Macau
19068
225673691
2008-07-14T21:01:21Z
71.215.83.22
<!--This article is in Commonwealth English-->
{{Mergefrom|Historic Centre of Macau|Talk:Macau#Merger proposal|date=April 2008}}
{{otheruses}}
{{Infobox Country
|native_name = <span style="line-height:1.33em;">澳門特別行政區 <br/>''Região Administrativa Especial de Macau''<br/>Macau Special Administrative Region</span>
|common_name = Macau
|demonym = Macanese
|image_flag = Flag of Macau.svg
|image_coat = Coat of arms of Macao.svg
|symbol_type = Coat of arms
|symbol_type_article = Coat_of_arms
|image_map = Macau CN.png
|image_map2 = Macau Location.png
|national_anthem = ''[[March of the Volunteers]]''
|official_languages = [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]], [[Chinese language|Chinese]] ([[Cantonese (linguistics)|Cantonese]])<ref>The [[Macau Basic Law]] states that the official languages are "Chinese and Portuguese." It does not explicitly specify the standard for "Chinese". While [[Standard Mandarin]] and [[Simplified Chinese character]]s are used as the spoken and written standards in [[mainland China]], [[Standard Cantonese|Cantonese]] and [[Traditional Chinese character]]s are the long-established ''[[de facto]]'' standards in Macau.</ref>
|capital = <!-- leave this blank, the template parameter is optional and this comment removes it from display, Macau has no capitol -->
|largest_settlement_type = freguesia (population)
|largest_settlement = [[Our Lady of Fatima Parish|Freguesia de Nossa Senhora de Fátima]]
|government_type =
|leader_title1 = [[Chief Executive of Macau|Chief Executive]]
|leader_name1 = [[Edmund Ho Hau-wah]]
|sovereignty_type = Establishment
|established_event1 = [[Portugal]]-administered trading post
|established_date1 = 1557
|established_event2 = Portuguese colony
|established_date2 = [[December 1]] [[1887]]
|established_event3 = [[Transfer of the sovereignty of Macau|Transfer of sovereignty to the PRC]]</small>
|established_date3 = <br/>[[December 20]] [[1999]]
|area_rank = not ranked
|area_magnitude = 1 E10
|area_km2 = 28.6
|area_sq_mi = 11.04 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|percent_water = 0
|population_estimate = 520,400<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.dsec.gov.mo/index.asp?src=/english/indicator/e_dem_indicator_1.html |title=Estimates of population|accessdate=2006-12-04|publisher= Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) of the Macau Government}}</ref>
|population_estimate_rank = 167th
|population_estimate_year = 2007 (1st qtr)
|population_census = 431,000
|population_census_year = 2000
|population_density_km2 = 17,310
|population_density_sq_mi = 44,784 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|population_density_rank = 1st
|GDP_nominal = US$15,997 m <!-- from the data of DSEC -->
|GDP_nominal_rank = 94th
|GDP_nominal_year = 2007
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = US$36,357<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dsec.gov.mo//english/indicator/e_pib_indicator_1.html |title=Gross domestic product (GDP) and per-capita GDP|accessdate=2007-06-03|publisher=Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) of the Macau Government}}</ref>
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank =
|GDP_PPP = US$17,600 m <!-- worldbank -->
|GDP_PPP_rank = 99th
|GDP_PPP_year = 2006
|GDP_PPP_per_capita =
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank =
|HDI ={{steady}}0.909<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dsec.gov.mo/english/indicator/e_mn_indicator.html |title=2007 Macau in Figures |accessdate=2007-06-03|publisher=Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) of the Macau Government}}</ref>
|HDI_rank = 25th
|HDI_year = 2004
|HDI_category = <font color="#009900">high</font>
|currency = [[Macanese pataca]]
|currency_code = MOP
|country_code =
|time_zone = [[Macau Standard Time|MST]]
|utc_offset = +8
|time_zone_DST = not observed
|utc_offset_DST =
|cctld = [[.mo]]
|calling_code = 853
}}
{{coor title dms|22|10|00|N|113|33|00|E|}}
The '''Macau Special Administrative Region''', commonly known as '''Macau''' or '''Macao''' ({{IPAEng|mækaʊ}}, {{zh-tsp|t=[[wiktionary:澳|澳]][[wiktionary:門|門]]|s=[[wiktionary:澳|澳]][[wiktionary:门|门]]|p=Aòmén; [[jyutping]]: ou3 mun4}})<!--DO NOT REMOVE: both simplified and traditional must be included per [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style (use of Chinese language)#Simplified and Traditional]]-->, is one of the two [[special administrative region (People's Republic of China)|special administrative regions]] of the [[People's Republic of China]], the other being [[Hong Kong]]. Macau lies on the western side of the [[Pearl River Delta]], bordering [[Guangdong province]] in the north and facing the [[South China Sea]] in the east and south.<ref name="M475">Macau Yearbook 2007, 475.</ref> The territory has thriving industries such as textiles, electronics and toys, and a notable tourist industry that boasts a wide range of hotels, resorts, stadiums, restaurants and casinos. This makes it one of the richest cities in the world.<ref name="C12">Chan, 12-13.</ref>
