philippines philippines filipino officially republic philippines filipino sovereign island country southeast_asia situated western pacific_ocean consists islands categorized broadly main geographical divisions north south capital city philippines manila populous city city metro manila philippines location pacific ring fire close equator makes philippines prone earthquakes abundant natural resources world greatest biodiversity philippines area approximately square kilometers population million faster growth east asian country seventh populated country asia 12th populated country world additional million live overseas comprising world largest multiple cultures found islands prehistoric times archipelago earliest inhabitants followed successive waves peoples exchanges chinese indian islamic states occurred nations established rule arrival ferdinand eastern marked beginning hispanic colonization spanish explorer named archipelago las honor philip spain arrival mexico_city hispanic settlement archipelago established philippines spanish empire years resulted roman catholicism dominant religion time manila western hub trans pacific trade connecting asia acapulco americas manila 19th century gave way 20th followed quick succession philippine revolution spawned short lived philippine republic followed bloody philippine american war conquest military force aside period japanese occupation united_states retained sovereignty islands world war philippines recognized independent nation philippines tumultuous experience democracy included overthrow dictatorship non violent revolution nation large population economic potential led classified middle power founding member united_nations world trade organization association southeast asian nations asia pacific economic cooperation forum east asia summit hosts headquarters asian development bank philippines considered emerging market newly country economy transitioning based agriculture based services manufacturing etymology philippines named honor king philip spain spanish explorer expedition named islands prince eventually las cover islands archipelago commonplace names del islands west islands san spanish refer islands official philippines changed times course history philippine revolution congress proclaimed establishment philippine republic period spanish american war philippine american war commonwealth period american colonial authorities referred country philippine islands translation spanish treaty paris philippines began appear country common end world war official country republic philippines history man reliably dated series dating years ago oldest human remnant found archipelago date distinction previously belonged man carbon dated years ago archipelago earliest inhabitants settlement philippines reliably dated opposing theories origins ancient ancestors evolved locally island origin theory archipelago trade networks originating area wide scale migration expansion theory coming taiwan began migrating philippines displacing earlier arrivals widely accepted theory based linguistic evidence taiwan model taiwan descended river culture began migrating philippines displacing earlier arrivals period jade culture said existed evidenced tens thousands crafted jade artifacts found philippines dated jade said originated nearby taiwan found areas mainland southeast_asia artifacts said evidence long range communication prehistoric southeast asian societies inhabitants archipelago developed kinds social groups hunter tribes warrior societies highland port societies scattered islands later philippines remained isolated evolved states developed substantial trade contacts peoples eastern southern southeastern asia including china india indonesia malaysia japan islands millennium saw rise port growth maritime states composed autonomous independent allied larger nations led tributary states china ruled kingdoms governed founded following civil war collapsing loyalists defied invading dynasty puppet called set guerrilla state islands founding purchased land new realms hero founded island named destroyed state allied located sumatra people raided port cities southern china chinese navy neighbor led monarch partial tamil descent state grew wealthy making use inter island shipping routes archipelago northeastern attained prominence rule buddhist ruling class governing hindu nation state powerful local industry maintained commercial ties diplomatic rivalry civilization maintained contact traded hindu country south borneo established indian traders centered ruled noted trust trade northern exported horses silver china kingdom japan central kingdom ruled dynasty kingdom grew wealthy exclusive trading rights chinese goods marketed southeast_asia granted dynasty saw arrival eventual spread islam philippine archipelago arab trader born arrived established converting ali marrying daughter end 15th century introduced islam island established form government extended time people collectively called rose prominence participating trading ventures military campaigns east employed traders mercenaries islam started spread south went north manila reign sultan accomplished empire kingdom defeating installing muslim throne establishing puppet state kingdom sultan married daughter sultan expand influence states like maintained cultures rivalries eventually eased spanish colonization furthermore islands sparsely populated consistent natural disasters inter kingdom conflicts colonization easy small states archipelago quickly incorporated spanish empire colonial era portuguese explorer ferdinand expedition arrived philippines claimed islands spain killed battle colonization began spanish explorer arrived mexico formed hispanic settlements relocating island consolidating coalition native allies hispanic soldiers captured islamic manila conspiracy exiled conspirators guam guerrero spanish rule established manila capital spanish east indies defeated chinese response islamic invasion philippines war waged war waged response piracy fortifications set taiwan islands abandoned soldiers withdrew philippines order concentrate military forces threatened invasion japan born dynasty loyalist ruler stronghold invasion aborted settlers sent pacific islands spanish rule eventually contributed significantly bringing political unity fragmented states archipelago philippines governed territory new spain administered directly madrid mexican war independence manila largest wooden ships built constructed manila accompanied large naval escort traveled manila acapulco sailed twice year 16th 19th centuries trade introduced tomatoes potatoes chocolate mexico peru philippines established rule awarded crew survivors world descendants new towns created roman catholic missionaries converted lowland inhabitants christianity founded schools university hospitals churches built earthquake baroque architectural style spanish decreed introduction free public schooling result policies philippine population increased rule spanish indigenous revolts external military challenges chinese japanese pirates dutch english portuguese fought despite hostile forces having encircled philippine archipelago crescent formed japan indonesia british forces occupied manila extension fighting seven years war spanish rule restored following treaty paris spanish conflict lasted years quarter 19th century spain conquered portions muslims formally recognised spanish sovereignty 19th century philippine ports opened world trade shifts started occurring philippine society born philippines mixed ancestry wealthy influx latin american settlers opened government positions traditionally held born peninsula ideals revolution began spread islands dissatisfaction resulted mutiny precursor philippine revolution revolutionary sentiments priests collectively known accused colonial authorities executed inspire propaganda movement spain organized del lobbying political reforms philippines eventually executed december charges rebellion attempts reform met resistance established secret society called sought independence spain armed revolt started philippine revolution faction province eventually came challenge position leader revolution took spanish american war began cuba reached philippines declared philippine independence spain june philippine republic established church following year islands ceded spain united_states result victory spanish american war compensation million dollars paid spain according terms treaty paris increasingly clear united_states recognize nascent philippine republic philippine american war broke republic defeated archipelago administered government war resulted deaths tens thousands combatants couple thousand civilians cholera epidemic americans suppressed rebellious sub states mainly republic republic republic era renaissance philippine culture occurred expansion philippine cinema literature philippines granted commonwealth status president designated national language introduced women suffrage land reform plans independence decade interrupted world war japanese empire invaded second philippine republic laurel established collaborator state atrocities war crimes committed war death march manila massacre culminated battle manila died exile united_states succeeded allied forces employed strategy island philippine archipelago process territory conquered imperial japan filipino guerrilla resistance supplied encouraged navy submarines parachute drops harass japanese army control rural jungle mountainous areas amounting half philippine archipelago remaining loyal united_states hoped believed liberation japanese bring freedom promised independence eventually largest naval battle history according gross battle gulf occurred allied forces started liberation philippines japanese empire allied troops defeated japanese end war estimated million died period october philippines founding members united_nations following year july recognized united_states independent presidency remnants communist continued countryside president successor successor initiated filipino policy continued celebration independence day moved july june date declaration claim eastern north borneo lost presidential election ferdinand early presidency initiated numerous infrastructure projects accused massive corruption dollars public funds nearing end term declared martial law september period rule characterized political repression censorship human rights violations support wife continued live lavish