Macau (澳门)

1. Introduction

Macau (Portuguese: Macau; abbreviation: MAC), officially the Macao Special Administrative Region (Portuguese: Região Administrativa Especial de Macau; abbreviation: RAEM), commonly referred to as "Macao," was historically known as "Longyamen," "Haojing'ao," "Haojiang," "Haijing," "Jinghai," "Aomen," and colloquially as "Maca" or "Sodaburgh." It is one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China and also the smallest first-level administrative division in the country. Located on the northern coast of the South China Sea, west of the Pearl River Estuary, Macau borders Zhuhai City in Guangdong Province to the north, lies approximately 63 kilometers east of neighboring Hong Kong, and is adjacent to the South China Sea on its other sides. It is one of the central cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Macau consists of four regions: the Macau Peninsula, Taipa, Cotai, and Coloane. After 2000, land reclamation between Taipa and Coloane formed Cotai, an area primarily focused on the gaming industry. The Macau Peninsula is the core of Macau, with a small portion of its northeastern land connecting to mainland China. Taipa and Coloane were originally two separate islands but later became part of Cotai due to land reclamation. Additionally, Macau jointly administers Hengqin Island with Guangdong Province, and in certain areas (such as ports and universities), Macau laws are authorized to apply.

Macau has been part of Chinese territory since Emperor Qin Shi Huang's three expeditions to the Lingnan region. It was leased to the Kingdom of Portugal starting in 1557 during the mid-Ming Dynasty, though the Ming government established administrative offices to oversee it. In 1849, Portugal ceased paying land rent to the Qing Dynasty and occupied the Barrier Gate. In 1887, Portugal and the Qing government signed the Sino-Portuguese Treaty of Peking, valid for 40 years (expiring in 1928), after which Macau became a Portuguese colony. During World War II, Portuguese Macau remained neutral and was spared from the ravages of war. In the 1980s, Portugal and the People's Republic of China discussed the future of Macau, leading to the signing of the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration in 1987. In accordance with the declaration, Portugal transferred sovereignty over Macau to China on December 20, 1999, implementing the principle of "one country, two systems" and granting Macau a high degree of autonomy under the motto "Macau people governing Macau."

Macau operates as an independent economy and is the only region under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China where casino operations are legally permitted. The gaming and tourism industries are the pillars of Macau's economy, and it has since developed into the "world's largest gambling hub" and a developed region. Macau is the most densely populated region in the world, with over 20,000 people per square kilometer.

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2. History

Macau was anciently known as Haojing'ao (later changed to "Haojing'ao"), meaning a harbor abundant in oysters with mirror-like waters. It has an extremely close historical relationship with Xiangshan County. Furthermore, there is the Cross Gate outside the bay, hence the combined name "Aomen" (Macau).

During the Qin Dynasty, the Lingnan region was first incorporated into the Qin Empire's territory, and Macau belonged to Panyu County of Nanhai Commandery. In 420 AD (the second year of the Jin Yuanxi era), it came under Fengle County of Xinhui Commandery. In 590 AD (the tenth year of the Sui Kaihuang era), Xinhui Commandery was abolished, and it was transferred to Bao'an County. In 757 AD (the second year of the Tang Zhide era), Bao'an County was abolished, and it was transferred to Dongguan County. Starting from the Southern Song Dynasty, it belonged to Xiangshan County. According to historical records, the army of the famous late Song general Zhang Shijie was once stationed in the Macau area. The early settlers in Macau formed small villages there, relying on fishing and farming for livelihood. At that time, the Macau inhabitants were primarily Tanka people and Hakka people.

2.1 Portuguese Settlement (1553–1849)

After the Portuguese reached the Maluku Islands in 1512 and established the main spice trade route, they continued exploring the east coast of India and the South China Sea, further expanding trade in East Asia. During this period, they were also the first Europeans to reach Japan and engage in trade there. Under the reign of King Manuel I, the Kingdom of Portugal formulated detailed plans to continue controlling the lands and trade routes it claimed, intending to build a series of fortresses along the main sea routes to the East. In 1513, Portuguese navigator and explorer Jorge Álvares became the first European to reach Guangzhou. He landed on Nei Lingding Island, claiming it for Portugal, and also established a Portuguese settlement in nearby Tuen Mun.

2.2 Ming Dynasty

There are several different accounts regarding the origin of the foreign name "Macau" for "Aomen": The more widely circulated theory is that it derived from "Mage" (妈阁), referring to the A-Ma Temple worshipped by the local population at the time. However, a theory closer to historical documents suggests it originated from "A-Ma Gang" (阿妈港), written as "Amacão," with the tilde indicating nasalization later lost. Another anecdotal story claims that when foreigners came to ask for directions in front of the A-Ma Temple, the Macau locals, unable to understand the foreign language, replied in Cantonese: "Nei gong mat gau ah?" ("What the hell are you saying?"). "Mat" (乜) is a common interrogative word in Cantonese, and "gau" (鸠) is a vulgar particle. Hearing "mat gau" repeatedly, the Portuguese used this sound to name the place, thus giving rise to the Portuguese word "Macau."

Later arriving Portuguese learned the term "Macao," and "Macao" became the official foreign name for Macau. "Macao" is the old Portuguese spelling, which changed to "Macau" during the 1911 Portuguese Orthographic Reform (Portuguese: Reformas ortográficas da língua portuguesa). Both forms are used in English.

In 1553, using the pretext of "borrowing land to dry water-soaked goods," the Portuguese bribed Wang Bai, the Deputy Surveillance Commissioner for Coastal Defense of Guangdong during the Ming Dynasty, and obtained permission to reside temporarily on the Macau Peninsula. In 1557, the Ming Dynasty established the "Ti Tiao Bei Wo Xun Ji" (提调备倭巡辑, literally "Commissioner for Defense against Japanese Pirates and Patrol") in Xiangshan County, commonly known as the "Shou'ao Guan Yamen" (守澳官衙门, Office of the Macau Guard Official). Besides paying ship taxes to the Ming Guangdong Maritime Trade Supervisorate, the Portuguese, to consolidate their position in Macau, annually bribed the Guangdong Deputy Coastal Defense Commissioner with five hundred taels of silver.

In 1571, at the Guangzhou Trade Fair, when the Portuguese were, as customary, bribing the Deputy Coastal Defense Commissioner with 500 taels of silver, the Guangdong Provincial Administration Commissioner was present. The interpreter had no choice but to refer to the bribe as "land rent silver" paid to the Ming government. The corrupt officials had to hand over the "land rent silver" to the state treasury through the Provincial Administration Commissioner. From then on, the Portuguese bribe became land rent. After negotiations, the Portuguese agreed to pay an annual land rent of 500 taels of silver (later increased to 515 taels). A customs house was established to levy taxes on merchant ships, and the "Leal Senado" (议事亭) was used for reading orders to the Portuguese captain-major and for consultations on administrative affairs between both sides. The Xiangshan County Magistrate held ultimate judicial authority. The Portuguese established a Municipal Council (called "Yimu" 夷目 by the Ming), elected every three years, and a small guard force. They also set up a customs office to levy additional taxes on Portuguese ships docking in Macau to fund the Portuguese administration in Macau.

In 1574, the Ming Dynasty established a barrier gate at Lotus Stem, managed by the Deputy Coastal Defense Commissioner, with stationed troops to strictly limit foreigners entering the area. In 1608, Cai Shanji, the Magistrate of Xiangshan County, promulgated the "Ten Regulations for Controlling Macau" (《制澳十则》) to strengthen management. Initially, the Portuguese were restricted to living in the southern part of Macau (the main area of Portuguese activity at the time), temporarily under the jurisdiction and protection of the Portuguese Prince of Goa in India. As the number of Portuguese families residing locally grew, and they intermarried with local Cantonese people, coupled with more Europeans choosing to settle there, engaging in economic, religious, and cultural exchanges with China, a small community quickly formed. In 1623, the Portuguese government appointed Dom Francisco Mascarenhas as the first Governor of Macau to administer the territory.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Macau became a Southeast Asian trade hub for Japan (Nagasaki), the Ryukyu Kingdom, the Philippines, the Maluku Islands, and other countries. After Portugal's decline and Japan's policy of national isolation, its status as a trading port began to decline. However, for the following several centuries, Macau remained a base for exchanges between the world and China and its neighbors, a role unchanged even during the period of Spanish dominance. According to traditional accounts, in 1580, the War of the Portuguese Succession broke out. Spanish general the Duke of Alba captured Lisbon and occupied Portugal. Spanish King Philip II also became King of Portugal, forming the Iberian Union. Philip took over all of Portugal's overseas colonies until 1640 when Portugal regained independence from Spain. Macau never surrendered to Spain and was thus granted the title "City of the Name of God" (Cidade do Nome de Deus). Historically renowned for Sino-Western exchange, Macau played a significant role in the "Eastward Transmission of Western Sciences" during the late Ming and early Qing periods and also played a major role in the functioning of the world economy.

