Monday, June 8, 2009

Hong Kong Geography

Hong Kong has gained its reputation for being one of the highest, longest and the most populated island in the Chinese territory. It is even identified as the greenest city in Asia. As far as the Hong Kong geography goes the place is comprised of Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Kowloon Peninsula connects the New Territories from the northern end while the New Territories stretches towards the Chinese territory along the Sham Chun River. Among the prevalent 262 islands Lantau stands as one of the largest among them positioned in South China Sea.
Hong Kong geography reveals that it is nestled towards the eastern end of Macau (within 37 miles) lying reverse to Pearl River Delta. It is engulfed by the city of Shenzhen towards its northern stretches within Guangdong Province. Tai Mo Shan is notably the highest point reaching to an elevation of 3,142 ft. Hong Kong stretches to a land area of about 1,095 sq. km. The Hong Kong Island is covered to 80 sq. km while the Kowloon peninsular is set along approximately to about 47 sq. km and the New Territories is known to cover 794 sq. km.
As illustrated in the Hong Kong geography the province is known for its volcanic terrain, with a setting of mountainous backdrop. A pinnacle that stretches from the northeastern end to southwestern frontiers serves as a backbone to Hong Kong. The landscape modulation of Kowloon peninsular and the northwestern New Territories are flat in nature of landscape. Around three percent of the overall territory within Hong Kong is utilized for agricultural purpose. A narrow strip of land that passes along the mountains and the sea in the northern shore of Hong Kong is left vacant while the southern shores are filled with excellent beaches like Stanley and Repulse Bay.
Ta Mo Shan is known for its highest peak that is based in the central New Territories at a stretch of 957 meters above sea level, while the lowest range being the Lo Chau Mun extending to an area of 66 meters. Enjoy the impressive view of Victoria Harbour, Kowloon, and the Central and Wan Chai stretch of Hong Kong Island from the Victoria Peak, which is prominent to a point of 552 meters. Apart from the steep slopes and green landmass, Hong Kong Geography can be determined by the curvy coastline and ocean settings.
Travel to Hong Kong right away that has in store immense wide spread landscape and scenic geographical details.

Hong Kong Economy and Politics

Hong Kong is an economically independent society that is mainly assisted by the laissez-faire capitalism. As far as Hong Kong Economy and Politics goes there has been a noted expansion in the sectors of foreign trades and dealings. The main business partners of Hong Kong has been countries like Mainland China, Japan, Taiwan, the United States, Germany, Singapore, and South Korea.
Hong Kong witnessed an upsurge in its economic growth due to the presence of its manufacturing sector that accounts to about 85% of GDP. Hong Kong Economy and politics are served with sectors like shipping, civil aviation, tourism, along with financial services. Telecommunications and information technology manages the countries infrastructure thereby being a major source for revenue generation.
Agriculture and fisheries are the major industries of the region with production of resources like fresh vegetables, poultry, fish, pork and much more. Hong Kong is even reliant on secondary industries like clothing, textiles, electronics, plastics, toys, watches and clocks. The tertiary sectors based on finance and legal services are the major sectors that financially back up the region as illustrated in Hong Kong Economy.
The goods that are exported from this province are clothing, textiles, footwear, electrical appliances, watches, clocks, toys, plastics and precious stones. The imports commodities of this region are foodstuffs, raw materials, transport equipment, semi manufactures and petroleum.
As far as the Politics part of ,Hong Kong Economy and Politics goes, the province falls under the legislature of People's Republic of China. The government is head by the Chief Executive within a pluriform multi-party system. The executive power of the province lies in the hand of the Chief Executive who in turn manages Hong Kong's Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Get unicameral Legislative Council within the Legislative Unit of Hong Kong. The judicial powers are vested in the hands of courts that look after the law and order of the region.
Hong Kong Economy and Politics believes in the strategy of "one country, two systems" thereby exercising liberal government along with a democratic rule. But there has always been an inadequate option for voting during special elections as seen in the case of the head of government who is not chosen directly but through an electoral college.

Hong Kong Currency

Hong Kong currency is called the Hong Kong dollar, which is coded as HKD. The currency of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is also known with the dollar sign $ or HK$ that had its existence way back in 1937. One would notice that Hong Kong dollar is usually accepted in the southern region of the Chinese territory. Hong Kong has the full freedom of issuing currencies as per the Basic Law of Hong Kong and the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Government and three local banks administer the monetary exchange and its issuing policies mainly through the direction of the territory's de facto central bank that is the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Hong Kong Note Printing Limited is mainly responsible for printing of Hong Kong Currency notes.
The one-dollar note released during the year 1935 as per the One-Dollar Currency Note Ordinance, Hong Kong Dollar gained its acceptance as being the main monetary exchange of the region. The history of local coinage is as old as about hundred and thirty years. One gets to see and use different shapes of Hong Kong Currency starting from denominations of ten, twenty and fifty cents along with one, two and five dollars. Primitively it was the paper money that was locally circulated for any kind of monetary exchange but after laying the foundation of the Oriental Bank within the region, it started to produce its own currency. The three authorized local banks, that issued legal currencies were The Chartered Bank of China and The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.
So the next time you visit Hong Kong, you know which currency to look out for before opting for an exchange with your country's money.

