Hong Kong

People

Hong Kong's ethnic composition is almost wholly Chinese, from Guangdong province and Hong Kong itself; some ten percent come mostly from Fukien, Chekiang, Shanghai, Kiangsu, and Taiwan. Non-Chinese constitute only about two percent; about half of these are Asians (mostly from Japan, India, Pakistan, and Singapore), and the remainder are mostly British, Americans, Australians, Canadians, and New Zealanders.

English and Cantonese remain official languages, with the latter more widely spoken. The use of Mandarin is increasing and will be required in schools. Dialects such as Siyi, Chao-chow, Hakka, Hoklo, and Tanka are also used in their respective communities.

Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism are the predominant religions in Hong Kong. About ten percent of the population is Christian, with a small number of Hindus, Jews, Sikhs, and Muslims.