2.3 Qing Dynasty

After the Qing army pacified Guangdong, apart from abolishing the Macau Guard Official, they largely followed the Ming Dynasty's measures towards Macau. In 1685, the Qing Dynasty established customs houses in Guangzhou, Zhangzhou, Ningbo, and Yuntaishan respectively. The Macau customs was incorporated into the Guangzhou Customs and renamed the Macau Customs Point, with one defense officer and two assistants. In 1731, the Qing Dynasty established the Xiangshan County Assistant Magistrate's Yamen at Mong Ha Fortress. In 1744, the Qing Dynasty further established the Macau Coastal Defense Military-Civilian Subprefect to command the Assistant Magistrate's Yamen and the Macau garrison. The Macau Subprefect was "specifically responsible for affairs concerning the foreign barbarians in Macau, concurrently managing coastal defense and apprehending criminals, proclaiming the imperial court's virtuous intentions, and clarifying the nation's statutes and regulations," and "investigating and handling matters such as cunning criminals hiding and instigating disputes, theft, trafficking of people, and smuggling of prohibited goods between locals and foreigners."

In 1748, Chinese individuals Li Tingfu and Jian Ya'er committed offenses. Portuguese soldiers stationed in Macau arrested them at the Fortaleza do Monte. Refusing to confess, they were beaten to death by the Portuguese soldiers. The Portuguese Governor of Macau, António José Teles de Meneses, refused to hand over the culprits. After repeated negotiations the following year, Meneses finally surrendered the murderers. This incident led the Qing government to promulgate the "Regulations for the Pacification and Further Control of Macau" (《澳夷善后事宜条议》) in 1749, further strengthening control over Macau.

On April 4, 1783, the Portuguese Secretary of State for Naval and Colonial Affairs, Martinho de Melo e Castro, issued a royal decree in the name of Queen Dona Maria I of Portugal to the Viceroy of Portuguese India, later known as the "Royal Charter" (Providências Régias). This charter unilaterally declared Macau a free port while granting greater powers to the Governor of Macau, enabling him to dominate Macau's political life. The charter required the Leal Senado to submit its administrative accounts to the Governor and the Judge, and stipulated that the Senado could not make any decisions before hearing the Governor's opinion. This charter strengthened the authority of the Portuguese central government in Macau, expanded the Governor's scope of powers, making him not only the military leader of the Portuguese community in Macau but also allowing him to intervene in local daily administrative affairs, possessing veto power over the Senado's decisions, effectively becoming the supreme chief of the Portuguese community in Macau. The charter also enhanced the military forces guarding Macau.

In 1807, the First French Empire under Napoleon I and the Kingdom of Spain invaded and occupied Portugal, forcing the Portuguese royal family to flee to Portuguese Brazil. In July of the following year, due to the outbreak of the Peninsular War, Portugal itself became a battlefield between France and the anti-French coalition. British troops, under the pretext of defending Macau from French occupation, once forcibly entered Macau. Later, under pressure from the Qing government, they withdrew in November of that year.

2.4 Portuguese Colony (1849–1999)

In 1849, the Kingdom of Portugal ceased paying land rent to the Qing government and occupied the Barrier Gate. In 1851, they occupied Taipa. In 1863, they occupied Tap Siac, Sa Kong, San Kio, Patane, and other areas. In 1864, they occupied Coloane. In 1879, they occupied Long Tin Village. In 1883, they occupied Mong Ha Village (Mong Ha), Lai Chi Wan, Shek O, and Ilha Verde, establishing the Municipality of the Islands.

In 1887 (the 13th year of the Guangxu reign), the Kingdom of Portugal forced the Qing government to sign the "Sino-Portuguese Treaty of Peking," stipulating that China agreed to Portugal's "perpetual occupation and government of Macau," but Portugal could never cede Macau to another country without China's consent. In 1908 (the 34th year of the Guangxu reign), the Kingdom of Portugal demanded boundary expansion, sending Minister Plenipotentiary Martinho de Brederode as the boundary demarcation envoy to negotiate with Gao Erqian on delineating Macau's boundaries. Macau officially became a Portuguese colony.

It is said that after the Portuguese landed near the A-Ma Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, Macau thus acquired the name "Macau" (the Portuguese transliteration of "Ma Gang"). During the Edo period, the Japanese referred to Macau as "Amakawa" (天川). It is believed this name might also derive from a homophone of "Ma Ge" (妈阁). However, to date, archaeological evidence reliably proving the existence of the A-Ma Temple before the Portuguese landed in Macau has not been discovered.

For Koreans in the 19th century, Macau served as a center for information and media exchange. Many matters concerning the West would pass through Macau as a medium or intermediary to gain greater understanding.Regarding the above, it can be inferred from the writings of the Korean scholar Yi Gyu-gyeong: "How could one obtain detailed knowledge of events over ninety thousand li away, as if witnessing them firsthand? It must have been learned from the Catholic churches in Yanjing (Beijing) and Macau in the Central Plains."

From this, it is evident that Macau, as the terminal point of Western maritime routes on the Chinese mainland or a transit hub within the East Asian maritime network, formed a significant impression of Macau among Koreans in the 19th century. Yi Gyu-gyeong, combining the imperial edicts of the Kangxi Emperor with his own supplementary analysis, clearly elucidated these matters.

2.5 During World War II

Following the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937, the War of Resistance against Japan broke out. In October 1938, as Japanese forces gradually approached Guangzhou, Portuguese troops stationed in Macau occupied Hengqin Island. The Japanese army did not immediately expel the Portuguese forces, and it was not until April 1940 that the Japanese retook Hengqin. In 1941, Japanese forces occupied Hong Kong during the Pacific War. Under the leadership of Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar, the Portuguese Second Republic in Europe was aligned with the Axis powers, led by Germany and Italy. Since Japan was also a member of the Axis, it dared not offend Portugal, which was friendly with the Axis. Portugal maintained a facade of neutrality during World War II, and thus the Portuguese Macau government also declared neutrality. Consequently, Japan did not invade Macau, but the Japanese army essentially blockaded Macau's economy. In 1940, Japan established a new consulate in Macau, despite having almost no Japanese residents there, treating Macau as an intelligence base against China. As a result, Macau avoided the ravages of war. In contrast, Portuguese Timor, another Portuguese colony, provided a landing site for 350 Dutch and Australian soldiers in 1941, giving Japan a pretext to occupy Portuguese Timor in 1942.

2.6 Post-World War II

In 1955, the Portuguese Second Republic promulgated the "Organic Law of the Overseas Province of Macau." In 1961, the Portuguese Overseas Ministry designated Macau as a tourism zone, specifically permitting gambling. In November of the same year, the Portuguese Macau government issued the "Regulations for the Tender of Gambling and Entertainment."

On December 31, 1975, the last contingent of Portuguese troops withdrew from Macau. Until the handover of Macau in 1999, no military forces were stationed in the city, with defense responsibilities largely undertaken by the Macau Security Forces.

In 1979, the People's Republic of China and Portugal established diplomatic relations, agreeing to resolve the Macau issue through negotiations at an appropriate time. In 1986, the governments of the People's Republic of China and Portugal held four rounds of negotiations on the future of Macau. On April 13, 1987, the People's Republic of China and Portugal signed the "Joint Declaration of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Portuguese Republic on the Question of Macau" (Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration) and its two annexes in Beijing. The Joint Declaration stated that Macau (including the Macau Peninsula, Taipa, and Coloane) is Chinese territory, and the People's Republic of China would resume the exercise of sovereignty over Macau on December 20, 1999.

On March 31, 1993, the Eighth National People's Congress in Beijing passed the "Basic Law of the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China" (comprising nine chapters with 145 articles, plus three annexes).

2.7 Handover of Sovereignty (1999–Present)

At midnight on December 20, 1999, under the witness of leaders from the People's Republic of China and Portugal, the 127th Governor of Macau, Vasco Rocha Vieira, and the first Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region conducted the handover of Macau's sovereignty at the ceremony venue in the New Reclamation Area of the Outer Harbour. At noon on the same day, the People's Liberation Army Macau Garrison entered Macau. Thus, Macau returned to China, and China formally resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Macau.

In 1847, gambling was legalized in Macau, earning it the nickname "Monte Carlo of the East." After the handover, it has also been praised by domestic and international tourists as the "Las Vegas of the East."

