GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
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in the region of 360,000, but as in the case of the rest of the Colony, these estimates, including those given below for certain centres of population, are approximate only. The principal centres of population in the New Territories are Tsuen Wan, with a population of 80,000; Cheung Chau, with 25,000 land-based inhabitants and approximately 7,000 people anchored there for the greater part of the year; Yuen Long, 20,000; Tai O, with 12,600 land-based inhabit- ants and about 2,000 boat dwellers; Shek Wu Hui, 4,800; Tai Po, with 9,000 land-based inhabitants and about 4,000 boat dwellers; Luen Wo Market, 2,900; Peng Chau (Southern District), 4,500; Castle Peak (including Old Town, New Town and Sam Shing Hui), 4,400 with approximately 2,000 floating population; and Sai Kung, 3,000, excluding floating population.
Hong Kong Island is 11 miles long from east to west and varies in width from 2 to 5 miles. It rises steeply from the northern shore to a range of treeless hills of volcanic rock, of which the highest point is Victoria Peak (1,805 ft.) near the western end, Between these hills and the harbour lies the city of Victoria. The old part of the urban areas runs up steep hillside for hundreds of yards, in narrow stepped streets and terraces; but more modern parts of the town stand chiefly on a strip of reclaimed land, averaging 200-400 yards in width, which extends 9 miles along the north shore of the Island.
Between the Island and the mainland lies the Port of Victoria, often described, with San Francisco and Rio de Janeiro, as one of the three most perfect natural harbours in the world. Its area is 16 sq. miles, varying in width from 1 to 3 miles. Ocean-going ships generally use the eastern deep-water entrance, known as Lei Yue Mun, which is between 500 and 900 yards wide. On the western side, the natural entrances to the harbour are wider but shallower, On this side a group of islands, which include Tsing Yi, Lantau and Lamma, provide effective shelter. The importance of Hong Kong has hitherto depended on this harbour, and on its favourable position at the mouth of the most important river system in South China, within easy reach of Canton, South China's largest city.