lifestyle majority remained poverty august chief rival opposition leader assassinated manila international airport eventually called snap presidential elections proclaimed winner results widely regarded fraudulent leading people power revolution allies fled hawaii widow recognized president contemporary history return democracy government reforms beginning hampered national debt government corruption coup attempts disasters persistent communist military conflict administration forces withdrew philippines rejection bases extension treaty leading official transfer clark air base november bay government december administration faced series natural disasters including eruption mount june introducing constitution limited presidents single term stand election succeeded won philippine presidential election held period economy known tiger economy asia average growth rate political stability economic improvements peace agreement national liberation overshadowed onset asian financial crisis presidency death penalty revived light rape case person executed leo successor joseph assumed office june managed regain economy growth amidst asian financial crisis government announced war islamic liberation march camps including headquarters insurgents middle ongoing conflict accusations alleged corruption stalled process administration overthrown revolution succeeded vice president january year administration economy experienced growth growth completion infrastructure projects like line managed avoid great recession tied political scandals like hello scandal pertaining alleged manipulation votes presidential elections november massacre led murder journalists iii won national elections served 15th president philippines youngest person elected president bachelor beginning manila hostage crisis caused deeply strained relations manila hong_kong time previous years framework agreement signed october step creation autonomous political entity named territorial disputes eastern south china sea escalated economy performed growth second fastest asia signed enhanced basic education act commonly known program aiming enhance educational system country november typhoon struck heavily devastated country especially april united_states president barack_obama visited philippines enhanced defense cooperation agreement signed january january pope francis stayed philippines series publicity tours paid visits victims typhoon january members philippine national police special action force killed clash took place putting efforts pass basic law law december won miss universe making filipino win miss universe title following january philippine supreme_court upheld enhanced defense cooperation agreement paving way return united_states armed forces bases country march launched international space station country micro satellite satellite built designed city mayor won presidential election president sur representative won vice presidency july permanent court arbitration ruled favor philippines case china claims south china sea politics philippines democratic government form constitutional republic presidential system governed state exception autonomous region muslim largely free national government attempts change government federal parliamentary government administration president functions head state head government commander chief armed forces president elected popular vote single year term cabinet congress composed senate serving upper house members elected year term house_of_representatives serving lower house members elected year term senators elected large representatives elected legislative districts representation judicial power supreme_court composed chief justice presiding officer fourteen associate justices appointed president nominations submitted judicial bar council foreign relations philippines international relations based trade nations million overseas living outside country founding active member united_nations philippines elected times security council president united_nations general_assembly country active participant human rights council missions particularly east addition membership united_nations philippines founding active member association southeast asian nations organization designed strengthen relations promote economic cultural growth states southeast asian region hosted active contributor direction policies philippines values relations united_states supported united_states cold war war terror major non nato ally despite history goodwill controversies related presence military bases bay clark current visiting forces agreement time time japan biggest contributor official development assistance country thought friend historical tensions exist issues plight comfort women animosity inspired memories world war faded relations nations generally positive shared democratic values ease relations western european countries similar economic concerns help relations developing countries historical ties cultural similarities serve bridge relations spain despite issues domestic abuse war affecting overseas filipino workers relations middle eastern countries friendly seen continuous employment million overseas living communism longer threat hostile relations 1950s philippines china improved greatly issues involving taiwan islands concerns expanding chinese influence encourage degree caution recent foreign policy economic relations southeast asian asia pacific neighbors philippines active member east asia summit asia pacific economic cooperation latin union group non aligned movement seeking strengthen relations islamic countries campaigning observer status organisation islamic cooperation military armed forces philippines responsible national security consist branches philippine air_force philippine army philippine navy includes marine_corps armed forces philippines volunteer force civilian security handled philippine national police department interior local government autonomous region muslim largest organization national liberation engaging government politically militant groups like islamic liberation communist new people army previously kidnapped foreigners ransom particularly southern island presence decreased recent years successful security provided philippine government percent philippines spent military forces regional average malaysia thailand estimated spend china vietnam south_korea philippines ally united_states world war mutual defense treaty countries signed philippines supported american policies cold war participated korean vietnam wars member dissolved group intended serve role similar nato included australia france new_zealand pakistan thailand united_kingdom united_states start war terror philippines coalition gave support united_states iraq administrative divisions philippines divided island groups divided regions provinces cities municipalities addition section republic act asserts definition territorial sea philippine archipelago affect claim eastern geography philippines archipelago composed islands total land area including inland bodies water approximately square kilometers kilometers coastline makes country 5th longest coastline world located latitude bordered philippine sea east south china sea west sea south island borneo located kilometers southwest taiwan located directly north located south southwest located east islands mountainous islands covered tropical volcanic origin highest mountain mount measures meters sea level located island depth philippine trench deepest point country deepest world trench located philippine sea longest river river northern manila bay shore capital city manila lies connected bay largest lake philippines river bay gulf gulf important bays san separates islands traversed san bridge situated western fringes pacific ring fire philippines experiences frequent seismic volcanic activity plateau east philippine sea region active earthquakes registered daily weak felt major earthquake earthquake active volcano mount volcano eruption mount june produced second largest terrestrial eruption 20th century notable geographic features violent destructive legacy geological disturbances puerto subterranean river area represents habitat biodiversity conservation site contains mountain sea ecosystem important forests asia volcanic nature islands mineral deposits abundant country estimated second largest gold deposits south_africa largest copper deposits world rich despite poor management high population density environmental consciousness resulted mineral resources remaining largely energy product volcanic activity philippines successfully philippines world second biggest producer united_states country electricity needs met power wildlife philippines extensive coastlines home diverse range birds plants animals sea creatures countries land species found philippines including species bird species thought exist philippines highest rates discovery world sixteen new species mammals discovered years rate philippines risen likely continue rise philippines lacks large predators exception snakes birds prey national bird known philippine eagle scientists suggest largest eagle world largest captivity known locally captured southern island native animals include palm cat cloud rat philippine associated estimated plant species country unique islands philippine array flora including rare types philippine maritime waters encompass square kilometers producing unique diverse marine life important coral triangle total number marine fish species estimated respectively new records species discoveries continuously increase numbers marine resources philippines reef sea declared world heritage site philippine waters sustain cultivation crabs result illegal logging acute problem philippines forest cover declined philippines total land area species endangered scientists southeast_asia philippines faces catastrophic extinction rate end 21st century according conservation international country nations entirety country placing priority global conservation climate philippines tropical maritime climate usually hot humid seasons tag tag hot dry season summer march tag rainy season june november tag cool dry season december february southwest monsoon october known dry winds northeast monsoon november april temperatures usually range cooler depending season month january average yearly temperature considering temperature location terms latitude significant factor extreme north south east west country temperatures sea level tend range