3. Geography

Macao is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, on the western shore of the Pearl River Estuary, in a low-latitude region south of the Tropic of Cancer. To the north, it borders Gongbei in Zhuhai, Guangdong. To the west, it faces Wanzai and Hengqin across the distributaries of the West River, the Inner Harbour, and the Jiamakou Channel. Looking east across the Lingdingyang lies Lantau Island of Hong Kong, while to the south, it faces the Wanshan Archipelago.

Macao comprises the Macao Peninsula in the north and the outlying islands area in the south. The outlying islands area consists of the island municipality formed by Taipa, Cotai, and Coloane. This island was originally Taipa Island and Coloane Island. However, after the Cotai reclamation project began, the seabed between the two islands became increasingly shallow due to land reclamation and the large amount of silt carried by the West River, with more and more land appearing alongside the roadway. Recognizing this, the authorities planned reclamation works, and the resulting land is Cotai. Furthermore, since July 20, 2013, the new campus of the University of Macau on Hengqin Island has officially been under the jurisdiction of the Macao Special Administrative Region, leading some to consider this 1.1-square-kilometer new campus as part of Macao.

In 1840, the Macao Peninsula covered only 2.78 square kilometers. Starting from 1866, Macao continuously engaged in land reclamation, reaching its current scale. According to figures from the Cartography and Cadastre Bureau, as of June 2018, Macao's land area was 32.9 square kilometers. This includes the Macao Peninsula (9.3 km²), Taipa Island (7.9 km²), Coloane Island (7.6 km²), Cotai (6.0 km²), plus 1.4 km² of newly developed urban areas and the 0.7 km² Macao Port Area of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Artificial Island. However, this figure does not include the 1.1 km² new campus of the University of Macau in Hengqin, Zhuhai, nor the adjacent 0.6 km² Macao Port Area of the Hengqin Port.

On December 16, 2015, Premier Li Keqiang chaired an executive meeting of the State Council which passed the "Administrative Region Map of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (Draft)," delineating the area under the jurisdiction of the Macao SAR. Implemented on December 20, the draft incorporated an 85-square-kilometer maritime area to the east and south of Macao into its territory. From December 20 onwards, Macao gained management rights over this maritime area, allowing reclamation as needed, though not for gambling purposes. Additionally, the Border Checkpoint Building at the Portas do Cerco, built on land leased from Zhuhai City in 2001, was incorporated into the Macao SAR. The northern section of the Canal dos Patos is managed by Zhuhai City; the southern section uses the centerline of the canal as the boundary.

According to measurements by the Cartography and Cadastre Bureau, the reference geographic coordinates of the stone pillar next to the telescope at the Guia Fortress lookout are: 22°11'47" N, 113°32'58" E, with an elevation of 91.2 meters. The highest point in Macao is the summit of Coloane Alto (Altinho de Coloane), where the A-Ma Statue is now located (elevation 172.4 meters).

3.1 Topography and Geology

Historically, Macao's topography was essentially hilly, with granite hills and platforms widely distributed, forming the main body of Macao's terrain. Natural plains were scarce, primarily consisting of marine deposits in central Macao Peninsula and the southeastern and southwestern parts of Coloane; the tombolo between the Great and Small Taipa Hills; and the Lotus Stem, the isthmus that historically connected Macao Island to the mainland, forming the peninsula. The land reclamation projects that began in 1863 became the primary source of flat land for Macao. Reclamation has significantly altered Macao's outline compared to centuries ago and made the coastline more straight and regular.

3.2 Hydrology

Macao is located at the brackish water interface on the western shore of the Pearl River Estuary. The surrounding waters have substantial silt deposition from the West River, resulting in widespread shallow shoals around Macao with very shallow water depths. Overall, if a line is drawn connecting the eastern ends of the Macao Peninsula, Taipa, and Coloane, the waters east of Macao are deeper. West of this line, except for the Inner Harbour fairway and the Jiamakou Channel, the waterways are shallower. Consequently, Macao's main modern passenger and cargo terminals have been relocated to the eastern side.

Regarding rivers, Macao currently has no natural rivers. In the past, the San Kio district had a small stream named Lin Kai, the only natural river within the Macao Peninsula, now filled in to become Rua do Cunha. The Canal dos Patos did not exist in ancient times. However, due to continuous reclamation by Zhuhai City in the late 1970s, a narrow artificial channel was formed, which is today's Canal dos Patos.

3.3 Ecology

In 2019, Macao's green space area was approximately 7,110,388 square meters, with a per capita green space area of about 10.5 square meters. About 60% of Macao's total green space is located in Coloane, indicating a relatively uneven distribution.

Macao has 30 municipal parks, 4 country parks, 10 hiking trails, and a small area of mangrove land. All country parks and hiking trails are located on the outlying islands. By the end of 2006, the total number of roadside trees in Macao was 1,220,000, an increase of 0.01% compared to 1990. The number of roadside trees on the Macao Peninsula saw a significant increase of 34.1% compared to 2005, reaching 8,880 trees.

In 2018, Macao recorded 39 days of acid rain throughout the year.

3.4 Extremities and Geographic Center

Extremities and Geographic Center of the Macao Special Administrative Region

| Direction | Location | Coordinates | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | North | Orthographic projection point on the ground at the northeast corner of the annex roof of the Macao Immigration Building, Portas do Cerco, Freguesia de Nossa Senhora de Fátima | 22°13′01.33″N 113°33′03.05″E | | East | Southeast corner of the Macao International Airport, Freguesia de Nossa Senhora do Carmo | 22°08′07.86″N 113°35′53.48″E | | South | Near Estrada de Lai Chi Vun, southern Coloane Island, Freguesia de São Francisco Xavier | 22°06′35.17″N 113°33′23.77″E | | West | Avenida de Panorâmica do Lago Sai Van, west side of Macao Customs Headquarters, Macao Peninsula, Freguesia de São Lourenço | 22°11′03.61″N 113°31′43.47″E | | Center | Inside the Municipal Cemetery of Taipa (Cemitério de São Miguel Arcanjo), Freguesia de Nossa Senhora do Carmo | 22°09′48.30″N 113°33′48.48″E |

3.5 Climate

Macao has a maritime subtropical monsoon climate. Its rainfall and sunshine hours are less than Hong Kong's but more than Taipei's. The period from mid-October to early January of the following year typically has the best and most stable weather, being warm, sunny, and with low humidity, making it the most comfortable. However, from 2011 to 2016, influenced by climate warming, increased El Niño effects, and humid easterly monsoons, cloudy and rainy days were abnormally higher than average, especially noticeable in the reduction of November sunshine hours. The average November sunshine from 2011-2016 was only 116 hours, making it the month with the least sunshine annually. The average rainfall for November during these six years reached 59.86 mm. In winter, as the monsoon layer thins, clear days gradually decrease. During spring (February-April), the weather is mostly humid and foggy due to the influence of the "returning south" (humid southerly winds), and it is also the period with the least annual sunshine. Days that are both comfortable and sunny are few, similar to winter weather in the Taipei area, but unlike many places in Japan and South Korea which enjoy more comfortable and sunny days in spring. However, in recent years, February-April occasionally sees consecutive 5-10 days of clear, cloudless weather.

Influenced by troughs of low pressure, stationary fronts, and moist maritime airflows, rainfall increases significantly from April. From mid-May to early June, affected by the southwest monsoon, the weather is hot and humid, with occasional prolonged heavy rain brought by troughs, sometimes leading to work and school suspensions due to severe wind and rain. July-August are mostly influenced by the southeast monsoon, with temperatures rising further while sustained heavy rain decreases. Typhoons and tropical cyclones sometimes strike in summer and autumn. When affected by the peripheral subsiding airflow of a tropical cyclone, the weather often becomes extremely hot. On the afternoon of August 22, 2017, influenced by the subsiding airflow of Super Typhoon Hato, the Coloane Ka Ho Meteorological Station recorded a maximum temperature of 39.0°C, setting the record for the highest temperature ever recorded at a local station in Macao. Autumn arrives in October, and the weather turns cooler by late November. Cold air from the north becomes active after December, forming cold fronts that move southward. Temperatures can drop sharply by up to 10°C within hours before and after a cold front arrives. The lowest temperatures are frequently recorded in the early mornings of January and February. On January 24, 2016, at 2:15 PM, a low temperature of 1.6°C was recorded, prompting the Macao government to announce a one-day suspension of classes for kindergartens, schools for children with disabilities, and primary schools the following day. The Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau reported observing rain mixed with small ice pellets at the Taipa Grande Meteorological Station that afternoon.