Macau was both the first and the last European colony in China.<ref>Fung, 5.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/566301.stm|title=Macau and the end of empire |accessdate=2008-01-07|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> Portuguese traders first settled in Macau in the 16th century and subsequently administered the region until the [[Transfer of the sovereignty of Macau|handover on December 20, 1999]]. The [[Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration]] and the [[Basic Law of Macau]] stipulate that Macau operates with a high degree of [[Autonomous entity|autonomy]] until at least 2049, fifty years after the transfer.<ref name=blm>{{cite web|url=http://www.umac.mo/basiclaw/english/main.html|title=Content of Basic Law of Macau|accessdate=2008-01-07|publisher=University of Macau}}</ref> Under the policy of "[[one country, two systems]]", the [[Central People's Government]] is responsible for the territory's defense and foreign affairs, while Macau maintains its own [[Legal system of Macau|legal system]], [[Law enforcement in Macau|police force]], monetary system, customs policy, [[Immigration to Macau|immigration policy]], and delegates to international organisations and events.<ref name=blm/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imprensa.macau.gov.mo/bo/i/88/23/dc/en/|title=Joint declaration of the Government of the People's Republic of China and The Government of the Republic of Portugal on the question of Macau|accessdate=2008-01-07|publisher=GPB Govt of Macau}}</ref>
== Etymology ==
{{main|Names of Macau}}
Before the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] settlement in the early 16th century, Macau was known as ''Haojing'' (Oyster Mirror) or ''Jinghai'' (Mirror Sea).<ref name="M517">Macau Yearbook 2007, 517.</ref> The name ''Macau'' is thought to be derived from the ''[[Templo de A-Má]]'', a temple built in 1448 dedicated to [[Matsu (goddess)|Matsu]] - the goddess of seafarers and fishermen. It is said that when the Portuguese sailors landed at the coast just outside the temple and asked the name of the place, the natives replied "A-Ma-Gao" (Bay of A-Ma). The Portuguese then named the peninsula Macau.<ref>Fung, 298.</ref>
==History==
{{main|History of Macau|Transfer of the sovereignty of Macau}}
The recorded history of Macau can be traced back to the [[Qin Dynasty]] (221–206 BC), when the region now called Macau came under the jurisdiction of [[Panyu County]], [[Nanhai|Nanhai Prefecture]] of the province of [[Guangdong]].<ref name="M517"/> The first recorded inhabitants of the area were people seeking refuge in Macau from invading [[Mongols]], during the [[Southern Song Dynasty]].<ref name="Macau history in Macau encyclopedia">{{cite web|url=http://www.macaudata.com/macauweb/Encyclopedia/html/44907.htm|title=The entry "Macau history" in Macau Encyclopedia|accessdate=2008-01-02|publisher=Macau Foundation|language=Chinese}}</ref> Later in the [[Ming Dynasty]] (1368–1644 AD), fishermen migrated to Macau from various parts of Guangdong and [[Fujian]] provinces. However, Macau did not develop as a major settlement until the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century.<ref>Chan, 3-4.</ref> In 1535, the Portuguese traders obtained the rights to anchor ships in Macau's harbours and the right to carry out trading activities, though not the right to stay onshore.<ref>Fung, 5-6.</ref> Around 1552–1553, they obtained a temporary permission to erect storage sheds onshore, in order to dry out goods drenched by sea water.<ref name="F7">Fung, 7.</ref> They later built some rudimentary stone-houses around the area now called Nam Van. In 1557, the Portuguese establish a permanent settlement in Macau, at an annual rent of 500 [[tael]]s of silver.<ref name="F7" />
[[Image:Saopaulo Chinnery.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ruins of St. Paul's|St. Paul's Cathedral]] by [[George Chinnery]] (1774—1852). The cathedral was built in 1602 and destroyed by fire in 1835. Today only the southern stone façade remains.]]