altitude usually impact average annual temperature elevation meters sea level making popular destination hot summers sitting typhoon belt islands experience annual torrential rains thunderstorms july october nineteen entering philippine area responsibility typical year making landfall annual rainfall measures millimeters mountainous east_coast section millimeters sheltered valleys known tropical cyclone impact archipelago july cyclone dropped millimeters rainfall hour period local term tropical cyclone philippines economy philippine economy 39th largest world estimated gross domestic product nominal billion primary exports include electronic products transport equipment copper products petroleum products oil fruits major trading partners include united_states japan china singapore south_korea netherlands hong_kong germany taiwan thailand unit currency philippine newly country philippine economy transitioning based agriculture economy emphasis services manufacturing country total labor force million agricultural sector employs labor force accounts industrial sector employs workforce accounts workers involved services sector responsible unemployment rate december stands lower charges basic inflation rate november gross international reserves october billion debt ratio continues decline march record high country net nation world war philippines time regarded second wealthiest east asia japan 1960s economic performance started overtaken economy dictatorship president ferdinand regime spawned economic political country suffered slow economic growth bouts economic recession 1990s program economic economy begin recover asian financial crisis affected economy resulting lingering decline value falls stock market extent affected initially severe asian neighbors largely fiscal government partly result decades monitoring fiscal supervision international monetary fund comparison massive spending neighbors rapid acceleration economic growth signs progress economy experienced growth fastest pace growth decades average annual growth capita period stands comparison average east asia pacific region daily income population philippines remains economy heavily reliant overseas surpass foreign direct investment source foreign currency peaked national philippines total worth foreign exchange billion regional development uneven metro manila particular gaining new economic growth expense regions government taken steps distribute economic growth promoting investment areas country despite constraints service industries tourism business process identified areas best opportunities growth country includes country list economies china india emerged major economic competitors estimates year 20th largest economy world projects philippine economy 16th largest economy world 5th largest economy asia largest economy south east asian region philippines member world bank international monetary fund world trade organization asian development bank headquartered plan groups institutions transportation transportation infrastructure philippines relatively partly mountainous terrain scattered geography islands result consistently low investment infrastructure successive governments national went infrastructure development lower neighbors kilometers roads philippines roads paved president iii administration projects initiated attempt improve country infrastructure transportation systems buses commonly available major cities towns million registered motor vehicles increasing average annual rate civil aviation authority philippines manages airports implementation policies safe air travel public airports currently operational international airport serves greater manila area clark international airport philippine asia oldest commercial airline operating original pacific leading low cost airline major serving domestic international destinations highways located island including pan philippine highway connecting islands north expressway south expressway clark expressway rail transport philippines plays role transporting passengers metro manila area served rapid transit lines past railways served major parts railroad services available islands railways agricultural purposes especially tobacco sugar cane production rail freight transportation currently non existent transportation systems currently development implementing pre feasibility studies automated transit called hybrid electric road train long articulated bus tested archipelago inter island travel necessary busiest manila travel lines serve manila links cities towns passenger vessels kilometer strong republic nautical highway integrated set highway segments ferry routes covering cities established river ferry service serves major rivers metro manila including river river having numerous stops manila science technology philippines pursued efforts improve field science technology department science technology governing agency responsible development coordination technology related projects philippines national scientist philippines award given individuals contributed different field science country notable filipino scientists include maria food famous formulated food products like banana del pioneering work active medical practice spanned decades physician dubbed father nuclear medicine philippines contributions field nuclear medicine inventor known method induce flowers trees research organizations include international rice research institute international independent research training organization established headquarters los focusing development new rice varieties rice crop management techniques help farmers country improve lives philippines bought satellite philippines micro satellite launched aboard spacecraft communications philippines sophisticated cellular phone industry high concentration users text popular form communication nation sent average billion sms messages day million mobile phone users use phones virtual making leader developing nations providing financial transactions cellular networks philippine long distance telephone company commonly known leading telecommunications provider largest company country national telecommunications commission agency responsible supervision control telecommunications services country approximately radio stations television cable television stations march country went live internet connection serviced sprint california estimates internet penetration philippines vary widely ranging low million high million people social networking watching videos frequent internet activities tourism travel tourism sector major contributor economy contributing philippine providing jobs percent total employment international visitors arrived january june period south_korea china japan accounted americas accounted europe department tourism responsibility management promotion tourism sector country rich biodiversity main tourist attractions beaches mountains islands diving spots popular tourist destinations archipelago consisting islands philippines numerous beaches caves rock formations white sand beaches named best island world travel leisure rice historic town chocolate hills cross reef highlights achievements government philippines high access improved water source creation financially sustainable water service providers water districts small medium towns continuous long term support national agency local water utilities administration improvement access service quality efficiency manila high water concessions awarded challenges include limited access services high pollution water resources poor drinking water quality poor service quality executive functions national level numerous agencies service provision local level small service providers reported joint monitoring programme water supply population access improved good progress access improved reported similar urban rural population demographics population philippines increased approximately million growth time frame official census philippines carried recorded population estimated half population resides island population growth rate decreased estimated period remains contentious issue population median age years aged years old life birth years years females years males united_states immigration laws number people united_states having filipino ancestry grown substantially estimated million living overseas according official count population philippines hit million time midnight july making 12th country reach number cities metro manila populous defined metropolitan areas philippines 11th populous world census data showed population comprising national population including suburbs adjacent provinces greater manila population million metro manila gross regional product estimated billion constant prices accounts nation manila ranked 28th wealthiest urban world 2nd southeast_asia ethnic groups according census broken yield distinct non tribal groups like indigenous peoples like tribes generally belong asian ethnic groups classified speaking people believed thousands years ago speaking migrated philippines taiwan bringing knowledge agriculture ocean sailing eventually displacing earlier groups islands considered earliest inhabitants islands crossroads west east philippines home migrants places diverse china spain mexico united_states india south_korea japan important non indigenous minorities chinese chinese descendants immigrants china number million estimated million partial chinese ancestry stemming colonial chinese migrants groups evident major cities urban areas population old settlements city partial hispanic ancestry varying points origin ranging latin_america spain recent genetic studies confirm partial european latin american ancestry important non indigenous minorities include indians anglo americans japanese people descendants mixed couples known languages lists individual languages philippines living languages longer known speakers native languages philippine branch languages branch language family language classified language language mexican spanish classified romance language filipino english official languages country filipino standardized version spoken mainly metro manila urban regions filipino english government education print broadcast media business people outside cities speak english towns local indigenous language spoken philippine constitution provides promotion spanish arabic voluntary optional basis wide scale past spanish widely late nineteenth century declined greatly use experiencing revival government