Macao Meteorological Data (Averages from 1991-2020, Extremes from 1901-present)| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Annual | |--------------------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|----------|----------|----------|------------| | Record high °C | 29.1 | 30.2 | 31.5 | 35.3 | 37.5 | 36.9 | 38.9 | 38.5 | 38.1 | 36 | 34.2 | 30 | 38.9 | | （°F） | -84.4 | -86.4 | -88.7 | -95.5 | -99.5 | -98.4 | -102 | -101.3 | -100.6 | -96.8 | -93.6 | -86 | -102 | | Average high °C | 18.6 | 19.2 | 21.4 | 25.1 | 28.7 | 30.5 | 31.4 | 31.5 | 30.8 | 28.5 | 24.7 | 20.3 | 25.9 | | （°F） | -65.5 | -66.6 | -70.5 | -77.2 | -83.7 | -86.9 | -88.5 | -88.7 | -87.4 | -83.3 | -76.5 | -68.5 | -78.6 | | Daily mean °C | 15.2 | 16.1 | 18.6 | 22.3 | 25.8 | 27.8 | 28.4 | 28.3 | 27.5 | 25.1 | 21.3 | 16.9 | 22.8 | | （°F） | -59.4 | -61 | -65.5 | -72.1 | -78.4 | -82 | -83.1 | -82.9 | -81.5 | -77.2 | -70.3 | -62.4 | -73 | | Average low °C | 12.7 | 13.9 | 16.5 | 20.3 | 23.7 | 25.7 | 26.1 | 25.9 | 25.1 | 22.7 | 18.8 | 14.3 | 20.5 | | （°F） | -54.9 | -57 | -61.7 | -68.5 | -74.7 | -78.3 | -79 | -78.6 | -77.2 | -72.9 | -65.8 | -57.7 | -68.9 | | Record low °C | −1.8 | 0.4 | 3.2 | 8.5 | 13.8 | 18.5 | 19.3 | 19 | 13.2 | 9.5 | 5 | 0 | −1.8 | | （°F） | -28.8 | -32.7 | -37.8 | -47.3 | -56.8 | -65.3 | -66.7 | -66.2 | -55.8 | -49.1 | -41 | -32 | -28.8 | | Avg. precipitation mm | 34.2 | 43.9 | 80 | 153.5 | 286 | 373.7 | 290.7 | 331.4 | 227.8 | 75.1 | 39 | 31.3 | 1,966.60 | | （inches） | -1.35 | -1.73 | -3.15 | -6.04 | -11.26 | -14.71 | -11.44 | -13.05 | -8.97 | -2.96 | -1.54 | -1.23 | -77.43 | | Avg. precipitation days | 5.8 | 8.9 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 14.1 | 17.7 | 16.6 | 16.2 | 12.3 | 6.2 | 4.9 | 5 | 130.9 | | Avg. relative humidity (%) | 74.9 | 80.5 | 85 | 86.3 | 84.9 | 84.6 | 82.7 | 82.1 | 78.3 | 72.5 | 72.6 | 70.8 | 79.6 | | Mean monthly sunshine hours | 126.5 | 85.7 | 74.8 | 94.6 | 135.5 | 159 | 211.3 | 188.2 | 178.3 | 192.2 | 158.1 | 145.1 | 1,749.30 |

4. Administrative Divisions

Macau uses "parishes" (freguesias), a system originating from Catholicism, as its administrative division units. Each parish is named after a famous church within its area. The parishes are not formal administrative institutions; they lack legal status and do not have corporate personality. Macau currently has seven parishes, with five located on the Macau Peninsula and two on the outlying islands. The land reclamation area between Taipa and Coloane is not assigned to any parish. Additionally, the area currently under joint management by Macau and Guangdong Province is the Guangdong-Macau In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

Macau Peninsula

• Our Lady of Fatima Parish
• St. Anthony's Parish (also known as Santo António Parish)
• Cathedral Parish (also known as Sé Parish)
• St. Lazarus Parish
• St. Lawrence Parish

Taipa

• Our Lady of Carmel Parish
• The new campus of the University of Macau located on Hengqin Island and the Macau Port Area of the Hengqin Port are included in Our Lady of Carmel Parish.

Coloane

• St. Francis Xavier Parish

The land reclamation area between Taipa and Coloane is not included in any parish but is commonly referred to as Cotai. In daily life, Macau residents tend to divide Macau into districts based more on the area's buildings, architectural features, land use, population distribution, and actual geographical location.

5. Economy

Macao's economic structure is singular, dominated by the service sector. The gaming and gaming intermediary industry serves as the economic pillar of Macao and a crucial source of resident income. However, its heavy reliance on gaming service exports also leads to high volatility in economic growth. In recent years, the Macao government has been committed to developing a moderately diversified economy. In 2023, the gaming industry accounted for 36.2% of Macao's GDP, a decrease of approximately 27% from its peak, gradually reversing the situation of the gaming industry's overwhelming dominance.

5.1 History

In 1557, after Portuguese settlers leased Macao, they actively engaged in East-West trade under the jurisdiction of the Ming Dynasty government, rapidly transforming Macao from a fishing village into a prosperous commercial city. From the mid-16th century to the mid-17th century, Macao once served as a transshipment port and trade center for international trade between East and West. Following the decline of entrepôt trade, Macao's fishing industry and traditional handicrafts such as firecrackers, matches, and incense sticks experienced significant development. In 1961, the Portuguese government decided to legalize casino gambling in Macao, leading to a surge in tourists from outside Macao. Substantial revenue from the gaming monopoly tax, along with the Generalized System of Preferences granted by European Community countries and the United States, created a low-tax environment for the development of various industries in Macao. Under these circumstances, some processing industries from Hong Kong began relocating to Macao, forming a labor-intensive industrial structure led by garment manufacturing, textiles, and toy production. Macao's economy entered a period of high growth. However, since 1993, the advantages of the export-processing industry, which relied on quotas and tariff preferences, diminished. Coupled with social instability before the handover and the impact of the Asian financial crisis, Macao's economic growth began to slow down, even experiencing negative growth from 1996 to 1999 (reaching a low of -4.6% in 1998). With the Macao government liberalizing gaming concessions in 2002 and the implementation of the Individual Visit Scheme for Hong Kong and Macao in 2003, Macao's gaming industry ushered in a new wave of prosperity, once again becoming the leading industry in Macao's economy. However, its dominant position also raised concerns about the lack of diversification in Macao's economy. To optimize the industrial structure, then Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng proposed the "1+4" moderate diversification development strategy in the 2023 Policy Address. Here, "1" refers to promoting diversified development in tourism and leisure, enhancing, refining, and strengthening the comprehensive tourism industry, aligned with the goal of building a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. "4" refers to continuously promoting the development of four key industries: big health, modern finance, high-tech, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) trade and cultural sports, gradually increasing their proportion.

5.2 Gaming, Tourism, MICE, Hotel, and Leisure Industries

Macao is the only region under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China where operating casinos is legal. Historically, Macao's primary revenue has come from the gaming and tourism industries. In 2014, the value-added of the gaming industry (including gaming intermediaries) accounted for 59.1% of the total value-added. In 2016, the gross revenue from gaming reached MOP 224.128 billion, while gaming tax revenue amounted to MOP 84.375 billion, constituting 82.4% of the government's total fiscal revenue (MOP 102.412 billion).

After the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region in 1999, besides improvements in public security, Macao positioned itself as a city led by gaming tourism development. Furthermore, after China launched the Individual Visit Scheme for Hong Kong and Macao in 2003, it became more convenient for Mainland Chinese residents to visit Macao. According to data from the Statistics and Census Service of Macao, over 90% of Macao's tourists in 2019 originated from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, with Mainland Chinese tourists accounting for 70.9% of all visitors. In a survey by the China Tourism Academy in the first quarter of 2024, Macao was rated the most satisfactory destination for Mainland outbound tourists.

Macao's gaming industry has a history of over a century, legalized under Portuguese administration in 1847. Since then, it has become a symbol of Macao, altering its local destiny and driving rapid economic development. Known worldwide as the "Monte Carlo of the Orient," it has become a vital part of Macao's economy. By 2006, the total revenue of Macao's casinos surpassed that of Las Vegas, making it the world's top gambling city. Large-scale gaming establishments were successively built, forming a style of "one on every street." Macao's gaming industry can be broadly categorized into five types: casino gambling, horse racing, greyhound racing, lotteries, and football betting. As of the end of 2016, Macao had 38 casinos, 6,287 gaming tables, and 13,826 slot machines.

Regarding tourism, the main tourist attractions within Macao include the "Eight Scenic Spots of Macao" selected by eight local associations in 1992 and the "Historic Centre of Macao," inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 15, 2005. Macao became an associate member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization in 1981.