Since then, more Portuguese settled in Macau to engage in trading activities, and there were demands for self-administration, but did not achieved until 1840s<ref><Historical figures of Macau>, by CCTV</ref>. In 1576, Macau was established as an [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Macau|episcopal see]] by [[Pope Gregory XIII]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macaudata.com/macauweb/Encyclopedia/html/11502.htm|title=The entry "Catholic" in Macau Encyclopedia|publisher=Macau Foundation|accessdate=2008-01-06|language=Chinese}}</ref> In 1583, the Portuguese in Macau were permitted to form a Senate to handle various issues concerning their social and economic affairs under strict supervision of the Chinese authority,<ref><Historical figures of Macau> by CCTV</ref> but there was no transfer of sovereignty.<ref name="Macau history in Macau encyclopedia"/> Macau prospered as a port but was the target of repeated failed attempts<ref>《HIstory if the Qing清史稿》</ref> by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] to conquer it in the 17th century. Following the [[Opium War]] (1839–42), Portugal occupied [[Taipa]] and [[Coloane]] in 1851 and 1864 respectively. In 1887, the [[Qing]] government was forced to sign the [[Sino-Portuguese Treaty of Peking|Sino-Portuguese Treaty of Amity and Commerce]], under which China ceded to Portugal the right of "perpetual occupation and government of Macau"; conversely, Portugal pledged to seek China's approval before transferring Macau to another country. Macau officially became a Portuguese colony.<ref name="Macau history in Macau encyclopedia"/>
After the Qing Dynasty was overthrown following the [[Xinhai Revolution]], in 1928 the [[Kuomintang]] government officially notified Portugal that it was abrogating the former treaty,<ref name="M518">Macau Yearbook 2007, 518.</ref> and in its place the Sino-Portuguese Friendship and Trade Treaty was signed. Making only a few provisions concerning tariff principles and matters relating to business affairs, the treaty failed to mention the question with regard to the sovereignty of Macau. Consequently, the situation of Portuguese occupation and government of Macau remained unchanged.<ref>Fung, 409-410.</ref> After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the Beijing government declared the Sino-Portuguese Treaty of Amity and Commerce to be invalid as an “[[unequal treaty]]” imposed by foreigners on China. However, Beijing was not ready to settle the treaty question, leaving the maintenance of “the status quo” until a more appropriate time.<ref>Fung, 410-411.</ref>
[[Image:Portuguese Government of Macau flag.gif|thumb|right|The flag used by the Portuguese Government of Macau until 1999.]]
In 1966, with the general dissatisfaction of the Portuguese government and under the influence of the [[Cultural Revolution]] in mainland China, more serious riots broke out in Macau. The most serious one is the so-called [[12-3 incident]] that resulted in more than 200 people killed or injured.<ref name="12-3 incident in Macau encyclopedia">{{cite web|url=http://www.macaudata.com/macauweb/Encyclopedia/html/08701.htm|title=The entry "12-3 Incident" in Macau Encyclopedia|accessdate=2008-01-02|publisher=Macau Foundation|language=Chinese}}</ref><ref name=Lo Shiu-hing>{{cite journal|author=Lo Shiu-hing|title=Aspects of Political Development in Macau|journal=The China Quarterly|volume=120|month=December|year=1989|pages=837–851}}</ref> On [[January 28]] [[1967]] the Portuguese government signed a statement of apology. This marked the beginning of equal treatment and recognition of Chinese identity and of ''de facto'' Chinese control of the colony, as an official apology underlined the fact that after 1949, administration of Macau continued only at the behest of the mainland communist government.<ref name=Lo Shiu-hing/> Shortly after the [[Carnation Revolution|leftist military coup of 1974]] in [[Lisbon]], the newly assigned [[Portuguese government|government of Portugal]] was determined to relinquish all its overseas possessions. In 1976, Lisbon redefined Macau as a "Chinese territory under Portuguese administration," and granted it a large measure of administrative, financial and economic autonomy. Portugal and China agreed in 1979 to regard Macau as "a Chinese territory under (temporary) Portuguese administration".<ref name="Macau history in Macau encyclopedia" /><ref>Fung, 418.</ref> Negotiations between the Chinese and Portuguese governments on the question of Macau started in June 1986. In 1987, an international treaty, known as the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration, was signed to make Macau a special administrative region (SAR) of China.<ref>Fung, 424.</ref> The Chinese government assumed sovereignty over Macau on [[December 20]] [[1999]].<ref>Macau Yearbook 2007, 519-520</ref>
== Government and politics ==
{{main|Politics of Macau|Legislative Assembly of Macau|Legal system of Macau|Municipalities of Macau}}
[[Image:特首辦.jpg|thumb|right| Headquarters of the Government of Macau, previously the Governor's House until 1999.]]