promotions arabic mainly islamic schools spanish present today indigenous philippine languages nineteen regional languages act auxiliary official languages instruction indigenous languages languages prevalent respective provinces languages indigenous islands taught select schools chinese schools catering chinese filipino community islamic schools teach modern standard arabic curriculum french german japanese korean spanish taught help foreign linguistic institutions department education began teaching languages indonesian malaysian religion philippines officially secular state christianity dominant faith catholic_church data found population professed catholicism regularly attend mass identify religious total population philippine independent church notable independent catholic notable country islam second largest religion muslim population philippines reported total population according census returns report national commission muslim majority muslims live region practice islam school unknown number form population catholicism historic dominance steadily declining adherents considering leaving church estimated total population practice philippine traditional religions practices folk beliefs christianity islam buddhism practiced population concentrated chinese descent remaining population divided number religious groups including jews health increasing number private health providers healthcare came private expenditures government total expenditures health sector target health expenditure represented total government spending capita total expenditure average exchange rate budget allocation healthcare billion million person increase budget record high collection taxes house bill commonly known sin tax bill estimated physicians people nurses hospital bed people retention skilled practitioners problem nursing graduates overseas work philippines biggest supplier nurses export hospitals government run private diseases account deaths according official estimates cases human virus hiv reported developed acquired immune syndrome aids despite increase hiv aids cases april people anti therapy country low hiv prevalence country adult population estimated hiv positive education philippines simple literacy rate males females philippines functional literacy rate males females literacy females greater males education spending accounts proposed national budget commission higher education lists higher education institutions public private classes start june end march majority colleges universities follow semester calendar june october november march number foreign schools study programs year elementary year high school education mandatory additional years added government agencies involved education department education covers elementary secondary education technical education skills development authority post secondary middle level education training development commission higher education college graduate academic programs degrees regulate standards higher education regions nationwide mainly muslim areas auspices program department education public universities non entities classified state universities colleges local colleges universities university philippines national university philippines culture philippine culture combination eastern western cultures philippines exhibits aspects found asian countries heritage culture displays significant number spanish american influences traditional festivities known district festivals commemorate feast days patron saints common community celebrations times music dancing festivals couple known traditions changing gradually forgotten modernization philippine national folk dance company lauded preserving traditional folk dances found philippines famed iconic performances philippine dances feature bamboo poles sur known hispanic style houses buildings preserved visible hispanic prevalence spanish names spanish surname necessarily denote spanish ancestry unique people asia came result colonial governor general ordered systematic distribution family names implementation hispanic nomenclature population names streets towns provinces spanish spanish architecture left imprint philippines way towns designed central square plaza mayor buildings bearing influence demolished world war examples remain mainly country churches government buildings universities philippine baroque churches included list world heritage sites san church manila church santa church sur santo church lot colonial constructed american occupation country seen commercial buildings houses churches era abundant city especially real certain areas country like slight differences spanish filipino ways life differently climate limestone coral building materials castles primary shelter people prior spanish conquest philippines common use english language example american impact philippine society contributed ready acceptance influence american pop cultural trends affinity seen love fast food american film music fast food outlets found street corners american global fast food chain entered market local fast food chains like notably leading fast food chain country emerged compete successfully foreign rivals music philippine music evolved rapidly different influences stemming countries spanish conquest islands music reminiscent heavily influenced nature examples tribal music genre accompanied music known instrument spanish era music traditional string orchestra type instruments widespread philippines refers group instruments played pick filipino instruments indigenous philippine wood picks shell instruments composing standard filipino string found philippines string guitar double bass filipino instruments modeled developed guitar prevalent time songs courtship rituals diego pianist pianist composer recognized musicians era american pop culture heavy hold evolved spanish times american occupation happened korean pop dominating recent music scene media revival spanish influence folk music different choir groups country like philippine singers visual art pottery weaving art forms showcasing filipino artistic design evident cave dwellings country anthropomorphic dating weaving women fibers cotton bark clothes hats utilized carry grain foods early philippine sculpture characterized frontal nudity earliest forms peoples serve assurance original function sculptures related ceremonies beliefs tribes created arab russian missionaries brought type carvings form beginnings sculpture type started spanish colonization country hinder creating sculptures objects time sculptures deities saints teach christian doctrines american faith discouraged order churches exposure painting happened spain conquered philippines religious propaganda displayed churches education progressed wealth increased artists started shift traditional religious motifs secular pattern imagery paintings early modernist painters domingo religious association art juan showed trend political statement philippine national artist post produce paintings illustrated aspects philippine culture artists realistic abstract techniques modern period integration architecture art style happened examples seen statues country especially public parks spaces values general description distinct value system rooted primarily personal alliance systems especially based obligation friendship religion particularly christianity commercial relationships filipino values centered maintaining social harmony motivated primarily desire accepted group main values concepts roughly translated sense shame self esteem social approval acceptance group belonging group major concerns caring think strong influences social behavior elements filipino value system optimism future present situations events concern care people existence friendship habit religious nature self respect female members society fear god acts cheating world popularity formal female beauty contests diminished remain popular widespread philippines closely followed event country major national miss philippines earth miss world philippines garnered miss world miss universe miss international miss earth miss titles dance like evolution philippine music dance constant change prior colonial rule philippines wide array ethnic dances different tribal groups mainly fact philippines island different varieties dance developed akin tribal movements spanish came represents array muslim inspired dances spanish influence minimal region universal dances philippines found societal functions rituals life cycle parties spanish era dances accompanied music usually string invented type instruments locally evolved culture famous dance known called band musicians play beat bamboo poles usually starts men women acting scene rural dancers bamboo poles held opposite sides end displays paired bamboo poles crossing muslim version bamboo poles called modern post modern time periods dances vary delicate ballet street oriented styles cuisine philippine cuisine evolved centuries origins mixed cuisine hispanic chinese american asian influences adapted local ingredients filipino create filipino dishes dishes range simple like meal fried fish rice elaborate created popular dishes include halo halo common local ingredients cooking kind short wide fish sauce filipino taste tend favor robust cuisine neighbors unlike asian counterparts eat use western possibly rice primary staple food popularity large number main dishes philippine cuisine main pairing seen filipino dining table fork knife fork traditional way eating hands known washed right hand bringing food mouth previously seen areas filipino restaurants introduced filipino food people filipino fast popular recent trend incorporates fight concept popularized coined philippine army banana leaves giant plates rice portions filipino placed friendly communal literature philippine mythology handed primarily traditional oral folk literature filipino people unique ethnic group stories myths tell hindu spanish influences nonetheless detected cases philippine mythology consists creation stories stories supernatural creatures nature popular figures philippine maria philippine literature comprises works usually written filipino spanish english known created 17th 19th century example famous epic eponymous magical bird allegedly written francisco poet playwright wrote recognized writer filipino language wrote novels touch known reign greed considered national hero depiction spanish rule death firing squad inspired philippine revolutionaries seek