Demographics

Hong Kong (China) had an estimated mid-year population of 6 925 900 in 2007, representing an increase of 1.0% over mid-2006. There were 904 males for every 1000 females. Population density was 6410 persons per square kilometre, and about 95.0% of the population were city dwellers. Both births and the inflow of one-way permit holders from mainland China were important constituents of the overall population increase. The population were 95% ethnic Chinese, the major non-Chinese ethnic groups being Filipinos and Indonesians.

In 2007, life expectancy at birth was 79.3* years for males and 85.4* years for females. The registered crude birth rate was 10.2 per 1000 and the registered crude death rate was 5.8 per 1000. The total fertility rate was one known live birth per woman.

As a result of increasing life expectancy, Hong Kong's population has been ageing steadily. In 2007, 12.6% were aged 65 years and above (10.3% in 1997), while those aged 14 and below made up 13.3% of the population (18.2% in 1997).

There was one registered maternal death recorded in 2007*. The number of registered infant deaths was 121* and infant mortality rate was 1.7* per 1000 registered live births. The under-five mortality rate was 2.1* per 1000 registered live births.

Political situation

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. Under the Basic Law, Hong Kong (China) has a high degree of autonomy, except in defence and foreign affairs, and enjoys executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. There are currently 12 bureaux, each headed by a Director. Together, they form the Government Secretariat. The Government introduced a new accountability system for principal officials on 1 July 2002. Under the new system, the politically appointed principal officials are held accountable for matters occurring within their respective portfolios.

Socioeconomic situation

The gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an average annual rate of 3.8% in real terms during the 10 years to 2007. Per capita GDP increased by 1% in money terms over the same period, reaching US$ 29 847 (HK$ 232 836) in 2007.

The major source of government income is taxation. In the financial year 2006-2007, about 40% of government revenue was collected from direct taxes and 25% from indirect taxes. Other sources of revenue include fines; forfeitures and penalties; utilities; fees and charges; income from properties and investments; reimbursements and contributions; loan repayments; net proceeds from issuance of bonds and notes; land premiums; and capital revenue.

Based on the results of the General Household Survey, the size of the total labour force in 2007 was 3.6 million, of whom 54% were male. This represents 61.4% of the total population aged 15 and over. A total of 3 495 000 persons were employed, of whom 53.7% were male. The unemployment rate was 4.0%, lower than the 4.8% rate in 2006, while the underemployment rate was 2.2%.

In the past decade, “wholesale, retail and import/export trades, restaurants and hotels” and “community, social and personal services” have been the two largest employment sectors, with their share together increasing from 52% to 59% during the period. The proportion of the working population in the “finance, insurance, real estate and business services” sector increased and it became the third largest sector. In contrast, there was a significant decline in the number of workers in the manufacturing industry, with its share decreasing from 14% in 1997 to 6% in 2007.

In 2007, nearly 100% of the population had sustainable access to an improved water source, while 99% had access to improved sanitation.

Vulnerabilities and hazards

Hong Kong is geologically stable. It is occasionally hit by tropical cyclones between June and October. The close approach of tropical cyclones can bring strong winds and heavy rain. Landslips and flooding sometimes cause considerably more damage than the winds.

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