Macau

Macau is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. It is located on the western bank of the Pearl River estuary in southern China. It shares a land border with Zhuhai city in Guangdong province and faces Hong Kong across the estuary.

Macau is one of the most densely populated places in the world, with very limited land area. Its economy is driven by casinos and tourism, making it a global centre for gaming and conferences. The official languages are Chinese (specifically Cantonese) and Portuguese.

History

The Portuguese began commercial settlement in Macau in the 16th century, and it became a trading hub linking Europe, China, and Japan. For a long period it was administered by Portugal, though the legal basis of Chinese relations changed at various stages. In 1999, administration was transferred to China under the "one country, two systems" arrangement, which granted Macau extensive autonomy with its own legal, economic, and financial systems.

Government and Law

The Basic Law of Macau defines the powers of the administration. The head of government is the Chief Executive, elected by a selection committee whose members come from different sectors of society and business, and then appointed by Beijing. The Legislative Council consists of directly elected members, members representing functional constituencies, and appointed members. Defence and foreign affairs remain under the control of the central Chinese government.

Economy

Casinos are the largest source of government revenue, with gaming taxes forming a substantial part of the budget. Since the opening of the gaming market in the early 21st century, international operators have entered the market, and the number of visitors from mainland China has increased. The official currency is the Macanese pataca (MOP). In recent years, the government has worked to diversify the economy into conferences, culture, and financial services.

Society and Culture

The population is predominantly Han Chinese, with a small Macanese community descended from Portuguese and Asian mixed ancestry. The historic architecture of central Macau, which blends European and Chinese styles, is listed on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Macanese cuisine combines Portuguese, Chinese, and elements from the region's historical maritime trade.