independence filipino writers awarded national artist philippines francisco nick media philippine media uses mainly filipino english philippine languages including languages especially radio ability reach remote rural locations serviced kinds media dominant television networks extensive radio presence entertainment industry vibrant feeds supply details celebrities daily scandals drama fantasy shows anticipated latin anime daytime television dominated game shows variety shows talk shows eat showtime philippine cinema long history popular domestically faced increasing competition american asian european films critically acclaimed directors actors include films like manila claws light miracle recent years common celebrities television movies moving politics provoking concerns sports sports popular philippines including basketball boxing football soccer american football codes rugby football pin bowling chess cycling popular basketball played amateur professional levels considered popular sport philippines named fighter decade 2000s decade boxing writers association america world boxing council world boxing organization national martial art sport country regions philippines participated summer olympic games country southeast_asia compete win medal country competed summer olympic games participated american led boycott summer olympics philippines tropical nation compete winter olympic games debuting edition internationally philippines documented successes beauty closely followed event country philippines received miss world miss universe miss international miss earth miss titles making country complete major titles games traditional philippine games played primarily children games youth traditional native philippine board game card games popular festivities including form illegal gambling played philippine communities popular entertainment especially filipino men existed prior arrival spanish chronicler documented kingdom popular toy philippines introduced modern form coming language


hong_kong hong_kong chinese literally harbour harbour officially hong_kong special administrative region people republic china autonomous territory south mainland china pearl river estuary asia pacific million residents total land sea area km2 hong_kong world fourth densely populated sovereign state territory war hong_kong british colony perpetual hong_kong island followed peninsula year lease new territories hong_kong later occupied japan second world war british control resumed early 1980s negotiations united_kingdom china resulted sino british joint declaration paved way transfer sovereignty hong_kong special administrative region high degree autonomy principle country systems hong_kong maintains executive legislative judiciary powers including independent legal system public security force monetary system customs policy immigration policy state council china responsible military defence foreign affairs addition hong_kong develops relations directly foreign states international organisations broad range appropriate fields hong_kong world significant financial centres having highest financial development index score ranked world competitive economy world world visited city service sector dominated economy characterised free trade low taxation consistently listed market economy world hong_kong ranks capita suffers severe income inequality developed economies world housing 44th largest economy purchasing power terms world hong_kong issues world 13th traded currency hong_kong dollar hong_kong known skyline deep natural harbour territory second largest number high rises urban world highly developed public transportation network covers population widest world air pollution largely nearby industries mainland china loose emissions standards resulted high level atmospheric furthermore territory affected political issues centred achieving democratic suffrage tensions central chinese government hong_kong people enjoy world highest quality life longest life highest national estimate etymology known responsible hong_kong generally believed early rendering pronunciation spoken meaning harbour harbour referred small inlet harbour form literally means little hong_kong island south hong_kong island points contact british sailors local fishermen early contacts likely hong_kong early inhabitants equally probable early faithful execution speech detailed accurate systems available use time reference refer sweet taste harbour fresh water influx pearl river factories lining coast north stored near harbour export development victoria harbour treaty signed hong_kong recorded official documents encompass entirety island written single word government adopted current form number century old institutions retain single word form post electric shanghai banking corporation official hong_kong special administrative region people republic china official title mentioned hong_kong basic law hong_kong government website hong_kong special administrative region hong_kong widely accepted hong_kong carried nicknames famous pearl orient reflected impressive night view city light decorations sides victoria harbour territory known asia world city history pre colonial archaeological studies support human presence lap area hong_kong international airport years ago peninsula years ago cove earliest sites human hong_kong period believed cove river valley settlement manufacturing site excavated artefacts suggested cultural differences culture northern china settlement people prior migration hong_kong dated dynasty china discovered surrounding islands ancient china emperor china conquered tribes modern region vietnam incorporated territory imperial china time modern hong_kong assigned modern district near capital city dynasty territory ruled county till dynasty area hong_kong consolidated kingdom southern founded general collapse short lived dynasty kingdom conquered han dynasty hong_kong assigned archaeological evidence indicates population increased early salt production flourished time period han tomb peninsula believed built han dynasty imperial china dynasty early period dynasty territory comprises hong_kong governed county dynasty region flourished international trading center region hong_kong new territories served port naval base salt production centre later base exploitation island salt production centre salt riots broke government dynasty region flourished regional trading centre emperor established military stronghold western hong_kong defend coastal area region village school college established modern day new territories northern song dynasty defeat southern song court briefly moved modern day city sung site final defeat battle mid dynasty early dynasty territory comprises hong_kong governed county dynasty area governed county british government indigenous inhabitants hong_kong identified including earliest european visitor record portuguese explorer arrived having founded establishment portuguese merchants began trading southern china subsequent military clashes china portugal led expulsion portuguese merchants rest china century order closed door isolation policy enforced strictly forbade maritime activities order prevent contact foreigners sea hong_kong directly affected great clearance emperor required evacuation coastal areas people hong_kong county forced inland evacuated said returned evacuation rescinded british crown colony refusal authorities support imports caused outbreak war british_empire empire defeat resulted occupation hong_kong island british forces january initially ceded convention agreement captain charles governor dispute high ranking officials countries led failure treaty ratification august hong_kong island formally ceded united_kingdom great_britain ireland treaty british officially established crown colony founded city victoria following year population hong_kong island union flag raised possession point january consisted fishermen settlements scattered coastal 1850s large number chinese immigrants crossed free border escape rebellion natural disasters flooding famine mainland china play role establishing hong_kong place safe shelter conflicts trade britain quickly escalated second war following anglo french victory crown colony expanded include peninsula south boundary street island ceded british convention beijing britain obtained year lease convention extension hong_kong territory hong_kong obtained year lease island area north boundary street river outlying islands hong_kong soon major thanks free port status attracting new immigrants settle china europe alike society remained racially segregated british colonial policies despite rise british educated chinese upper class century race laws peak reservation ordinance prevented ethnic chinese hong_kong acquiring houses reserved areas victoria peak time majority chinese population hong_kong political representation british colonial government small number chinese british governors relied sir robert served government local population hong_kong continued experience modest growth half 20th century university hong_kong established territory oldest higher education institute exodus residents fear german attack british colony world war hong_kong remained peaceful population increased reached million cecil 17th governor hong_kong fluent need translator introduced ethnic chinese executive council unofficial member tenure airport entered operation raf aviation clubs second sino japanese war broke japanese empire expanded territories northeastern china mainland proper safeguard hong_kong governor declared crown colony neutral zone japanese occupation military campaign southeast_asia second world war japanese army moved south mainland china attacked hong_kong december battle hong_kong ended british canadian defenders surrendering control hong_kong japan december regarded locals black christmas japanese occupation hong_kong japanese army committed atrocities civilians stephen college massacre local residents suffered widespread food shortages limited hyper inflation arising forced exchange currency hong_kong dollars japanese military initial ratio gradually ownership hong_kong dollars declared illegal harsh torture starvation forced slave labour mainland china population hong_kong million britain resumed control colony august resumption british rule hong_kong population recovered quickly war wave skilled migrants china flooded refuge chinese civil war communists gained control mainland china skilled migrants