Hong Kong Communications

While speaking about the term "Communication", what strikes our mind is the meaning that the word carries. Communication is a procedure by which one shares information with others. It is a communal interaction between two-mediator that share a familiar set of signs and symbols. Among the varied type of Hong Kong communication, Mass Media and Telecommunication is indeed a major kind of communication procedure. When speaking about Mass Media, the first thing that comes in mind is the widespread radio network along with the extensive spread of magazine and newspapers. Telecommunication in Hong Kong has a major impact on the region with the transmission of signals that serve the communication requirement of the area. Today television, radio and telephone set the common standards for telecommunication. Digital communication can also be resorted to with the help of Internet, thereby giving way to e-mail and instant messaging, which is yet another prospects of telecommunication.
The telephone system, which is an important mode as far as Hong Kong communication is concerned thereby, connects the region domestically through radio relay links and via fiber-optic network. Internationally the communication is connected through satellite earth stations, coaxial cables along with submarine connections with countries like Taiwan, Australia, Japan, Middle East, and Western Europe. Pacific Century Cyber Works stands as the largest telecommunication enterprise within Hong Kong. Some of the native mobile operators are SmarTone-Vodafone, Sunday, New World, CSL and others.
Among the Media communication as far as Hong Kong Communication goes Phoenix Television in Hong Kong is worth mentioning. Though there are four television broadcast stations in Hong Kong, Phoenix Television is one of the most popular among them. It is a Mandarin Chinese television broadcaster that enables exchange of amusement while sharing information within the area of Greater China. Tune into the radio broadcast stations of AM 7, FM 13 that are commonly heard the natives.
Among the Digital communication, the local people have access to both dial up as well as broadband dial up Internet network. The major Internet Service Providers are NWT ADSL & VDSL, HKBN CAT5e, HGC ADSL & VDSL and many others that form a part of the Hong Kong Communications.
Hong Kong has a well-advanced communication system that connects you with the external world.

Hong Kong Climate

Hong Kong's climate is subjected to subtropical conditions, which are heavily dependant on monsoons. Catch up with the chilly winters in the month of January to March when climate tends to be all the more cooler and drier. Springs extending to the summer season bring along hot, humid and rainy conditions. Autumn can be well experienced that occasionally turn the weather warm, dry and sunny. The months of summer and early autumn carry along with them typhoons and tropical storms especially during April to October. Hong Kong occasionally has typhoons in the summer and early autumn. Get a seasonal weather condition as far as Hong Kong's climate is concerned that is affected due to irregular wind direction that runs through summer and winter. Hong Kong climate has remained substantially stable though sometimes being wavered by landslide after spells of down showers.
It is due to the climatic change in Hong Kong that lays severe impact on the undulation of sea level, flora and fauna along with and human exposure. Till now Hong Kong's climate has been recorded for its highest temperature that ascends to be about 36.1°C (97°F) while the drop down temperature being 0.0°C (32°F). The average hottest temperature is about 28.8°C in the month of July. The country is placed along the Tropic of Cancer, which is in line with Hawaii as far as the latitude is concerned. Winters accompany with them strong chilly wind wherein it emerges from the northern part of the region. The wind sets along a breezy atmosphere within the city while diverging to the southern area in the summer season thereby carrying along warm and humid air. Hong Kong Climate even sustains the presence of tropical rainforest in the region.
The months of December to March are the pleasurable time when one can jaunt to Hong Kong. December, January and February, is subjected to occasional cold fronts with occasional sun shining. Drizzles are the common feature of this season. March to May is usually considered as rainy season with an upsurge in the humidity level. June to September is subjected to hottest climatic condition while being prone to thunderstorms. October and November are the months when is comparatively hotter with less showering.
So travel to Hong Kong that suits your requirement along with its climatic conditions thereby ensuring you a pleasurable journey.

History of Hong Kong

The territory of Hong Kong or Hong Kong Special Administrative Region stands as one of the Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China along with Macau. Hong Kong is situated in the Pearl River Delta, along its eastern end, and boasts of 260 islands. Hong Kong is bordered by the Guangdong province along its northern side and is located opposite to the South China Sea towards its eastern, western and southern end. Though a territory of islands, the history of Hong Kong is steeped in a vibrant culture and has much to do with its topography.
The history of Hong Kong as a part of the modern Chinese republic began in the year 1842, when Hong Kong was the chief destination of the "Crown settlement" of the United Kingdom. This power was later reassigned to the People's Republic of China by the British Crown.
The history of Hong Kong as a human habitat, however, dates back to the Paleolithic era. It was during the Paleolithic era that Hong Kong witnessed its first human settlement. The area was a part of Imperial China during the Qin Dynasty, and it served as a famous trading centre. Ever since the era, it also functioned as a crucial naval base.
One of the most significant movements in the history of Hong Kong that led to British occupation was the 'Opium War'. In 1839, the authorities of Qing Dynasty opposed against the trading of opium which led to the occurrence of the First Opium War between China and Britain. Britishers occupied the Hong Kong Island in 1841 under the Treaty of Nanking and constructed a Crown Colony with Victoria City as its foundation. During the year 1860, China got defeated in the Second Opium War wherein the Kowloon Peninsula and the Stonecutter's Island were ultimately surrendered to Britain.
It was during the nineteenth century Hong Kong had become a base for the British Empire. In World War II, Hong Kong was attacked by the Empire of Japan in the year December 8, 1941. It was on December 25 - better known as the 'Black Christmas' in the history of Hong Kong - when the British yielded its colonies to Japan. During this period, the area witnessed extensive food shortages and hyper-inflation.
The People's Republic of China established a set of economic reforms which attracted several foreign investments in the land. It was in 1980, wherein the sovereignty of Hong Kong was brought to focus by the governments of the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China. In this matter during the 1984, the Sino-British Joint Declaration was issued. With that particular declaration in the history of Hong Kong, the territory became a Special Administrative Region and retained its autonomy. The sovereignty was assigned to Hong Kong during the July 1, 1997 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Bangladesh Eye Another India Upset

