South China coast.

GMT + 8.

26.80 sq km (10.35 sq miles).

469,800 (2005 estimate). 95 per cent of the population is Chinese and 5 per cent is Portuguese, European and from other regions.

17,530 per sq km.

Macau.

Macau is situated on a tiny peninsula at the mouth of the Pearl River. Two bridges of 2.5km (1.5 miles) and 4.5km (2.8 miles) respectively link it to its nearest island, Taipa, which in turn is joined to the island of Côloane by a 2.2 km- (1.3 mile-) long causeway. At the extreme northern end of the peninsula, on a narrow isthmus, is the imposing gateway (Portas do Cerco, or Border Gate), which leads to the Zhuhai and Zhongshan areas of the People’s Republic of China. Some 60km (37.5 miles) to the east-northeast, across the mouth of the river, is Hong Kong.

Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China since 1999. Head of State: Hu Jintao. Head of Government: Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau-Wah. Recent history: Previously a Special Territory of Portugal, Macau became a Special Administrative Region of the Republic of China on 20 December 1999. The SAR Government comprises a 10-member executive Council, headed by the chief executive, and a 27-member Legislative Council. The Legislative Council comprises 10 members who are directly elected; the remainder are indirectly elected (by a 300-strong Election Committee representing corporate and organisational interests) and/or directly appointed by the Chief Executive. In December 1999, Edmund Ho Hau-Wah was appointed to the post of Chief Executive. An equally important figure in the territory is the tycoon Stanley Ho, whose company was the only one licensed to operate casinos and gambling parlours. In early 2002, the Government decided to break the monopoly by licensing three casino operators (the new licences have been taken up by American interests).
The first elections for the Legislative Assembly were held in September 2001. The complexion of the new Council was much the same as its predecessor, with the exception of two candidates from the New Democratic Macau Association which polled unexpectedly well. The third elections for the Legislative Assembly were held in September 2005. Turnout was a record high with 58.4 per cent of the eligible population registering its vote. A total of 125 candidates ran for the 12 seats in the direct elections. The 10 candidates for the 10 functional constituency seats were returned unopposed.

The official languages are Chinese (Cantonese) and Portuguese. English is widely spoken by those engaged in trade, tourism and commerce. Hokkien and Mandarin are also spoken.

The main religions are Buddhism, Roman Catholicism, Protestantism and Taoism. The majority are Buddhists.

Usually 220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Entertaining generally takes place in restaurants and public places. It is rare to be invited to a private home, unless the person is wealthy. Spirits are standard gifts in return for hospitality. Apart from the most formal occasions in restaurants and nightclubs, casual wear is acceptable.