/female 860,951)
15-64 years: 64.8% (male 2,123,216/female 2,609,102)
65 years and over: 21.9% (2024 est.) (male 738,878/female 860,951)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.81 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.81 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Chinese/Hong Konger
Adjective: Chinese/Hong Kong
Adjective: Chinese/Hong Kong
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 17 years (2023 est.)
Male: 17 years (2023 est.)
Female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Male: 17 years (2023 est.)
Female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 100% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 0.58% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 0.58% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
7.685 million Hong Kong (2023)
Physician density
2.04 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Hospital bed density
4.9 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
29.8 years (2008 est.)
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 54.2 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 20.4 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 33.8 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 3 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 20.4 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 33.8 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 3 (2024 est.)
Ethnic groups
Chinese 91.6%, Filipino 2.7%, Indonesian 1.9%, other 3.7% (2021 est.)
Religions
Buddhist or Taoist 27.9%, Protestant 6.7%, Roman Catholic 5.3%, Muslim 4.2%, Hindu 1.4%, Sikh 0.2%, other or none 54.3% (2016 est.)
Note: Many people practice Confucianism, regardless of their religion or not having a religious affiliation
Note: Many people practice Confucianism, regardless of their religion or not having a religious affiliation
Languages
Cantonese (official) 85.4%, English (official) 4.5%, Putonghua (official) 2.2%, other Chinese dialects 2.8%, other 2%, persons under 5 or mute 3.2% (2021 est.)
Major-language sample(s):
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Note: data represent population by usual spoken language
Major-language sample(s):
世界概况, 必須擁有的基本資料参考书 (Cantonese)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Note: data represent population by usual spoken language
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: NA
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: NA
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: NA
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: NA
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 96.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 96.5% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 3.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 3.5% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 96.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 96.5% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 3.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 3.5% of population (2022 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.6 (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
49.8% (2021 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 8.4% (2024 est.)
Male: 10.5% (2024 est.)
Female: 6.3% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 10.5% (2024 est.)
Female: 6.3% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
1.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
Total: 47.6 years (2025 est.)
Male: 45.3 years
Female: 48.6 years
Male: 45.3 years
Female: 48.6 years
Total fertility rate
1.24 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Population
Total: 7,297,821 (2024 est.)
Male: 3,367,812
Female: 3,930,009
Male: 3,367,812
Female: 3,930,009
Infant mortality rate
Total: 2.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Male: 2.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 2.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 2.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 2.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Death rate
8.16 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Birth rate
7.45 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 84 years (2024 est.)
Male: 81.3 years
Female: 86.8 years
Male: 81.3 years
Female: 86.8 years
Education expenditure
3.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
15.7% national budget (2024 est.)
15.7% national budget (2024 est.)
Population growth rate
0.09% (2025 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 5.68 million tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 34% (2016 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 34% (2016 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
58.433 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 12.935 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 35.453 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 10.045 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 12.935 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 35.453 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 10.045 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
116.811 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Consul General Julie EADEH (since August 2025); note - also accredited to Macau
Embassy: 26 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong
Mailing address: 8000 Hong Kong Place, Washington DC 20521-8000
Telephone: [852] 2523-9011
FAX: [852] 2845-1598
Email address and website:
Acshk@state.gov
https://hk.usconsulate.gov/
Embassy: 26 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong
Mailing address: 8000 Hong Kong Place, Washington DC 20521-8000
Telephone: [852] 2523-9011
FAX: [852] 2845-1598
Email address and website:
Acshk@state.gov
https://hk.usconsulate.gov/
Constitution
History: Several previous (governance documents while under British authority); latest drafted April 1988 to February 1989, approved March 1990, effective 1 July 1997 (Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China serves as the constitution)
Amendment process: Proposed by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the People’s Republic of China State Council, or the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong; submittal of proposals to the NPC requires two-thirds majority vote by the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, approval by two thirds of Hong Kong’s deputies to the NPC, and approval by the Hong Kong chief executive; final passage requires approval by the NPC
Note: since 1990, China's National People's Congress has interpreted specific articles of the Basic Law