In the MICE sector, Macao's industry has developed rapidly. On August 23, 2022, The Venetian Macao hotel won the "Best Meeting Hotel in Macao" award at the M&C Asia Stella Awards. On August 16, 2023, Macao was selected for the first time by the renowned Asian MICE magazine "M&C Asia" as the "Best Convention City (Asia)."

Beyond tourism and gaming, Macao also plans to transform into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, a regional tourism and MICE hub, and a service center for small and medium-sized enterprises within the Pan-Pearl River Delta development framework. In the Macao SAR Government's Policy Address for the 2024 fiscal year, the goal of building a "City of Performing Arts" was proposed. In 2024, the Macao Outdoor Performance Area, covering 94,000 square meters in Taipa, began trial operations. With a capacity for over 50,000 spectators, it is one of the important measures for Macao to build the "City of Performing Arts."

5.3 Retail, Finance, Commerce

Macao's commercial development has consistently benefited from the impetus of the tourism industry. Since the liberalization of gaming concessions, Macao's financial economy has also developed rapidly, stimulating the consumption power of both local residents and tourists, leading to an overall enhancement of Macao's industrial and commercial sectors.

Macao's tourism development is oriented towards resort-style leisure and entertainment, which consequently benefits commercial development. Commerce will continue to improve under the driving force of the tourism and gaming industries.

Macao passed offshore legislation at the end of 1999, providing tax exemptions to assist the real estate sector, reduce unemployment, and develop the banking and finance industry. However, this offshore legislation was repealed in 2021 in response to international trends against tax evasion and money laundering. With the support of the national government, the Macao government actively utilizes its unique advantages to serve as a bridge for economic and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. The Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), established in October 2003, strengthens economic and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking nations. Starting January 1, 2004, the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) between Macao and Mainland China allowed Macao-made products to enter the Mainland tariff-free, making Macao's own advantages more apparent. Consequently, Macao's economy experienced rapid development.

Macao's imports are predominantly consumer goods, raw materials, and semi-finished products. Its main trading partners include Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, and various EU countries.

5.4 Creative Industries

The creative industries in Macao are still developing. Many local creations, such as music, films, and books, are not as well-known as those from neighboring Hong Kong. However, with social development, the market's demand for creative industries is increasing. Nowadays, many schools in Macao, such as the Macao Conservatory and the Macao Polytechnic University, have established related programs to meet the talent demand for the creative industries.

Since the late 1990s, Macao has produced several independent films. Some of the more well-known ones include:

• Billy Tang The Casino (1998)
• Kuok Meng Gunshot Window (2000)
• Chan Kin Tak Love Is Not a Crime (2003), awarded the "Best Digital Film Gold Award" at the 27th Hong Kong International Film Festival and the "Best Original Screenplay Award" at the first Australian International Film Festival, and invited to 17 international film festivals.
• Natalie Wu Macao, Christmas, 2005 (2005)
• Kuok Meng Night and Dawn (2006)
• Adam Lau Love in a Puff (2015)

Some foreign films and TV dramas shot in Macao:

• Wong Kar-wai 2046 (2004)
• Johnnie To Exiled (2006)
• In Eun-ah Princess Hours (2006)
• Yoon Ji-ryun Boys Over Flowers (2009)
• Andrew Lau Look for a Star (2009)
• Dante Lam Unbeatable (2013)
• Wong Sum Wai Brother's Keeper (2013)
• Patrick Kong A Fist Within Four Walls (2015)
• Wong Sum Wai Brother's Keeper II (2016)
• Yip Chun Fai Bet Hur (2017)
• Destin Daniel Cretton Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
• Anthony Pun Don't Call Me "God of Gamblers" (2023)## 5.5 Industry Macao has a long industrial history, with its cannon casting and sailboat manufacturing industries gaining considerable fame over 300 years ago. By the mid-1950s, small-scale rubber shoe factories, enamelware factories, glove factories, and hardware factories had emerged one after another. From the late 1950s to the early 1960s, many industrial products were exported to Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas, marking the beginning of Macao's modern industry. In the 1970s, Macao's industrial development accelerated, with the garment and wool knitting industries expanding rapidly. The mid-1980s represented the peak of Macao's industry, which became one of the four major economic pillars of Macao. At that time, there were 2,700 factories in Macao employing over 80,000 people. Industrial output accounted for 37% of Macao's total output value, making it the largest industry and a primary source of foreign exchange earnings. By the late 1980s, the competitiveness of Macao's industry had declined. After the 1990s, the growth rate of Macao's industry gradually decreased, even experiencing consecutive years of negative growth. Alongside the development of Macao's industry, its industrial system also evolved. Initially, it was a labor-intensive industry dominated by small and medium-sized factories, adopting an export-oriented model. The main products were textiles, which were entirely or mostly exported, primarily to Western Europe and the United States, with Asia being a secondary market. The industry was dependent on external sources, particularly Hong Kong and Mainland China. Currently, Macao's industry is moving towards high and new technology with greater technological content. On one hand, it is vigorously exploring new markets for product sales and enhancing competitiveness through diversified development. On the other hand, it is engaging in regional cooperation with Guangdong Province, undertaking comprehensive and in-depth regional collaboration with Hengqin Island and the Greater Guanghai Bay area, both located within the one-hour living circle of the Special Administrative Region.

In the 1980s, Macao was once an industrial city, with manufacturing accounting for about 40% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while gaming and tourism accounted for about 25%. Its major products included firecrackers, incense sticks, matches, tobacco, canned fish, ships, toys, textiles, and Chinese liquor.

Macao's first firecracker factory was established in 1881. By 1930, there were ten firecracker factories in Macao, making it a significant firecracker production center, with products mainly exported to Singapore, the Philippines, the United States, and Europe. In 1953, firecrackers became Macao's primary export commodity, with production reaching 3 tons valued at 7 million Macao Pataca.

Over nearly a century, Macao became a significant incense and candle production center, with products mainly sold to Asian countries including Mainland China, Europe, and the United States. Macao's first incense factory, "Leong Wing Huan Heong Chong," was established in 1815. This factory operated two plants employing a total of 800 workers. At that time, two out of twenty factories had an export volume of 1.5 million Macao Pataca. Twenty years later, the total production of Macao's twenty incense factories was 1.2 tons, valued at 1.7 million Macao Pataca. In the 1950s, the number of incense factories was 70, which declined to 40 by the 1970s. In the 1980s, following Mainland China's reform and opening-up, incense and candle production surged in a short period. Some Macao businesses relocated their production centers to Mainland China while retaining retail outlets in Macao. Currently, only a few incense-making businesses remain in Macao, existing mostly as small workshops. Choi Pui Leng, Vice Chairman of the Alumni Association of the Open College of the University of East Asia in Macao, stated that it was residents from Xinhui who brought the craft of making incense sticks to Macao a century ago.

Regarding foreign trade, according to data from the Economic and Technological Development Bureau: the total export value for 2005 was 19.82 billion Macao Pataca, a decrease of 12.1% compared to 2004. Exports were mainly textiles and garments, with their export value dropping 15.1% to 18.07 billion Macao Pataca, accounting for 77% of total exports. Non-textile exports were primarily machinery, equipment, parts, and footwear. Imports increased by 12.3% to 31.34 billion Macao Pataca, resulting in a trade deficit of 11.52 billion Macao Pataca.

5.6 Social Welfare

Macao's Human Development Index (HDI) in 2015 was 0.905, ranking 17th globally. Macao's social welfare system is relatively comprehensive, including the Social Security Fund, 15 years of free education, free medical services at public healthcare institutions for students and the elderly, senior citizen allowances provided by the government, unemployment benefits, etc. The minimum wage in Macao (excluding domestic helpers and employees with disabilities) is 32 Pataca per hour, with a minimum monthly wage of 6,656 Pataca.

In 2008, the Gini coefficient reached its lowest value in 20 years at 0.37, indicating a narrowing wealth gap in Macao. This was the best distribution of wealth among the five Household Income and Expenditure Surveys conducted over the past two decades. In recent years, the median monthly income of residents has shown an upward trend, and the proportion of incomes at 4,000 Pataca or below is lower than in previous years. This reflects a concentration of resident incomes towards the middle, signifying an improvement in residents' income. Part of this improvement is attributed to some individuals earning higher incomes by entering the gaming industry, a result of the government's opening of the gaming sector for wealth redistribution. The government's series of wealth redistribution measures in recent years, including raising the minimum subsistence index, senior citizen allowances, cash sharing, work income subsidies, transportation subsidies, electricity fee subsidies, etc., which are also accounted for in household income and expenditure, cannot be overlooked. In the 2023/2024 period, Macao's per capita Gini coefficient was 0.324; excluding government subsidies and assistance, the per capita Gini coefficient was 0.396, indicating that government welfare measures play a certain role in improving income distribution among residents.