[[Image:Almacau.JPG|thumb|right|Office building of the [[Legislative Assembly of Macau]].]]
The Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, Macau's constitution promulgated by China's [[National People's Congress]] in 1993, specify that Macau's social and economic system, lifestyle, rights, and freedoms are to remain unchanged for at least 50 years after the transfer of sovereignty to China in 1999.<ref name=blm/> Under the principle of "one country, two systems", Macau enjoys a high degree of autonomy in all areas except in defence and foreign affairs.<ref name=blm/> Macau officials, rather than PRC officials, run Macau through the exercise of separate executive, legislative, and judicial powers, as well as the right to final adjudication.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imprensa.macau.gov.mo/bo/i/1999/leibasica/index_uk.asp#c2|title=Basic Law of Macau Chapter II: Relationship between the Central Authorities and the Macau Special Administrative Region|accessdate=2008-01-03|publisher=Government Printing Bureau}}</ref> Macau maintains its own separate [[Macanese pataca|currency]], customs territory, immigration and border controls, and police force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imprensa.macau.gov.mo/bo/i/1999/leibasica/index_uk.asp#c5|title=Basic Law of Macau Chapter V: The Economy|accessdate=2008-01-03|publisher=Government Printing Bureau}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imprensa.macau.gov.mo/bo/i/1999/leibasica/index_uk.asp#c7|title=Basic Law of Macau Chapter VII: External Affairs|accessdate=2008-01-03|publisher=Government Printing Bureau}}</ref>
The Macau government is headed by the [[Chief Executive of Macau|chief executive]], who is appointed by the central government upon the recommendation of an election committee, whose three hundred members are nominated by corporate and community bodies. The recommendation is made by an election within the committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imprensa.macau.gov.mo/bo/i/2004/14/lei03_en.asp#c4a32|title=Election of the Chief Executive|accessdate=2006-09-05|publisher=Government Printing Bureau}}</ref> The chief executive's cabinet comprise five policy secretaries and is advised by the Executive Council that has between seven and eleven members.<ref name="Macau 2007 Yearbook">{{cite book|author=|year=2007|title=Macau 2007 Yearbook|publisher=Government Information Bureau of Macau SAR|isbn=978-99937-56-09-5}}</ref> [[Edmund Ho Hau Wah]], a community leader and former banker, is the first chief executive of the Macau SAR, replacing [[Vasco Joaquim Rocha Vieira|General Vasco Rocha Vieira]] at midnight on [[December 20]] [[1999]]. Ho is currently serving his second term of office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lanzhou.china.com.cn/english/NM-e/105438.htm|accessdate=2008-01-07|title=Edmund Ho Wins Election for 2nd Term|publisher=Xinhua News Agency}}</ref>
The legislative organ of the territory is the [[Legislative Assembly of Macau|Legislative Assembly]], a 29-member body comprising 12 directly elected members, ten indirectly elected members representing [[functional constituencies]] and seven members appointed by the chief executive.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al.gov.mo/en/en.htm#Composition|accessdate=2006-09-05|title=Introduction of the Legislative Assembly of the Macau Special Administrative Region|publisher=The Legislative Assembly of Macau}}</ref> Any permanent residents at or over 18 years of age are eligible to vote in direct elections.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2123.html|accessdate=2008-01-07|title=List of Suffrage|publisher=CIA - The World Factbook}}</ref> For indirect election, it is only limited to organisations registered as "corporate voters" and a 300-member election committee drawn from broad regional groupings, municipal organisations, and central governmental bodies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200403/31/eng20040331_139074.shtml|accessdate=2008-01-07|title=Polls favor indirect vote of Macau's next chief executive|publisher=(Source: Xinhua)People's Daily Online}}</ref> The basic and original framework of the legal system of Macau, based largely on [[Portuguese law]] or Portuguese civil law system, is preserved after 1999. The territory has its own independent judicial system, with a high court. Judges are selected by a committee and appointed by the chief executive. Foreign judges may serve on the courts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unesco.org.mo/eng/law/4judicialSystem.html |title=Brief Introduction of Judicial System of Macau SAR|accessdate=2006-09-05|author=Sam Hou Fai|publisher=UNESCO|}}</ref> Macau has a three-tier court system: the Court of the First Instance, the Court of the Second Instance and the [[Court of Final Appeal (Macau)|Court of Final Appeal]].<ref name="Legal System of Macau">{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/7066.htm|title=Background Note: Macau - Government|publisher=Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State|accessdate=2007-05-24}}</ref>
==Geography==
{{main|Geography of Macau}}
[[Image:Macau-CIA WFB Map.png|thumb|The map of Macau, showing [[Macau Peninsula]], [[Cotai]], [[Taipa]] and [[Coloane]].]]