Amendment process: Proposed by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the People’s Republic of China State Council, or the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong; submittal of proposals to the NPC requires two-thirds majority vote by the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, approval by two thirds of Hong Kong’s deputies to the NPC, and approval by the Hong Kong chief executive; final passage requires approval by the NPC
Note: since 1990, China's National People's Congress has interpreted specific articles of the Basic Law
Executive branch
Chief of state: President of China XI Jinping (since 14 March 2013)
Head of government: Chief Executive John LEE Ka-chiu (since 1 July 2022)
Cabinet: Executive Council or ExCo appointed by the chief executive
Election/appointment process: President indirectly elected by National People's Congress for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); chief executive indirectly elected by the Election Committee and appointed by the PRC Government for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
Most recent election date: president: 10 March 2023
Chief executive: 8 May 2022
Election results:
2022: John LEE was the only candidate and won with over 99% of the vote by the Election Committee
2017: Carrie LAM elected; Election Committee vote - Carrie LAM (non-partisan) 777, John TSANG (non-partisan) 365, WOO Kwok-hing (non-partisan) 21, 23 ballots rejected (1,186 votes cast)
Expected date of next election: president: March 2028
Chief executive: 2027
Note: Electoral changes that Beijing imposed in March 2021 expanded the Election Committee to 1,500 members
Head of government: Chief Executive John LEE Ka-chiu (since 1 July 2022)
Cabinet: Executive Council or ExCo appointed by the chief executive
Election/appointment process: President indirectly elected by National People's Congress for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); chief executive indirectly elected by the Election Committee and appointed by the PRC Government for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
Most recent election date: president: 10 March 2023
Chief executive: 8 May 2022
Election results:
2022: John LEE was the only candidate and won with over 99% of the vote by the Election Committee
2017: Carrie LAM elected; Election Committee vote - Carrie LAM (non-partisan) 777, John TSANG (non-partisan) 365, WOO Kwok-hing (non-partisan) 21, 23 ballots rejected (1,186 votes cast)
Expected date of next election: president: March 2028
Chief executive: 2027
Note: Electoral changes that Beijing imposed in March 2021 expanded the Election Committee to 1,500 members
Flag
Description: Red with a stylized white Bauhinia flower with five petals in the center of the flag; each petal has a tiny five-pointed red star with a fine red line curving toward the center of the flower
Meaning: The red color is the same as the Chinese flag and represents the motherland, and the five stars also echo the Chinese flag; the Bauhinia flower was developed in Hong Kong the late 19th century and has come to symbolize the region
Meaning: The red color is the same as the Chinese flag and represents the motherland, and the five stars also echo the Chinese flag; the Bauhinia flower was developed in Hong Kong the late 19th century and has come to symbolize the region
Independence
none (special administrative region of China)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Court of Final Appeal (consists of the chief justice, 3 permanent judges, and 20 non-permanent judges)
Judge selection and term of office: All judges appointed by the Hong Kong Chief Executive on the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission, an independent body consisting of the Secretary for Justice, other judges, and judicial and legal professionals; permanent judges serve until normal retirement at age 65, but term can be extended; non-permanent judges appointed for renewable 3-year terms without age limit
Subordinate courts: High Court (consists of the Court of Appeal and Court of First Instance); District Courts (includes Family and Land Courts); magistrates' courts; specialized tribunals
Judge selection and term of office: All judges appointed by the Hong Kong Chief Executive on the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission, an independent body consisting of the Secretary for Justice, other judges, and judicial and legal professionals; permanent judges serve until normal retirement at age 65, but term can be extended; non-permanent judges appointed for renewable 3-year terms without age limit
Subordinate courts: High Court (consists of the Court of Appeal and Court of First Instance); District Courts (includes Family and Land Courts); magistrates' courts; specialized tribunals
Legal system
mixed system of common law based on the English model and Chinese customary law (in matters of family and land tenure); China's imposition of National Security Law incorporates elements of Chinese civil law
Legislative branch
Legislature name: Legislative Council or LegCo
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 90
Electoral system: 20 members directly elected; 70 members indirectly elected
Scope of elections: Full
Most recent election date: 7 December 2025
Parties elected and seats per party: Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) 20, Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Trade Unions (HKFTU) 8, Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong (BPA) 7, Liberal (LP) 4, New People's Party (NPP) 3, Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers (HKFEW) 2, Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions (HKFLU) 2, Professional Power (PP) 1, Roundtable (RT) 1, New Territories Association of Societies (NTAS) 1, Kowloon West New Dynamic (KWND) 1, Independents 40
Expected date of next election: December 2029
Note: All political candidates are evaluated by the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee (CERC), which was established in April 2022; CERC members are all appointed by the chief executive
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 90
Electoral system: 20 members directly elected; 70 members indirectly elected
Scope of elections: Full
Most recent election date: 7 December 2025
Parties elected and seats per party: Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) 20, Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Trade Unions (HKFTU) 8, Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong (BPA) 7, Liberal (LP) 4, New People's Party (NPP) 3, Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers (HKFEW) 2, Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions (HKFLU) 2, Professional Power (PP) 1, Roundtable (RT) 1, New Territories Association of Societies (NTAS) 1, Kowloon West New Dynamic (KWND) 1, Independents 40
Expected date of next election: December 2029