The government implemented Administrative Regulation No. 20/2020 regarding the "Maternity Leave Allowance Subsidy Measure" on June 8, 2020 (archived page), increasing maternity leave for mothers from the original 56 days to 70 days and providing a maternity leave allowance subsidy.

Regarding public housing, as of December 2024, the number of completed public housing units in Macao had increased to 57,117, with 95% of social housing tenants exempted from paying rent.

6. Transportation

6.1 Cross-Border Transportation

Macao boasts a comprehensive transportation network encompassing sea, land, and air, allowing travelers from around the world to choose various modes of transport to enter and exit the region. By sea, Macao has three external passenger ferry terminals: the Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal, the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, and the Taipa Ferry Terminal. For air travel, the Macao International Airport, located in eastern Taipa, officially commenced operations in November 1995. Since the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Macao has been connected by land to Hong Kong on the eastern shore of the Pearl River. Additionally, the rooftop of the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal features a helipad, offering helicopter services to and from Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Regarding maritime passenger transport, Macao currently has three major operators: TurboJET, Yuet Tung Shipping Company, and Cotai Water Jet. The Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal and Taipa Ferry Terminal offer routes to Hong Kong's Sheung Wan Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, the China Ferry Terminal in Kowloon, the SkyPier at Hong Kong International Airport, Shenzhen Shekou, and Shenzhen Fuyong Port. The Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal provides ferry services between Macao and the Wanzai Port in Zhuhai.

Macao International Airport is located on Estrada de Wei Long in Taipa and began service in 1995. According to airport data, the airport handled a peak annual passenger volume of 9.61 million in 2019, with flights connecting to major cities in mainland China, Taiwan, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and other regions. The Macao government plans to invest MOP 6 billion in land reclamation and expansion to increase passenger capacity. Macao can access Hong Kong International Airport via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge or by sea through the SkyPier.

For land border crossings connecting to mainland China, access to Gongbei, Zhuhai is available via the Border Gate, the Qingmao Port, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge's Zhuhai-Macao Port. Additionally, the Lotus Bridge, opened in March 2000, connects Macao's Cotai area to Hengqin Island in Zhuhai. The opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in October 2018 enabled Macao to connect by land to Hong Kong on the eastern shore of the Pearl River, with the artificial island serving as another port connecting to Zhuhai.

6.2 Cross-Sea Bridges

Four bridges connect the Macao Peninsula and Taipa: the Governor Nobre de Carvalho Bridge (named after the then-Governor Nobre de Carvalho, commonly known as the Macao-Taipa Bridge or the Old Bridge), opened in October 1974; the Friendship Bridge, opened in March 1994; the Sai Van Bridge, opened on January 9, 2005; and the Macao Bridge, opened on October 1, 2024. The Sai Van Bridge and the Macao Bridge are respectively Macao's only all-weather double-decker bridge and the only cross-sea bridge with a dedicated motorcycle lane. Furthermore, the Lotus Bridge connects the Cotai area to the Macao Port Area of the Hengqin Port.

In 2007, the Macao government planned to construct an underwater tunnel between Macao and Taipa, originally scheduled for completion in the second half of 2009. This plan has since been shelved.

6.3 Light Rail Transit System

In 2009, the Macao government confirmed the construction of the first phase of the Macao Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system, running from the Border Gate to the Taipa Ferry Terminal with 21 stations. On December 10, 2019, the first phase route, the Taipa Line, officially commenced operation, featuring 11 stations from the Taipa Ferry Terminal Station to the Ocean Station. On December 8, 2023, the Taipa Line was officially extended to the Macao Peninsula's Barra Station, marking the LRT service's connection between the Macao Peninsula, Taipa, and Cotai. On November 1, 2024, the Seac Pai Van Line began operation, signifying the official extension of LRT service to Coloane Island. On December 2, 2024, the Hengqin Line officially opened, marking the integration of the LRT service into China's national railway network via the Zhuhai Airport Intercity Railway.

6.4 Road Traffic

In 2021, the total length of road lanes in Macao reached 462.5 kilometers, with 247,603 registered motor vehicles. The vehicle density was 535 vehicles per kilometer, ranking among the highest in the world.

The primary modes of land transportation in Macao are buses and taxis. Bus services are operated by two companies: Transmac – Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos de Macau, S.A.R.L. and Sociedade de Transportes Públicos Reolian, S.A. Both companies adopt a unified fare of MOP 6. Passengers using electronic money stored-value cards (Macau Pass) or "UnionPay + Ride Code" can enjoy fare discounts and transfer concessions. Taxis are divided into regular taxis (primarily black) and radio-dispatch taxis, with passenger capacities ranging from 4 to 7. The flag-down fare (for the first 1.6 km) is MOP 21, followed by MOP 2 for every subsequent 220 meters, MOP 2 for every 55 seconds of waiting time, and an additional MOP 5 for each piece of luggage placed in the trunk. The tricycle, once a major mode of transport in old Macao, has now become a nostalgic tourist vehicle for sightseeing.

The pedestrian system was mentioned in the feasibility study for a short-distance transportation system completed by the Transport Bureau in 2008. It proposed using a short-distance system to connect future LRT stations with high-population areas and advocated for "green travel" and "public transport priority," encouraging walking. The aim is to establish a land transportation system with the LRT as the backbone, public buses and taxis as the foundation, and automated pedestrian systems as supplementary. Currently, eight major pedestrian systems are in operation.

7. Education

The government department responsible for education affairs in Macau is the Education and Youth Development Bureau.

In Macau, non-tertiary education includes early childhood education, primary and secondary education, and recurrent education. Educational institutions in Macau can be divided into public schools and private schools, with the majority being private. The government also implements free education to alleviate the financial burden on families. Additionally, the government provides subsidies for tuition fees and school supplies to students studying in Macau, as well as subsidies for Macau residents studying in other countries.

Macau currently has 12 tertiary education institutions: public institutions include the University of Macau, Macau Polytechnic University, Macao Institute for Tourism Studies, and the Macao Security Forces Training College; private institutions include Macau University of Science and Technology, City University of Macau, University of Saint Joseph, Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Macau Institute of Management, Macau Millennium College, as well as the Institute of European Studies of Macau and the United Nations University International Institute for Software Technology.

The first modern tertiary institution, the "University of East Asia," was established in 1981. Among its courses, the more distinctive ones include gaming management, sports and exercise, traditional Chinese medicine, and translation. Starting from July 20, 2013, the Macau Special Administrative Region government officially took over the new campus of the University of Macau located in Hengqin, where Macau's administrative, legislative, and judicial powers are in effect.

The department responsible for non-tertiary education in Macau is the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ). In Macau, most schools are private, primarily managed by churches or social organizations. All government schools emphasize trilingual and quadrilingual education (trilingual: Chinese, English, and Portuguese; quadrilingual: Cantonese, Mandarin, English, and Portuguese). The mainstream schools in Macau are grammar schools, teaching languages, mathematics, science subjects, and social subjects. Macau has only a small number of vocational schools, which teach vocational subjects such as automotive repair, electronic engineering, etc.

8. Population

8.1 Population Distribution

According to data from the Statistics and Census Service of Macao, as of the end of June 2018, the estimated residential population of Macao (including non-resident workers living in Macao) was approximately 658,900. The majority are ethnic Chinese, accounting for 94% of the total population, while Portuguese (including Macanese) and other foreigners make up 6%. There were 181,499 non-resident workers (both living in and outside Macao), primarily from Mainland China, followed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, etc.; Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Indonesians are mainly engaged in labor occupations such as domestic helpers.

Among the residential population, 46.9% are male and 53.1% are female. The proportion of females is higher than that of males, mainly because females account for about 60% of non-resident workers and immigrants coming to Macao. The median age of the residential population is 37.5 years. Regarding the age structure of the residential population, the youth population aged 0-14 accounts for 12.5%; the population aged 15-64 accounts for 77.7%; and the elderly population aged 65 and above accounts for 9.8%. With increasing life expectancy and a relatively low number of births, Macao, like many countries/regions worldwide, is experiencing an aging population. In 2016, the Macao Peninsula had a residential population of about 522,000, accounting for approximately 80.1%; Taipa had about 103,000 residents, about 15.8%; and Coloane had about 27,000 residents, about 4.1%. By parish analysis, the Freguesia de Nossa Senhora de Fátima had a residential population of 219,000, accounting for 39.6% of the total, followed by the Freguesia de Santo António with 123,000 people, accounting for 22.2%. Macao is the region with the highest population density in the world. In 2016, Macao's population density was 21,400 people per square kilometer, with the Macao Peninsula reaching 56,100 people per square kilometer; Taipa had 13,600 people per square kilometer; while Coloane's population density was only 3,500 people per square kilometer. The highest population density is in the Freguesia de Santo António, with over 100,000 people per square kilometer.

