SOCIAL INDICATORS
1. Education
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Hong Kong is a highly socially mobile society and students will not be deprived of access to education because of lack of means; 46% of all first year university students are from families living in public housing estates.
Nine years of free education. Attendance until age 15 is compulsory.
Over 90% of children complete upper secondary education or equivalent vocational education.
First year first degree places are provided for 13% of the relevant age group, and will increase to 18% by 1994/85.
Open Learning Institute established in 1989. Some 15,000 students currently enrolled.
Education takes up the largest share of public expenditure, at 17% of total government budget.
2.
Health/Environment
* The Government provides a comprehensive medical service which is
either free or has only nominal charges.
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Infant mortality (6.4/1000) in 1991 lower than most developed countries (USA: 9.7/1000 in 1989; UK: 7.9/1000 in 1990).
Average life expectancy at birth was 80.6 for females in 1991 (UK/USA: 78.5/79.0 in 1990); 75.1 for males in 1991 (UK/USA: 72.9/72.1 in 1990).
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