TNAG-0289-FCO40-325-Departmental-briefs-on-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 8

HONG KONG

Introduction

1.

The Crown Colony of Hong Kong consists of a number of islands and part

It

of the mainland on the south-eastern coast of China, and is situated on the

eastern side of the Pearl River. It has an area of 398 square miles, of

which the island of Hong Kong itself covers an area of 29 square miles.

has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. The capital city,

Victoria, is situated on the northern shore of Hong Kong island. Kowloon

is situated on the harbour peninsular of the mainland. A cross-harbour

tunnel connecting the two cities is under construction.

2. Hong Kong is an industrial territory with an economy based on exports.

The traditional enterpot role has become less important of late, though

still constitutes about 20% of the total exports. Domestic industry has

expanded rapidly and products include textiles, clothing, radios, metal and

plastic wares, photographic equipment, watches and clocks, electrical

appliances and electronic equipment.

3. Owing to unsettled conditions in China, the population of Hong Kong,

which is predominantly Chinese, has varied considerably in recent years.

The total population at June 1969 was estimated at nearly 3.99 million.

In 1966 the working population was estimated to be about 1,400,350 of whom

39.4% were in manufacturing, 24.1% in services, 23.5% in commerce and

communications, 6.1% in construction and 5.2% in farming and fishing.

Government

4. Hong Kong is administered as a Crown Colony with a Governor, aided by

an Executive Council consisting of 7 official and 8 unofficial members, and

a Legislative Council consisting of 12 official and 13 unofficial members.

There is also an Urban Council in which is vested, among other things, power

of waking bye-laws in respect of certain matters of public health and

sanitation.

The Governor of Hong Kong is

His Excellency Sir David Clive Crosby Trench, G.C.M.G., M.C.

1.