fled open border fear persecution newcomers especially based major port cities shanghai established corporations medium sized businesses shifted base operations british hong_kong chinese communist_party establishment socialist state china october caused british colonial government reconsider hong_kong open border mainland china boundary zone zone potential military attacks communist china border posts north hong_kong began operation regulate movement people goods british hong_kong 1950s hong_kong asian tiger economies rapid driven textile exports manufacturing industries exports goods china population grew labour costs remaining low living standards began rise steadily construction estate marked beginning public housing estate programme provide shelter privileged cope influx immigrants sir murray 25th governor hong_kong series reforms improved public services environment housing welfare education infrastructure hong_kong british hong_kong longest serving governor end tenure popular known figures crown colony laid foundation hong_kong establish key global city 1980s early 1990s resolve traffic congestion provide reliable means crossing victoria harbour rapid transit railway system metro planned 1970s onwards island line hong_kong island line peninsula east line urban new territories opened early 1980s hong_kong manufacturing gradually declined rising labour property costs new development southern china open door policy introduced opened china foreign business early 1990s hong_kong established global financial centre london new_york regional hub logistics freight fastest growing economies asia world market policy hong_kong question facing uncertain future hong_kong governor raised question late 1970s united_kingdom hong_kong british dependent territory british overseas territory global territories british_empire talks negotiations began china concluded sino british joint declaration countries agreed transfer hong_kong sovereignty china july hong_kong remain autonomous special administrative region able retain free market economy british common law hong_kong basic law independent representation international organisations treaty arrangements policy making foreign diplomacy military defence stipulated hong_kong retain laws guaranteed high degree autonomy years transfer hong_kong basic law based english law serve constitutional document transfer ratified lease new territories created problems business contracts property confidence foreign investors special administrative region status transfer sovereignty july transfer sovereignty hong_kong united_kingdom people republic china took place officially marking end hong_kong years british colonial governance far largest remaining colony united_kingdom loss hong_kong effectively represented end british_empire time hong_kong switched country administration overnight china special administrative region pro beijing business elected hong_kong chief executive selected electorate televised ceremony transition chinese rule soon hong_kong china city suffered economic double blow asian financial crisis bird flu december officials destroy million chickens ducks contain virus spreading subsequently housing policy disrupted market supply sent properties prices hong_kong caused bankrupt negative equity hong_kong affected outbreak severe acute respiratory syndrome world health organization reported infected deaths hong_kong estimated million hong_kong dollars million contracts lost result epidemic distrust communist_party china remained strong initial years chinese rule legacy democratic reforms chris china refused recognise legitimacy legislative council hong_kong direct election provisional legislative council hong_kong unable draft new bills new legislation completed year term legislative council hong_kong resumed function election despite unopposed election july government attempt complete legislation basic law article national security aroused strong suspicion hong_kong citizens article granting police force right access private property reason national security court coupled years economic hardships following asian financial crisis mass demonstration broke july government ministers eventually march sir chief secretary administration official british hong_kong government entered election appointed beijing second chief executive hong_kong june won second term office following chief executive election managed voting hong_kong hosted 5th east asian games national teams competed games largest international multi sport event organised hosted city major infrastructure tourist projects began sir second term including hong_kong tan line new metro line new cultural complex west cultural district tensions mainland china hong_kong china increasing social tension hong_kong residents mainland chinese cultural linguistic differences accusations behaviour spending habits mainland chinese visitors territory survey sample base hong_kong shows respondents considered chinese citizens considered hong_kong citizens chief executive elections saw beijing backed candidate elected votes committee panel selected representatives assumed office july social conflicts influenced mass protests primarily caused chinese government proposal electoral reform debates china vision granting hong_kong democracy escalated diplomatic rows china united_kingdom governance hong_kong enjoys high degree autonomy political judicial systems operate independently mainland china accordance sino british joint declaration underlying principle country systems hong_kong high degree autonomy special administrative region areas defence foreign affairs declaration region maintain capitalist economic system guarantees rights freedoms people years guarantees territory autonomy individual rights freedoms hong_kong basic law territory constitutional document outlines system governance hong_kong special administrative region subject interpretation standing committee national people congress primary pillars government executive council civil service legislative council judiciary executive council headed chief executive elected election committee appointed central people government civil service politically neutral body policies provides government services public servants appointed based legislative council members seats directly elected universal suffrage permanent residents hong_kong according geographical district council functional constituency seats functional directly elected smaller electorate consists corporate bodies persons stipulated functional sectors entire council headed president legislative council serves speaker judges appointed chief executive recommendation independent commission implementation basic law including universal suffrage promised achieved major issue political debate transfer sovereignty government proposed anti bill article basic law required enactment laws prohibiting acts treason chinese government met fierce opposition eventually shelved debate pro beijing groups tend support executive branch pan democracy camp hong_kong political scene supporting faster pace principle man vote government failed gain pan democrat support pass called district council model political reform government reissued proposals consultation document methods selecting chief executive forming document proposed election committee hong_kong electoral college members expansion legislature seats new legislative seats consist geographical constituency seats functional constituency seats voted elected district council members proposals destined rejection pan democrats significant breakthrough occurred central government beijing accepted counter proposal democratic_party particular pan democracy camp split proposal directly elect newly created functional seats acceptable constituent parties democratic_party sided government time passed proposals vote august china disapproved democracy hong_kong ruling candidates run elections leader chosen nomination committee legal system judiciary hong_kong legal system completely independent legal system mainland china contrast mainland china civil law system hong_kong continues follow english common law tradition established british rule essence english common law judges sitting courts applying legal precedent facts example murder common law crime established act parliament common law amended repealed parliament murder example carries mandatory life sentence death penalty according article basic law hong_kong courts refer decisions rendered courts common law jurisdictions judges common law jurisdictions commonly england canada australia allowed sit non permanent judges court final appeal structurally court system consists court final appeal high_court court appeal court instance district court includes family court bodies include lands tribunal courts juvenile court court labour tribunal small claims tribunal articles tribunal justices court final appeal appointed hong_kong chief executive court final appeal power final respect law hong_kong power final interpretation local laws including power strike local grounds basic law department justice responsible handling legal matters government responsibilities include providing legal advice criminal prosecution civil representation legal policy drafting reform international legal operation different jurisdictions apart criminal cases lawyers department justice act behalf government civil administrative lawsuits government protector public interest department apply judicial reviews intervene cases involving greater public interest basic law protects department justice interference government exercising control criminal prosecution foreign relations hong_kong continues play active role international arena maintains close contact international partners basic law hong_kong exclusively charge external relations whilst government china responsible foreign affairs according basic law hong_kong hong_kong china maintain develop relations conclude implement agreements foreign states regions relevant international organisations appropriate fields including economic trade financial monetary shipping communications tourism cultural sports fields separate customs territory hong_kong maintains develops relations foreign states regions plays active role international organisations world trade organization asia pacific economic cooperation international olympic committee international federation association football international basketball federation right hong_kong china special