Macau is situated {{convert|60|km|mi|0}} southwest of [[Hong Kong]] and {{convert|145|km|mi|0}} from Guangzhou.<ref name=Asiarooms>{{cite web|url=http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/macau/macau-overview/macau-geography.html|title=Macau Geography|accessdate=2008-01-06|publisher=AsiaRooms.com}}</ref><ref name="M475"/> It consists of the [[Macau Peninsula]] itself and the islands of [[Taipa]] and [[Coloane]]. The peninsula is formed by the [[Zhujiang]] (Pearl River) [[estuary]] on the east and the [[Xijiang]] (West River) on the west.<ref name=Asiarooms/> It borders the [[Zhuhai]] [[Special Economic Zone]] in mainland China. The main border crossing between Macau and China is known as the [[Portas do Cerco]] (Barrier Gate) on the Macau side, and the Gongbei checkpoint on the Zhuhai side.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsgd.com/citiesandtowns/zhuhai/news/200603030050.htm|title=Zhuhai Gongbei Checkpoint Opens Earlier|accessdate=2008-01-06|author=Yan|publisher=New Guangdong newsgd}}</ref> Macau Peninsula was originally an island, but a connecting [[sandbar]] gradually turned into a narrow [[isthmus]], thus changing Macau into a peninsula. Land reclamation in the 17th century transformed Macau into a peninsula with generally flat terrain, though numerous steep hills still mark the original land mass.<ref name=Asiarooms/> Alto de Coloane is the highest point in Macau, with an altitude of {{convert|170.6|m|ft|1}}.<ref name="M475"/> With a dense [[urbanisation|urban environment]], Macau has no arable land, pastures, forest, or woodland.
Macau has a humid [[subtropical climate]], with average humidity between 75% and 90%.<ref name=aaa>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/153/climate/Far-East-Asia/Macau.html|title=Macau Climate, Temp, Rainfall and Humidity|accessdate=2008-01-06|publisher=Nexus Business Media Limited}}</ref> Seasonal climate is greatly influenced by the [[monsoon]]s and therefore temperature difference between summer and winter is significant. The average annual temperature of Macau is {{convert|22.3|°C|°F|1|lk=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smg.gov.mo/smg/centenary2/index_four.htm |title=100 years of Macau Climate |accessdate=2006-09-05|publisher=Direcção dos Serviços Meteorológicos e Geofísicos}}</ref> July is the warmest month, with average temperature being {{convert|28.6|°C|°F|1}}. The coolest month is January, with average temperature {{convert|14.5|°C|°F|1}}.