Macao Population Development

| Year | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | |-------------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------| | Population (in ten thousands) | 39 | 40.36 | 41.5 | 41.52 | 41.94 | 42.52 | 42.96 | 43.15 | 43.63 | 44.05 | 44.67 | 46.26 | 48.43 | 50.99 | 53.18 | 54.31 | | Year | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | | Population (in ten thousands) | 53.33 | 54.06 | 55.74 | 58.2 | 60.75 | 63.62 | 64.68 | 64.49 | 65.31 | 66.74 | 67.96 | 68.31 | 68.32 | 67.28 | 68.37 |

8.2 Languages and Scripts

Chinese and Portuguese are the official written languages currently in use in Macao. In terms of spoken languages, the main languages in Macao are Cantonese, Portuguese, and English. Cantonese is the common language in the daily life of Macao residents; additionally, English is prevalent in Macao as a business language and the teaching language in some schools. Regarding written scripts, Traditional Chinese characters are used in daily social life in Macao, while Macanese primarily use Portuguese as their main written language.

Languages

Cantonese (referred to as "Guangdonghua" as in Hong Kong) is the common language of Macao society and an official language of Macao. According to statistics from the Macao Statistics and Census Bureau, Cantonese (Guangzhou dialect) is the primary language in Macao (the Xiangshan dialect being the original local indigenous language), used daily by 83.3% of the population, with 90% of the population able to use Cantonese. Cantonese is widely used in residents' daily life, work, government administration, school education, news media, and cultural entertainment, and also serves as the common language among people of different origins residing in Macao.

• Mandarin (also called Putonghua or Huayu): Mandarin is the second largest language in Macao; it is mostly used daily by new immigrants from Mainland China, accounting for 5% of Macao's population; about 41% of Macao's population can use Mandarin to varying degrees. Tourist attractions also use Mandarin for explanations to facilitate communication with non-local tourists.
• Southern Min (Hokkien): Many residents in the northern districts of Macao have ancestral roots in Southern Min regions and can converse in Southern Min, making it fairly common in northern Macao. Southern Min is the third largest language in Macao, used daily by 3.7% of the population, while 6.9% of Macao's population can speak it. The prevalence of Southern Min in Macao also facilitates communication with tourists from Southern Min regions and Taiwan (ranking third in visitor numbers after Mainland China and Hong Kong).
• English: English is the fourth largest language in Macao, used daily by 2.3% of the population, mostly foreign immigrants, with Filipinos forming the largest group. Simultaneously, as an international language, English is also quite popular in Macao, with 21.1% of the total population able to speak it. English is the primary commercial language in Macao. English is a compulsory subject in Macao's primary and secondary schools, and universities also designate it as the primary teaching language. Furthermore, English serves as a communication language between Macao Chinese and people of different ethnicities, and is even used when Macao Chinese communicate with Portuguese.
• Portuguese: Portuguese is an official language of Macao, but less than 1% of residents use it as their daily language, and only 2.4% of the population can speak Portuguese, making it the fifth largest language in Macao. Ordinary Macao Chinese rarely use Portuguese as their first language. In the past, knowledge of Portuguese was advantageous for applying for government jobs. Currently, however, apart from being used in government, legal departments, and businesses or bookstores related to Portugal or the community, Portuguese is not very popular in Macao.
• Macanese (Patuá) is a Macao language formed from a mixture of Portuguese, Malay, Cantonese, English, Old Portuguese, and a little Dutch, Spanish, and Italian. Called "Patuá" in Portuguese, it was once commonly used by the Macanese but is now nearly extinct. The last Macanese writer to create works in Macanese was José dos Santos Ferreira. In October 2006, the Macanese Education Promotion Association signed a cooperation agreement with six Portuguese associations, intending to apply for Macanese to be recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
• Other languages: Some immigrants from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, and other countries use a patois in daily life that mixes their native language with Cantonese, but such patois have not yet formed a systematic language like Macanese.

Scripts- Traditional Chinese: Traditional Chinese is used daily in Macau and is also the official script, as well as the primary language taught in Macau's education system. Similar to Hong Kong, Cantonese (Guangdong dialect) is the mother tongue and common language for the vast majority of people in Macau society.

• Simplified Chinese: Since the opening of the Individual Visit Scheme to Hong Kong and Macau, a large number of mainland Chinese tourists have visited Macau. As a result, some hotels, casinos, advertisements, and reminder signs feature Simplified Chinese. Additionally, in informal settings among Macau residents, such as quick notes or ordering in restaurants, Simplified Chinese is often used. Furthermore, many schools in Macau adopt Simplified Chinese textbooks from mainland China, and some schools even allow students to answer exam questions in Simplified Chinese.
• Portuguese: Primarily used by the Portuguese-speaking population in Macau, Portuguese is an official language of Macau, and thus government documents and official texts are still predominantly written in Portuguese. However, Portuguese does not play a significant role in the Chinese community. The younger generation in Macau typically prioritizes learning English, with Portuguese as a secondary choice. Nevertheless, in recent years, there has been an increasing trend of Chinese residents enrolling in Portuguese language courses offered by the Instituto Português do Oriente (IPOR), a Portuguese cultural institution in Macau. This trend is partly related to the Administrative and Civil Service Bureau's decision in 2003 to discontinue its collaboration with the Macau Polytechnic Institute and instead partner with IPOR to provide Portuguese language training courses for civil servants.
• English: English is an indispensable language in the international community, which is why many of the younger generation place great emphasis on learning it. Although English is not an official language in Macau, many tourist facilities use both Chinese and English as their primary languages. The Macau government also employs English in official contexts, particularly in the transportation sector. For example, instead of the Portuguese word "PARE," the phrase "BUS STOP" is painted on the asphalt near bus stops. Similarly, the traffic sign for "yield" is a red octagonal sign with a large "STOP" in the center.

9. Religion

Religions in the Macao Special Administrative Region (2012)

• Chinese folk beliefs, Buddhism, and Taoism (80%)
• Christianity (6.7%)
• Others (13.7%)

Macao is a place where Chinese and Western cultures coexist, upholding freedom of belief and religious diversity. As the majority of residents are ethnic Chinese, beliefs are predominantly based on Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and folk deities. The culture of Macao's Chinese community is deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture and Confucian moral philosophy. On Confucius's birthday, the Macao Confucian Association leads members of the Chinese community and schools in holding commemorative and ceremonial rituals. As for Buddhism, the Kun Iam Temple in Mong Há Village is an example of early temple architecture built in Macao. Taoist deities worshipped in Macao include Tam Kung, Hung Shing Yeh, the God of Literature, Guan Yu, the Northern Emperor, and the City God. The worship of Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) and Mazu (Goddess of the Sea) is particularly popular in Macao, with the A-Ma Temple, built during the Ming Dynasty's Chenghua era by Fujianese merchants, being a notable architectural example.

Regarding Christianity, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Macau was established on January 23, 1576, with its first bishop being Melchior Carneiro (founder of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia). The first Chinese bishop was Bishop Domingos Lam Ka Tseung. Due to the departure of many Macanese of Portuguese descent before the handover, the majority of believers are now ethnic Chinese. Protestantism also used Macao as its first foothold in China. Robert Morrison, a missionary from the London Missionary Society, arrived in Macao in 1807, marking the beginning of Protestant missionary history in China. Macao is home to two of the oldest Chinese Protestant churches: the Macau Chinese Christian Church and the Macau Baptist Church, both with histories of over a century. The Anglican Diocese of Victoria was established in 1849, with its jurisdiction including Macao. Today, the area is administered as the Macao Missionary Area under the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui. Additionally, the Medical Missionary Society in China opened a hospital in Macao in 1838, which was the first comprehensive medical institution established by Protestants in China. In the 1970s, the Local Churches also began their activities in Macao.

Furthermore, Macao is home to various other religions. For example, Islam was likely introduced to Macao by Persian merchants before the Ming Dynasty, with its community organization being the Macao Islamic Association.