conditions hong_kong international partners usually exercise particular policies maintain relations hong_kong united_states hong_kong policy act large foreign representation hong_kong including general officially recognised international bodies office european_union hong_kong special status countries general operate independently beijing example general hong_kong jurisdiction embassy beijing reports directly department state similarly british general reports directly foreign commonwealth office instead british ambassador beijing human rights hong_kong government generally respects human rights citizens members legislative council hong_kong district council hong_kong elected office hong_kong citizens members district council rural committee new territories fifth district council assembly roughly half legislative council seats elected people hong_kong functional constituency voting power led widespread criticism inability represent socio economic needs addition chief executive hong_kong elected members based contributions different sectors hong_kong society policy received criticism political figures hong_kong led umbrella revolution plans expand voting population begun appear 2000s political figures government provide universal suffrage restrictions freedom press freedom assembly workers complaints employers face dismissed jobs law racial discrimination cover immigrants workers police accused heavy handed tactics protesters public rallies controversy extensive powers police covert surveillance major concern hong_kong higher age consent illegal homosexual acts internet censorship hong_kong operates different principles regulations mainland china november newly established innovation technology bureau pushed legislation copyright amendment bill popularly known internet article severely limit legality derivative works activities previously permitted internet supporters bill point fact hong_kong protection intellectual property rights detractors state creative work internet exempt legislation ordinance severely violate human rights regions districts hong_kong consists regions hong_kong island new territories regions subdivided geographic districts represented district council advises government local matters public facilities community programmes cultural activities environmental improvements total district council seats elected rest appointed chief executive rural committees home affairs department government policies plans public district offices hong_kong system government local government existed municipal councils abolished formal definition cities towns military hong_kong sovereignty transferred people republic china july british barracks replaced garrison people liberation army comprising ground naval air forces come command chinese central military commission basic law hong_kong protects local civil affairs interference garrison members garrison subject hong_kong laws hong_kong government remains responsible maintenance public order ask government assistance garrison maintaining public order disaster relief government responsible costs maintaining garrison january hong_kong army cadets association formed hong_kong children years old inauguration ceremony held naval base hong_kong pro beijing press invited venue geography climate hong_kong located china south coast east opposite pearl river delta surrounded south china sea east south west borders city north river territory km2 area consists hong_kong island peninsula new territories offshore islands largest island total area km2 land km2 water hong_kong claims territorial waters distance nautical miles land area makes hong_kong largest inhabited territory world hong_kong terrain hilly mountainous steep slopes territory developed remaining land area reserved country parks nature reserves low altitude vegetation hong_kong dominated secondary primary forest cleared second world war higher altitudes dominated territory urban development exists peninsula northern edge hong_kong island scattered settlements new territories highest elevation territory metres sea level hong_kong long irregular coast provides bays rivers beaches september listed hong_kong national global network hong_kong areas distributed volcanic rock region northeast new territories rock region despite hong_kong reputation intensely territory tried promote green environment recent growing public concern prompted severe restriction land victoria harbour awareness environment growing hong_kong suffers increasing pollution compounded geography tall buildings approximately city originates parts pearl river delta situated south cancer hong_kong humid subtropical climate summer hot humid occasional showers thunderstorms warm air coming southwest occur summer result flooding landslides winters mild usually start sunny february occasional cold brings strong cooling winds north temperate seasons spring autumn generally sunny dry snowfall extremely rare usually occurs areas high elevation hong_kong averages hours sunshine year highest lowest recorded temperatures hong_kong observatory august january respectively highest lowest recorded temperatures hong_kong hand happy valley august january respectively data beginning highest lowest temperatures recorded hong_kong international airport august january respectively economy world leading international financial centres hong_kong major capitalist service economy characterised low taxation free trade currency hong_kong dollar eighth traded currency world hong_kong described world greatest experiment capitalism instituted regime regulations including minimum wage maintains highly developed capitalist economy ranked world index economic freedom year important centre international finance trade greatest concentrations corporate headquarters asia pacific region known asian tigers high growth rates rapid development 1960s 1990s hong_kong gross domestic product grew times capita increased times hong_kong stock exchange seventh largest world market december year hong_kong raised percent worldwide initial public offering capital making largest centre world easiest place raise capital hong_kong dollar dollar hong_kong government traditionally played passive role economy little way industrial policy import export controls market forces private sector allowed determine practical development official policy positive non hong_kong cited example capitalism following second world war hong_kong rapidly manufacturing centre driven exports underwent rapid transition service based economy 1980s grown leading centre management financial business consultation professional services hong_kong matured financial centre 1990s greatly affected asian financial crisis outbreak revival external domestic demand led strong recovery cost decreases strengthened hong_kong exports long period ended government intervention initiated later colonial governments continued steadily increased introduction export credit guarantees compulsory pension scheme minimum wage anti discrimination laws state mortgage territory little land natural resources imports food raw materials imports account hong_kong food supply including nearly meat rice available agricultural activity relatively hong_kong economy contributing primarily consists growing premium food flower varieties hong_kong world eleventh largest trading entity total value imports exports exceeding gross domestic product world largest export centre hong_kong exports consist exports products outside territory especially mainland china distributed hong_kong physical location allowed city establish transportation logistics infrastructure includes world second busiest container port world busiest airport international cargo transfer sovereignty hong_kong established extensive trade investment ties mainland enable serve point entry investment flowing mainland end million people employed time unemployment rate averaging fourth straight year decline hong_kong economy dominated service sector accounts industry constitutes inflation hong_kong largest export markets mainland china united_states japan hong_kong eighth expensive city falling fifth position previous year hong_kong ranked fourth terms highest percentage millionaire households switzerland singapore percent households owning million dollars hong_kong ranked second world capita people hong_kong ranked second ease business index singapore hong_kong ranked world capitalism index economist hong_kong eleventh popular destination international tourists countries territories worldwide total million visitors contributing total million international tourism receipts hong_kong popular city tourists nearly times nearest competitor infrastructure hong_kong transportation network highly developed daily travels million public transport highest percentage world payment octopus card stored value system introduced mass transit railway widely accepted railways buses ferries accepted like cash outlets city main railway company merged creating comprehensive rail network territory called rapid transit system stations serve million people day hong_kong served territory covers northern parts hong_kong island hong_kong bus service run private operators privately owned companies provide bus service territory operating routes largest motor bus providing routes new territories operating routes hong_kong island run cross harbour services double buses introduced hong_kong exclusively single buses remain use routes lower demand roads lower load capacity public light buses serve parts hong_kong particularly areas standard bus lines reach reach frequently quickly directly star ferry service founded operates lines victoria harbour provides scenic views hong_kong skyline daily passengers acquired iconic status following use setting world travel writer ryan considered main central route picturesque world ferry services provided operators serving outlying islands new towns cities mainland china hong_kong famous traversing harbour small ferries serve remote coastal settlements port hong_kong busy port container shipping hong_kong island steep hilly terrain initially served chairs peak public transport system hong_kong provided vertical rail transport central victoria peak central western district extensive system moving including longest outdoor covered system world mid levels hong_kong international airport leading air passenger gateway logistics hub asia world busiest airports terms international passenger cargo movement serving million