Note: All political candidates are evaluated by the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee (CERC), which was established in April 2022; CERC members are all appointed by the chief executive
International organization participation
ADB, APEC, BIS, FATF, ICC (national committees), IHO, IMF, IMO (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITUC (NGOs), UNWTO (associate), UPU, WCO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China), 1 October (1949)
Note: 1 July (1997) is celebrated as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
Note: 1 July (1997) is celebrated as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
Political parties
Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong or BPA
Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong or DAB
Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions or HKFLU
Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers or HKFEW
Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions or HKFTU
Kowloon West New Dynamic or KWND
Liberal Party or LP
New People's Party or NPP
New Prospect for Hong Kong or NPHK
New Territories Association of Societies or NTAS
Professional Power or PP
Roundtable or RT
Note 1: There is no political party ordinance, so there are no registered political parties; politically active groups register as societies or companies
Note 2: By the end of 2021, the leading pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong had been effectively removed from the political arena under the provisions of Beijing's 2021 electoral changes or via charges under the 2020 national security law; in addition, dozens of pro-democracy organizations, including political parties, unions, churches, civil rights groups, and media organizations have disbanded or closed; as of 2023, nearly all politically active groups were pro-Beijing
Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong or DAB
Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions or HKFLU
Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers or HKFEW
Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions or HKFTU
Kowloon West New Dynamic or KWND
Liberal Party or LP
New People's Party or NPP
New Prospect for Hong Kong or NPHK
New Territories Association of Societies or NTAS
Professional Power or PP
Roundtable or RT
Note 1: There is no political party ordinance, so there are no registered political parties; politically active groups register as societies or companies
Note 2: By the end of 2021, the leading pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong had been effectively removed from the political arena under the provisions of Beijing's 2021 electoral changes or via charges under the 2020 national security law; in addition, dozens of pro-democracy organizations, including political parties, unions, churches, civil rights groups, and media organizations have disbanded or closed; as of 2023, nearly all politically active groups were pro-Beijing
Suffrage
18 years of age in direct elections for 20 of the 90 Legislative Council seats and all of the seats in 18 district councils; universal for permanent residents living in the territory of Hong Kong for the past 7 years
Note: in indirect elections, suffrage is limited to about 220,000 members of functional constituencies for the other 70 legislature seats and a 1,500-member election committee for the chief executive drawn from broad sectoral groupings, central government bodies, municipal organizations, and elected Hong Kong officials
Note: in indirect elections, suffrage is limited to about 220,000 members of functional constituencies for the other 70 legislature seats and a 1,500-member election committee for the chief executive drawn from broad sectoral groupings, central government bodies, municipal organizations, and elected Hong Kong officials
Government type
presidential limited democracy; a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China
Country name
Conventional long form: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Conventional short form: Hong Kong
Local long form: Heung Kong Takpit Hangching Ku (Eitel/Dyer-Ball)
Local short form: Heung Kong (Eitel/Dyer-Ball)
Abbreviation: HK
Etymology: Probably an imprecise phonetic rendering of the Cantonese name meaning "fragrant harbor"
Conventional short form: Hong Kong
Local long form: Heung Kong Takpit Hangching Ku (Eitel/Dyer-Ball)
Local short form: Heung Kong (Eitel/Dyer-Ball)
Abbreviation: HK
Etymology: Probably an imprecise phonetic rendering of the Cantonese name meaning "fragrant harbor"
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: None (Special Administrative Region of China)
HKETO offices: New York, San Francisco, Washington DC
Note: Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China and does not have a diplomatic presence; the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) carries out normal liaison activities and communication with the US government and other US entities; the position of the Hong Kong Commissioner to the US Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is vacant; address: 1520 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone: [1] (202) 331-8947; FAX: [1] (202) 331-8958; email: hketo@hketowashington.gov.hk; website: https://www.hketowashington.gov.hk/
HKETO offices: New York, San Francisco, Washington DC
Note: Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China and does not have a diplomatic presence; the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) carries out normal liaison activities and communication with the US government and other US entities; the position of the Hong Kong Commissioner to the US Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is vacant; address: 1520 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone: [1] (202) 331-8947; FAX: [1] (202) 331-8958; email: hketo@hketowashington.gov.hk; website: https://www.hketowashington.gov.hk/
National anthem(s)
Title: "Yiyongjun Jinxingqu" (The March of the Volunteers)
Lyrics/music: TIAN Han/NIE Er
History: Official anthem, as a Special Administrative Region of China
Lyrics/music: TIAN Han/NIE Er
History: Official anthem, as a Special Administrative Region of China
National symbol(s)
bauhinia flower
Citizenship
see China
National color(s)
red, white
Exports - commodities
gold, integrated circuits, gas turbines, broadcasting equipment, jewelry (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
China 22%, Vietnam 12%, S. Korea 8%, Netherlands 5%, Switzerland 4% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
pork, chicken, spinach, vegetables, pork offal, game meat, beef, fruits, onions, pork fat (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $70.124 billion (2020 est.)
Expenditures: $105.849 billion (2020 est.)