10. Culture

Since its opening as a port, Macao has developed a unique cultural character, rare in South China, China, and even across East Asia, due to its distinctive historical background and human landscape. For over four hundred years, people from various parts of Europe have settled in Macao, endowing it with Portuguese cultural characteristics in cuisine, architecture, and language. Wandering through Macao's old districts, one often discovers its unique charm: Eastern and Western buildings stand separated merely by a street or alley, or even side-by-side. It's common to see Chinese temples fronted by Portuguese-style cobblestone pavements, or Southern European-style buildings housing Cantonese restaurants. Throughout its long history of coexistence between Chinese and foreign cultures, Macao has given birth to testaments of East-West fusion, such as Macanese cuisine and Patuá (Macanese creole). Furthermore, Macao's rapid recent development and limited land area have resulted in very blurred urban functional zoning, often creating striking contrasts between modern and traditional landscapes. For instance, the bustling commercial district of Senado Square is just a street away from the traditional market-style Rua dos Mercadores; crossing the vibrant Cotai Strip leads to the Coloane Town Center, imbued with the charm of a Southern European seaside town.

10.1 Cultural Heritage

Due to Macao's significant role in modern China's foreign relations, it possesses a rich cultural heritage. On July 15, 2005, the "Historic Centre of Macao," comprising 22 buildings and 8 squares/plazas, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Additionally, buildings of distinctive character and historical significance are listed in the "List of Classified Properties of Macao." The Macao Government Tourism Office and the Cultural Affairs Bureau designated 2006 as "Macao World Heritage Year 2006," jointly organizing various cultural and promotional activities to attract tourists from around the world.

10.2 Local Characteristics

Macao's street nameplates are based on Portuguese azulejo (ceramic tile) art. Their dominant blue and white colors, paired with street names in Chinese and Portuguese, constitute a local characteristic of Macao.

Some scholars believe that the culture passed down through generations has advanced alongside Macao's history, and Macao's street names, through symbolic form, reflect the coexistence and fusion of Chinese and Western cultures in this small city. Macao has many streets with unusually long names, which is quite rare in Chinese-speaking regions. Most such street names are derived from the names of Portuguese military officers, officials, or historical figures, then transliterated into Cantonese. Well-known examples include: Rua de Sacadura Cabral, Avenida de Sidónio Pais, Avenida de Demétrio Cinatti, and Jardim de Vasco da Gama. Furthermore, some major streets originally had long names, but residents have become accustomed to using easier-to-remember nicknames, sometimes even forgetting the original names. Examples include Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, commonly known as "San Ma Lo" (New Street), and Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida, commonly known as "Fat Si Lou" or "Avenida do Hipódromo."

Every morning, one can see people walking the streets of Macao carrying metal percussion instruments that produce a "ding-ding" sound and pushing carts, collecting scrap metal or other large discarded furniture from residents. Residents generally refer to workers in this trade as "Ding Ding Lou," which was once considered a "traditional industry" of Macao.

10.3 Cuisine

Macanese cuisine absorbs Cantonese cooking techniques and ingredients, along with influences from Hong Kong, Portugal, India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, creating a unique Macanese cuisine that includes Macanese dishes. Examples include siu mei (roast meats), toast, African chicken, bacalhau (salted cod), Portuguese chicken, satay, curry beef tripe, pork chop bun, and crab congee.

Macao residents typically have three meals a day. Breakfast time is generally around 7 AM. Breakfast content varies individually. A simple breakfast might consist of instant noodles, plain congee, cheong fun (rice noodle rolls), cart noodles, bread, and coffee or milk tea. On Saturdays, Sundays, and for those not working, people often go to tea houses for yum cha. Lunchtime is basically between 1 PM and 2 PM. As Macao's urban area is small, most people are accustomed to going home for lunch. However, some people eat at fast-food restaurants. Influenced by Hong Kong, Macao also has an afternoon tea time, usually around 4:30 PM, often featuring cart noodles, toast, pork chop buns, coffee, or milk tea. Dinner usually starts with a bowl of soup, followed by stir-fried dishes, steamed fish, and sometimes purchased ready-made siu mei. As some Macao residents work at night, some people have a late-night snack, perhaps going to dai pai dong (open-air food stalls) or eating fast food. On weekends or holidays, many families only eat two meals. Around 11 AM, they go to restaurants for yum cha, combining breakfast and lunch. Some families also do not cook on Sundays, dining out instead. Choices are plentiful then, with some opting for Portuguese cuisine, Cantonese cuisine, or dishes from other countries.

On November 1, 2017, UNESCO designated Macao as a Creative City of Gastronomy.

10.4 Hosted Major Events

Macao successively hosted the 4th East Asian Games in October 2005, the 2nd Lusofonia Games in 2006, and the 2nd Asian Indoor Games in 2007. The main venue, the Macao East Asian Games Dome, opened in July 2005. After opening, nearby foundations experienced settlement issues, and leakage problems occurred inside the venue during its initial operation. It was also revealed by the Audit Commission that the construction cost of the "Macao Dome" significantly overran, reaching nearly 1.3 billion patacas. In recent years, numerous construction projects in Macao have commenced and been completed, such as the already-opened Fisherman's Wharf, the Cotai Strip, and the Macao Science Center. In 2025, Macao, together with Guangdong Province and Hong Kong, will co-host the 15th National Games of the People's Republic of China under the name of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Additionally, Macao hosts numerous annual festive events, including:

• Macao City Fringe Festival
• Macao Lunar New Year Parade
• Procession of the Passion of Our Lord: February or March. The statue procession is originally a Southern European religious ritual. Macao has continued this tradition since the establishment of the Diocese of Macao in the 16th century.
• Feast of the Earth God
• Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo
• Macao Arts Festival: An annual cultural and artistic event in Macao.
• Procession of Our Lady of Fátima: May 13th. A ceremony held in honor of Our Lady of Fátima, highly revered by the Portuguese. It is said that the Virgin Mary appeared several times in Fátima, Portugal, in 1917.
• Drunken Dragon Festival: May or the 8th day of the 4th lunar month. Celebrated in very few places, it is an important festival in Macao. This is a traditional festival of the fishing industry guild, where fishing industry practitioners hold unique Drunken Dragon and Lion Dance celebrations annually.
• FIVB Volleyball Women's Nations League
• Macao Lotus Festival
• Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale
• Wushu Masters Challenge
• Festival of the Hungry Ghosts (Yu Lan Festival)
• Macao International Fireworks Display Contest: Positioned as an international fireworks event, it is also a fireworks competition enthusiastically appreciated by residents.
• Macao International Music Festival: An annual two-week music festival held every October to further promote Macao tourism.
• Lusofonia Festival
• Macao Mazu Cultural Tourism Festival
• Macao Food Festival
• Macao Grand Prix: The largest international sporting event held in Macao, taking place on the Guia Circuit.
• Macao International Marathon: The largest track and field event in Macao. The race route includes the Macao Peninsula, Taipa Island, and Coloane Island.
• Light Up Macao
• International Film Festival & Awards • Macao
• Macao International Dragon Boat Races: A traditional Chinese sports cultural activity. Dragon boat races are held at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre.
• Macao Open Golf Championship: The event is held at the Macao Golf & Country Club in Coloane.
• MICE Showcase (Macao Auto, Yacht & Aviation Expo): The largest exhibition event in Macao in terms of scale, held every November.
• Macao International Parade
• Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF): A comprehensive commercial trade exhibition held in Macao.
• Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao),简称中葡论坛 (China-PSC Forum).

10.5 Public Holidays

Macao has a total of 20 public holidays per year, including traditional Chinese festivals, Buddhist holidays, and Catholic holidays. Most Catholic holidays are inherited from regulations of the former Portuguese administration, such as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and All Souls' Day. Traditional Chinese festivals were established by legislation in the 1980s. Before the handover, Portugal Day, Camões Day and Portuguese Communities Day, and the National Day of the Republic of China (Double Ten Day) were also public holidays. After the handover, these were replaced by the National Day of the People's Republic of China and the "Day following National Day." Additionally, the Chief Executive may issue directives exempting civil servants from work on certain special days or their eves, such as the afternoon before New Year's Eve.

11. Sister Cities or Countries

• Lisbon, Portugal (May 20, 1982)
• Porto, Portugal (June 26, 1997)
• Linköping, Sweden (November 29, 1997)
• Coimbra, Portugal (November 30, 1998)
• São Paulo, Brazil (June 19, 2000)
• Praia, Cape Verde (December 4, 2007)
• Siem Reap Province, Cambodia (March 27, 2018)
• Phuket Province, Thailand (May 9, 2018)
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (August 16, 2019)
• Brasília, Brazil (October 22, 2020)
• Água Grande District, São Tomé and Príncipe (August 10, 2022)
• Dili, East Timor (September 26, 2024)
• Brussels, Belgium (Friendship Agreement) (December 11, 1991)
• San Francisco, United States (Cultural Memorandum) (November 2, 2001)
• Da Nang, Vietnam (Friendship Agreement) (October 10, 2006)

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South Bay Area

Taipa Central District

Ethnicity

• Chinese (95%)
• Portuguese (2%)
• Other (3%)

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