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Hong Kong island sits just south of the Tropic of Cancer on similar
latitudes as Calcutta, Havana, and Hawaii, and sharing the same
longitude as Wuhan in central China, Bali, and Perth. Surrounding
the country's southern coast is the South China Sea.
The country consists of a peninsular protruding from southeastern
China and hundreds of islands scattered off the coast. Kowloon and
the New Territories make up the peninsular, while south off the
mainland is Hong Kong Island and various other remote islands.
Deep waters surround Hong Kong, and with its wide harbors protected
by mountains in the north and south, the region is favorable as
a passing point for ships. Its geographical location between the
Taiwan Straits, the South China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean make
it a strategic channel for sea traffic in Asia and the world.
Hong Kong is a small-sized island covering 1,095 sq. km (423
sq. miles). However, there are currently many reclamation projects
at hand, thus expanding the land area. Hong Kong never used to be
as big as it is now. From 1851 to 1997, the total area of land reclaimed
from the sea measured to 60 sq. km (23 sq. miles). In area, the
island of Hong Kong is 80 sq. km (31 sq. miles), Kowloon peninsular
is 47 sq. km (18 sq. miles), the New Territories is 794 sq. km (306
sq. miles), and the remote islands total 175 sq. km (67 sq. miles).
Hong Kong stands on volcanic terra firma, with its landscape dominated
by hills and mountains. A crest lining from the northeast to southwest
forms the backbone of Hong Kong. Kowloon peninsular and the northwestern
New Territories are mainly flat areas. Three percent of Hong Kong's
total land area is agriculturally cultivated and this is mostly
at the New Territories large alluvial plains.
A narrow piece of flat land between the mountains and the sea along
the north shore in Hong Kong is vacated by most of the country's
population, whereas the south shore has luxury residential buildings
and some nice beaches, such as Stanley and Repulse Bays. There is
a tunnel that was built through the mountains, which links the north
and south shores.
The highest peak is Ta Mo Shan, located in central New Territories
at 957 meters (3,140 ft) above sea level, while the lowest is Lo
Chau Mun at 66 meters (217ft). Victoria Peak, or 'The Peak', is
only 552 meters (1,811ft) but its spectacular view of Victoria Harbour,
Kowloon, and the Central and Wan Chai strip of Hong Kong Island
has made an international reputation for itself.
In total, there are about 234 outlying islands in the country,
with the island of Hong Kong being the most famous and populated.
Even then, Hong Kong is not reputed to be the largest island around.
Lantau Island is by far the biggest of Hong Kong's islands. It has
now surfaced from its remoteness to becoming the site of the new,
high-tech Chek Lap Kok international airport.
Although Hong Kong dwells on volcanic plains, there are only minor
seismic activities, occasionally causing tremors. To date, no major
earthquakes have been reported, but the last that occurred in the
region was back in 1874, with a magnitude of 5.75 on the Richter
scale, which caused only minor damages.
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate because of the wide temperature
range and cooler winters. Even though Hong Kong's latitude is within
the tropics, its seasonal changes are greater than in most places
at similar latitudes. Monsoons and seasonal alternation of winds
often dominate the climatic system of the country.
Spring occurs in the months of March to the middle of May. Temperature
rises ranges from 18° to 27°C (64°-80° F) and humidity
averages up to 77 percent. Some, with fog, constant rain and showers,
and only a few moments of sunshine, consider the transitional period
from winter to summer miserable. The average annual rainfall is
2,200 millimeters, with about 80 percent of the total falling occurring
at this period. Higher statures, such as west of the New Territories
and the southern islands, receive more rainfall than any other areas.
From June to mid September, summer takes over. The weather becomes
hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 26° to 33°C
(78°-91°F) and humidity level at above 86 percent. It is
advisable to always carry an umbrella or to wear a hat to shield
against intense sunshine.
The best times to visit Hong Kong would be during autumn and winter
when the air is dry and cool. These times are between the months
of mid September to February. In autumn, clear sunny days are usually
expected and temperatures range from 18° to 28°C (64°-82°F).
Humidity averages 72 percent. Winter, on the other hand, starts
from mid December to February. January is normally the coldest month.
Temperatures can drop from 20°C to about 10°C (50°F),
with occasional chills.
Visitors to Hong Kong during the monsoon period should be wary
and prepared with umbrellas at all times. Dress warmly, or carry
along a jacket or sweater just in case there is a sudden change
in weather.
Hong Kong has a multicultural population with Chinese, Muslims,
Christians, Jews, and Hindus, each with their own set of beliefs
and philosophy. The Chinese have three primary religions, Buddhism,
Confucianism, and Taoism, each with separate teachings and axioms
that have made their way into belief systems throughout their long
histories.
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