Expenditures: $105.849 billion (2020 est.)
Imports - commodities
integrated circuits, broadcasting equipment, gold, machine parts, jewelry (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Hong Kong dollars (HKD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
7.804 (2024 est.)
7.83 (2023 est.)
7.831 (2022 est.)
7.773 (2021 est.)
7.757 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
7.804 (2024 est.)
7.83 (2023 est.)
7.831 (2022 est.)
7.773 (2021 est.)
7.757 (2020 est.)
Industries
trading and logistics, financial services, professional services, tourism, cultural and creative, clothing and textiles, shipping, electronics, toys, clocks and watches
Economic overview
high-income tourism- and services-based economy; global financial hub; COVID-19 and political protests fueled recent recession; ongoing recovery but lower-skilled unemployment remains high; investing in job-reskilling programs
GDP (official exchange rate)
$407.107 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 67.4% (2024 est.)
Government consumption: 12.8% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 16.2% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: -0.5% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 181.7% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -177.7% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 12.8% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 16.2% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: -0.5% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 181.7% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -177.7% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
China 40%, Taiwan 10%, Singapore 7%, Japan 5%, S. Korea 4% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Average household expenditures
On food: 11.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 0.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 0.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
0.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
0.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
3.836 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$425.554 billion (2023 est.)
$424.03 billion (2022 est.)
$496.867 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$424.03 billion (2022 est.)
$496.867 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Unemployment rate
2.8% (2024 est.)
3% (2023 est.)
4.4% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
3% (2023 est.)
4.4% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$497.88 billion (2024 est.)
$485.541 billion (2023 est.)
$470.42 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$485.541 billion (2023 est.)
$470.42 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
1.7% (2024 est.)
2.1% (2023 est.)
1.9% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
2.1% (2023 est.)
1.9% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
$52.475 billion (2024 est.)
$32.338 billion (2023 est.)
$36.525 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
$32.338 billion (2023 est.)
$36.525 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$66,200 (2024 est.)
$64,400 (2023 est.)
$64,000 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$64,400 (2023 est.)
$64,000 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$723.397 billion (2024 est.)
$671.492 billion (2023 est.)
$682.881 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$671.492 billion (2023 est.)
$682.881 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$739.915 billion (2024 est.)
$673.738 billion (2023 est.)
$697.583 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$673.738 billion (2023 est.)
$697.583 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
2.5% (2024 est.)
3.2% (2023 est.)
-3.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
3.2% (2023 est.)
-3.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
3.4% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 0% (2023 est.)
Industry: 6.3% (2023 est.)
Services: 91.4% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 6.3% (2023 est.)
Services: 91.4% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Coal
Consumption: 5.567 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 16,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 5.884 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 16,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 5.884 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 99.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
Consumption: 5.12 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 5.12 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 5.12 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Petroleum
Total petroleum production: 96 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 233,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 233,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 13.3 million kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 45.54 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 11.593 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 3.684 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 45.54 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 11.593 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 3.684 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 96% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.hk
Broadcast media
34 commercial terrestrial TV networks, each with multiple stations; multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems available; 3 licensed broadcasters, one of which is government-funded, operate about 12 radio stations (2019)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 2.97 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 40 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 40 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 3.487 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 47 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 47 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 27.1 million (2024 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 365 (2024 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 365 (2024 est.)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
B-H
Airports
2 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 2,537 (2023)
By type: Bulk carrier 1,047, container ship 560, general cargo 144, oil tanker 394, other 392
By type: Bulk carrier 1,047, container ship 560, general cargo 144, oil tanker 394, other 392
Heliports
142 (2025)
Military and security forces
Hong Kong Police Force (specialized units include the Police Counterterrorism Response Unit, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau, the Special Duties Unit, the Airport Security Unit, and the VIP Protection Unit)
China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison is responsible for defense duties; the garrison includes elements of the PLA Army, PLA Navy, and PLA Air Force and are under the direct leadership of the Central Military Commission in Beijing and under administrative control of the adjacent Southern Theater Command (2025)
China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison is responsible for defense duties; the garrison includes elements of the PLA Army, PLA Navy, and PLA Air Force and are under the direct leadership of the Central Military Commission in Beijing and under administrative control of the adjacent Southern Theater Command (2025)
Illicit drugs
USG identification:
Major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 260 (2024 est.)
Trafficking in persons
Tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — the government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period, therefore Hong Kong remained on Tier 2 Watch List for the second consecutive year; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/hong-kong/
Dependency status
special administrative region of the People's Republic of China
Ports
Total ports: 1 (2024)
Large: 1
Medium: 0
Small: 0
Very small: 0
Ports with oil terminals: 1
Key ports: Hong Kong
Large: 1
Medium: 0
Small: 0
Very small: 0
Ports with oil terminals: 1
Key ports: Hong Kong