Saturday, 06 June 2009


Bangladesh will look to repeat the success they enjoyed against India in the 2007 World Cup when the two sides lock horns in the ICC World Twenty20 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Saturday.On that occasion the Tigers forced their mighty opponents into submission at the preliminary round of the showcase event in Trinidad. And the very nature of cricket's newest format suggests Bangladesh could spring another surprise as West Indies found out to their peril at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.Ashraful said on Friday the spirit in the side reminded him of the mood prior to the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies when the Tigers knocked India out of the competition."I remember that each and everyone in the team believed that we could beat them and we did. I could feel that energy before the match and even when we were warming up at Port of Spain. We will give it our best shot tomorrow knowing that in this form of the game any side can beat the other."However, the India side of 2009 may prove a hard nut to crack as the most of their players are battle-hardened having come through a tough Indian Premier League. But Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful and vice-captain Mashrafee Bin Mortaza, who both spent much of their time on sidelines for their respective sides in the IPL, will want more than ever to trip India up as they bid to confirm a Super Eight place before Bangladesh play Ireland two days later.Having arrived in England early, Ashraful and company played five warm-up matches, of which they went down to Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand but not before showing their spirited displays that must have lifted their confidence."We ran top sides like New Zealand, Australia and Sri Lanka very close in the warm-ups and if we hadn't made small mistakes here and there then we would have won all three. The boys are really pumped up for tomorrow's (Saturday) game. Everyone is fit and raring to go," said the Bangladesh skipper.Bangladesh reached the Super Eights of the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa in 2007 after scoring a surprise win over the West Indies, and Ashraful hoped his team can do it again.To repeat the Trinidad feat, the team management will definitely bank on top order -- Tamim Iqbal, Junaed Siddique, Ashraful and Shakib Al Hasan -- whose run rate in the first six overs (power-play), is higher than India, even Sri Lanka and Pakistan.Left-handed opener Tamim, whose 51 off 53 deliveries in Trinidad set up the run chase on way to beat India, will again no doubt have to show the way with his stylish destroying approach, but he must need to be careful of staying long at the middle.Tamim was also aware of it and wanted to do something in the tournament."I'm getting the starts but I need to go on and continue my innings longer," Tamim was quoted as saying by Reuters. "I'm feeling confident and if I can bat for 15 overs against India I know it will be good for our team."The Bangladesh captain, however, expects something special from Mashrafee."Masrafee has always done well against India and has won us matches against them .He has been our best player against India both with the bat and ball. Our team has always found that something extra while facing India."Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons said that they were very relaxed about the game, but didn't want to lose the game."I think everyone knows that we are dangerous at any time. We have some potential match-winners and one of them is sitting here (Mohammad Ashraful), at any form of the game but our consistency has not been there. We don't want to lose this game, we want to win it but we are the underdogs and we are very relaxed about the game. We want to put our best foot forward and put them under some pressure," said Siddons.The Tigers have decided to wait till the team meeting tomorrow morning to finalise the XI against India.The Twenty20 generally follows go all out from the beginning or keep wickets in hand and launch an attack at the end and Bangladesh's approach suggests the first one with its nature and if Bangladesh opening duo can perform accordingly, then something can be achieved against India.Apart from them, down the order Ashraful and Shakib will be in main focus before Mahmudullah Riad, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mashrafee come in to the middle.On the other hand, India have been sweating on the fitness of their key players hard-hitting opener Virender Sehwag and pacer Zaheer Khan, both suffering from shoulder injuries, and may miss Saturday's match and Bangladesh should avail the opportunity.However, the likes Gautam Gambhir, Yuvaraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Yousuf Pathan are good enough for Bangladesh although the Indian captain seemed worried over his bowling attack, which could not do well in the beginning as well as at the end.Rohit Sharma, who came in for Sehwag to blaze a 53-ball 80 in a warm-up match on way to India's nine-wicket win over Pakistan, proved a point that the absence of Sehwag would not affect them much.After the match against Pakistan, Indian captain Dhoni hinted that he would likely to play two specialist spinners, who are considered to play vital roles in the tournament.Source: bdnews24.com