Situated on China's south coast, Hong Kong has a subtropical monsoon climate that is cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring through to summer, and warm and sunny in autumn.
With a land mass of 1,104 km2 (426 sq mi) and a population of 7 million people, it is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.
Hong Kong has few natural resources, so food and raw materials are generally imported.
Hong Kong Island was occupied by the UK in 1841, and formally ceded by China the following year.
By 1898 the colony's boundaries had gradually extended to include the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories.
On the 19th of December 1984 the two countries signed an accord which eventually led to the creation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China on the 1st of July 1997.
This was characterised by China’s agreement not to impose its socialist economic system on the region, and by the granting of significant autonomy in all matters except foreign affairs and defence.
Hong Kong’s currency is closely linked to the US dollar under an arrangement established in 1983.
GDP growth in the territory averaged 5% between 1989 and 2007, but with a free market economy based largely around international trade and finance, GDP did fall during the global economic slowdown.
Increasing integration with mainland China has greatly assisted Hong Kong’s recovery, and in the third quarter of 2009 real GDP increased over the second quarter. 90% of GDP is now attributable to the service industries.
Almost half of Hong Kong's exports by value are from mainland China, and reduced travel restrictions mean that more tourists now visit Hong Kong from China than from all other countries combined.
In 2009 Hong Kong became the site of the first yuan trade settlement facility outside of China, and the region has also become the leading stock market for Chinese firms seeking to list abroad.
More than one-third of the firms listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange are from mainland China, and together they account for 60% of the Exchange's market capitalisation.
Foreign professionals wishing to work in Hong Kong require an employment visa. Application procedures and requirements are dependent on your experience and qualifications.
To find out more and apply for an employment pass visit www.immd.gov.hk
Health care in Hong Kong is typically very good and reasonably priced.
There are privately run medical hospitals and surgeries, and a public system covers all Hong Kong citizens.
Hong Kong is generally a very safe place, with diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, cholera and typhoid unheard of.
Before arriving, ensure that you are up-to-date on all your routine immunisations and visit your doctor four to six weeks before you leave.
No specific vaccinations are really needed before coming to Hong Kong, but if you want to be extra safe you could consider taking vaccinations for chicken pox, Hepatitis A and B, measles, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis.
We would advise you to take out full medical insurance to cover the cost of any potential treatment once you are here.
For more information on health care in Hong Kong visit www.ha.org.hk
The following link is for a foreign exchange website : www.xe.com
1. Passport and appropriate visa
2. A copy of your birth certificate
3. Photo ID
4. Driver's licence
5. Debit/credit card for account you hold
6. Statements of other accounts you hold
7. A copy of your CV
8. Sample cover letter
9. Reference letters and contact details of your referees
10. Proof of qualifications
11. Academic transcripts
12. Ongoing prescriptions
13. Contact details of your local doctor
14. Relevant medical history or files
15. Travel insurance policy (including health option)
16. Vaccination certificate