<ref name=aaa/> Located in the coastal region of south of China, Macau has ample rainfall, with average annual [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] being {{convert|2030|mm|in|1}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/CHXX0512?from=search The Weather Channel for Macau, China |title=The Weather Channel for Macau, China |accessdate=2007-11-12|publisher=weather.com}}</ref> However, winter is mostly dry due to the monsoon from mainland China. Autumn in Macau (i.e. October to December) is sunny and warm with low humidity. Winter (i.e. January to March) is relatively cold but sunny. In spring (i.e. start from April), the humidity starts to increase and in summer (i.e. May to September) the climate is warm to hot and humid with rain and occasional typhoons.<ref name=aaa/>
<!--Infobox begins-->{{Infobox Weather
|metric_first= Yes
|single_line= Yes
|location = Macau
|Jan_Hi_°C = 18
|Feb_Hi_°C = 18
|Mar_Hi_°C = 21
|Apr_Hi_°C = 24
|May_Hi_°C = 28
|Jun_Hi_°C = 31
|Jul_Hi_°C = 32
|Aug_Hi_°C = 32
|Sep_Hi_°C = 30
|Oct_Hi_°C = 28
|Nov_Hi_°C = 24
|Dec_Hi_°C = 19
|Year_Hi_°C = 25.4
|Jan_Lo_°C = 13
|Feb_Lo_°C = 13
|Mar_Lo_°C = 16
|Apr_Lo_°C = 20
|May_Lo_°C = 24
|Jun_Lo_°C = 26
|Jul_Lo_°C = 27
|Aug_Lo_°C = 27
|Sep_Lo_°C = 26
|Oct_Lo_°C = 23
|Nov_Lo_°C = 18
|Dec_Lo_°C = 14
|Year_Lo_°C = 20.5
<!--**** use mm or cm but not both! ****-->
|Jan_Precip_mm = 32.4
|Feb_Precip_mm = 58.8
|Mar_Precip_mm = 82.5
|Apr_Precip_mm = 217.4
|May_Precip_mm = 361.9
|Jun_Precip_mm = 339.7
|Jul_Precip_mm = 289.8
|Aug_Precip_mm = 351.6
|Sep_Precip_mm = 194.1
|Oct_Precip_mm = 116.9
|Nov_Precip_mm = 42.6
|Dec_Precip_mm = 35.2
|Year_Precip_mm = 2122.9
|source = WMO - Macau<ref name="WMO - Macau, China">{{cite web
|url = http://www.worldweather.org/072/c00156.htm|title=WMO - Macau, China|accessdate=2007-11-12}}</ref>
|accessdate=2007-11-12
}}<!--Infobox ends-->
==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Macau}}
{| cellpadding="1" style="float: left; margin: 0em 1em 1em 0em; border:1px #bbbbbb solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;"
|- align="center" bgcolor=salmon
!colspan=3|Employed population by</br>occupation 2007<ref name="DSEC">{{cite web|url=http://www.dsec.gov.mo//english/indicator/e_ie_indicator_8.html
|title=Employed population by occupation|accessdate=2007-12-27|publisher=Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) of the Macau Government}}</ref>
|- align=center bgcolor=lightsalmon
|Occupation|| no.</br>('000)
|- align="center"
|Senior officials/managers || 14.6
|- align="center"
|Professionals|| 9.9
|- align="center"
|Technicians|| 28.1
|- align="center"
|Clerks|| 83.7
|- align="center"
|Service & sale workers|| 63.2
|- align="center"
|Workers in agriculture/fishery|| 0.8
|- align="center"
|Craft & similar workers|| 33.7
|}
[[Image:Nightview of mtower.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Nightview of [[Macau Tower]], a communication and entertainment tower that has various restaurants, theaters, shopping malls and a variety of adventurous activities.]]
[[Image:Bnu-tower01.jpg|thumb|right|upright|The central business district of Macau. The building shown is the [[Banco Nacional Ultramarino|BNU tower]].]]