passengers handling million tonnes million tons cargo replaced airport rated world best airport number surveys operate terminal airport primary hub pacific air hong_kong hong_kong hong_kong express providing adequate water supply hong_kong difficult region natural lakes rivers inadequate sources inaccessible cases hard granite bedrock found areas territory high population density extreme variations rainfall percent water demand met water river neighbouring province addition freshwater demand curtailed use toilet separate distribution system demographics territory population million average annual growth rate previous years current population hong_kong comprises ethnic chinese major hong_kong speaking majority originated neighbouring province fled second sino japanese war chinese civil war communist rule china residents mainland automatically receive right enter territory freely like non natives apply right seven years continuous residency rights acquired marriage right work include right vote stand office influx immigrants mainland china year significant contributor population growth daily mainland chinese family ties hong_kong granted way permit life hong_kong years males years females making highest life world people hong_kong chinese descent majority people hong_kong han majority originate mainly regions province remaining population composed non ethnic chinese south asian population indians vietnamese refugees permanent residents hong_kong americans canadians japanese working city commercial financial sector foreign domestic indonesia philippines working hong_kong hong_kong facto official language variety chinese originating province north hong_kong english official language according census spoken percent population everyday language percent population second language signs displaying chinese english common territory increase immigrants mainland china greater interaction mainland economy brought increasing number speakers hong_kong religion majority residents hong_kong religious affiliation form according department state percent population practices form religion figures higher according poll hong_kong residents believe religion possibly hong_kong claim religion hong_kong teaching evolution won curriculum dispute teach explanations intelligent design form senior secondary biology curriculum hong_kong enjoys high degree religious freedom guaranteed basic law hong_kong main religions buddhism local religious scholar contact major denominations estimates approximately million christian community forms total population forms larger number roman catholics rate smaller christian communities exist including day saints witnesses anglican roman catholic churches freely appoint bishops unlike mainland china muslim jewish hindu communities practice tolerated personal income hong_kong income gap largest asia pacific according report united_nations human settlements programme hong_kong highest asia relatively high international standards government stressed income poverty situation strictly comparable regions government named economic restructuring changes household sizes increase high income jobs factors education hong_kong education system roughly follow system england international systems exist government maintains policy mother tongue instruction chinese medium instruction written chinese english schools english teaching language secondary schools proficiency emphasised language education increasing programme international student assessment ranked hong_kong education system second best world hong_kong public schools operated education bureau system features non compulsory year followed compulsory year primary education compulsory year junior secondary education non compulsory year senior secondary education leading hong_kong certificate education examinations year course leading hong_kong advanced level examinations new senior secondary academic structure curriculum implemented september provides students receive years compulsory junior years compulsory senior secondary education new curriculum public examination hong_kong diploma secondary education comprehensive schools hong_kong fall categories public schools common schools including government aids grant schools private schools run christian organisations having based academic merit financial resources outside system schools direct scheme private international schools public private universities hong_kong oldest university hong_kong established chinese university hong_kong founded fulfill need university medium instruction chinese competition students receive offer undergraduate programme fierce annual number limited especially disciplines offered select institutions like medicine provided merely medical schools territory faculty medicine university hong_kong faculty medicine chinese university hong_kong addition public post secondary institutions number private higher institutions offer higher associate degree courses fail enter college degree study boost qualification education second chance getting university good performance sub degree courses health private hospitals public hospitals hong_kong little interaction public private healthcare hospitals offer wide range healthcare services territory private hospitals considered world class according estimates hong_kong longest life country territory world hong_kong women longest living demographic group world medical schools territory based chinese university hong_kong university hong_kong links public sector hospitals respect education traditionally doctors hong_kong looked overseas training took british royal college exams hong_kong developing medical institutions particular hong_kong academy medicine gradually taking responsibility medical training territory growing concerns mothers mainland china bid obtain right hong_kong benefits come saturated city hospitals public private led protest local pregnant women government remedy issue found difficulty securing bed space giving birth routine check ups concerns decade relate workload medical staff experience medical errors frequently highlighted local news culture hong_kong frequently described place east meets west reflecting culture mix territory chinese roots influences time british colony concepts like taken seriously expensive construction projects hiring expert believed break business objects like mirrors regularly evil spirits buildings lack floor number similarity word die fusion east west hong_kong cuisine dim sum hot pot fast food restaurants cuisine hong_kong recognised global centre trade calls entertainment hub martial arts film genre gained high level popularity late 1960s 1970s hollywood performers notable actors martial artists originated hong_kong cinema notably bruce lee fat jet number hong_kong film makers achieved widespread fame hollywood john stephen films express affairs soccer rumble mood love echoes rainbow gained international recognition hong_kong centre music draws influence forms chinese music western genres multinational fanbase hong_kong government supports cultural institutions hong_kong heritage museum hong_kong museum art hong_kong academy performing arts hong_kong orchestra government leisure cultural services department sponsors international performers brought hong_kong international cultural activities organised government privately hong_kong licensed terrestrial broadcasters local number foreign suppliers cable satellite services production hong_kong soap dramas comedy series variety shows reach audiences chinese speaking world magazine newspaper publishers hong_kong distribute print chinese english focus celebrity gossip media hong_kong relatively free official interference compared mainland china far eastern economic review points signs self censorship media owners close ties business interests people republic china states western media outlets immune growing chinese economic power hong_kong offers wide recreational competitive sport opportunities despite limited land area sends delegates international competitions olympic games asian games played host equestrian events summer olympics major venues like hong_kong stadium hong_kong steep terrain extensive trail network expansive views attracts rugged coastline provides beaches swimming sport sports hong_kong significant culture mainly british influence going far late 19th century hong_kong earlier introduction western athletics compared asia regions football cricket basketball swimming table tennis cycling running participants spectators hong_kong successfully organised east asian games major international sporting events including equestrian summer olympics hong_kong hong_kong marathon asian cup east asian cup hong_kong tennis classic premier league asia trophy lunar new year cup held territory hong_kong athletes seven sports ranking world athletes sports asia ranking hong_kong athletes disabilities equally impressive performance having won world championships asian championships architecture according hong_kong puts city world rankings buildings taller feet city high density tall skyline hong_kong urban area lack available space average distance harbour steep hills hong_kong island reclaimed land lack space causes demand dense high rise offices housing thirty world tallest residential buildings hong_kong people hong_kong live work 14th floor earth making world vertical city result lack space demand construction older buildings remain city centre modern architecture international commerce centre high tallest building hong_kong tallest world height roof measurement tallest building prior international finance centre high skyline features include headquarters building triangular topped central plaza pyramid shaped center night time multi coloured neon light symphony lights bank china tower sharp angular façade according website city skyline biggest visual impact world cities hong_kong skyline regarded best world surrounding mountains victoria harbour oldest remaining historic structures including clock tower central police station remains walled city constructed 19th early 20th centuries development plans place including construction new government buildings waterfront redevelopment central series projects west high rise development set place victoria harbour closure nearby airport lifted strict height restrictions urban renewal authority highly active older areas including redevelopment town centre approach criticised impact cultural identity city lower income residents