Macau's economy is based largely on tourism, much of it geared toward gambling. Other chief economic activities in Macau are export-geared textile and garment manufacturing, banking and other financial services.<ref name="C12"/> The clothing industry has provided about three quarters of export earnings, and the gaming, tourism and hospitality industry is estimated to contribute more than 50% of Macau's [[Gross domestic product|GDP]], and 70% of Macau government revenue.<ref name="Macau 2007 Yearbook" />
Macau is a founding member of the [[WTO]] and has maintained sound economic and trade relations with more than 120 countries and regions, with [[European Union]] and [[Community of Portuguese Language Countries|Portuguese-speaking countries]] in particular; Macau is also a member of the [[IMF]].<ref name="CIA factbook">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/mc.html|title=CIA the world factbook|accessdate=2007-11-15|publisher=CIA the World Factbook - Macau}}</ref> [[World Bank]] classifies Macau as a high income economy<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.worldbank.org/servlets/ECR?contentMDK=20421402&sitePK=239419#High_income High Income Group|title=Income Group - High Income, World Bank|accessdate=2007-11-15|publisher=World Bank}}</ref> and the GDP per capita of the region in 2006 was US$28,436. After the [[Transfer of the sovereignty of Macau|Handover]] in 1999, there has been a rapid rise in the number of mainland visitors due to China's easing of travel restrictions. Together with the liberalization of Macau's gaming industry in 2001 that induces significant investment inflows, the average [[Economic growth|growth rate]] of the economy between 2001 and 2006 is approximately 13.1% annually.<ref name="AMCMstat"> {{cite web |url=http://www.amcm.gov.mo/economic_statistics/economic.htm|title=Economic statistics from Monetary Authority of Macau|Publisher=AMCM|accessdate=2007-12-23}}</ref>
In a [[World Tourism Organization]] report of international tourism statistics for 2006, Macau ranked 21st in terms of tourist arrivals and 24th in terms of tourism receipts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://unwto.org/facts/eng/pdf/barometer/unwto_barom07_2_en.pdf UNWTO World Tourism Barameter|title=UNWTO World Tourism Barameter |date=June 2007 |accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)}}</ref> From 9.1 million visitors in 2000, arrivals to Macau has grown to 18.7 million visitors in 2005 and 22 million visitors in 2006,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dsec.gov.mo/index.asp?src=/english/indicator/e_tur_indicator_1.html
|title=Vistor arrivals by place of residence|accessdate=2006-09-05|publisher=Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) of the Macau Government
}}</ref> with over 50% of the arrivals coming from mainland China and another 30% from Hong Kong. Macau is expected to receive between 24 and 25 million visitors in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macauhub.com.mo/en/news.php?ID=2999|title=Macau expected to receive between 24 and 25 million tourists in 2007|accessdate=2007-03-15|publisher=MacauHub}}</ref> Since the Handover, [[Triad society|Triad]] underworld violence, a deterring factor for tourists, has virtually disappeared, to the benefit of the tourism sector.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinabusinessreview.com/public/9907/liao.html|title=Macau Aims for a Turnaround|accessdate=2008-01-06|author=Darlene M. Liao|publisher=The China Business Review}}</ref>
Starting in 1962, the gambling industry had been operated under a government-issued monopoly license by [[Stanley Ho]]'s [[Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau]]. The monopoly ended in 2002, and several casino owners from [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] attempted to enter the market. With the opening of the [[Sands Macau]], the largest casino in the world as measured by total number of table games,<ref name=sands>{{cite web|url=http://www.readybetgo.com/news/sands-Macau-largest--2277.html|title=Sands Macau-is the largest casino in the world|accessdate=2006-08-24|publisher=Ready Bet Go}}</ref> in 2004 and [[Wynn Macau]] in 2006,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.casinocitytimes.com/news/article.cfm?contentId=160162|title=Wynn Fine-Tuning Details at 600-Room Macau Resort|accessdate=2006-09-05|publisher=Gaming News}}</ref> gambling revenues from Macau's casinos were for the first time greater than those of [[Las Vegas Strip]] (each about $6 billion),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6083624.stm|title=Macau, a tiny special administrative region of China, appears to have overtaken the famous Las Vegas Strip as the world's top gambling destination|accessdate=2006-10-25|publisher=BBC News - Business}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/jun2006/pi20060608_011406.htm|title= Vegas vs. Macau, who will win?|accessdate=2006-09-09|author=|publisher=BusinessWeek Online (June 8 2006)|language=}}</ref> making Macau the highest-volume gambling centre in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/24/business/worldbusiness/24Macau.html?ex=1327294800&en=150850fd9370148a&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss|title=Asian Rival Moves Past Las Vegas |accessdate=2007-01-24|author=David Barboza|publisher=New York Times}}</ref> In 2007, [[Venetian Macau]], the second largest building in the world, opened its doors to the public, followed by [[MGM Grand Macau]]. Numerous other hotel casinos, including Galaxy Cotai Megaresort and [[Ponte 16]], are also to be opened in the near future.
In 2002, the Macau government ended the monopoly system and six casino operating concessions and subconcessions are granted to [[Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau]], [[Wynn Resorts]], [[Las Vegas Sands]], [[Galaxy entertainment|Galaxy Entertainment Group]], the partnership of [[MGM Mirage]] and Pansy Ho Chiu-king, and the partnership of Melco and PBL. Today, there are 16 casinos operated by the STDM, and they are still crucial in the casino industry in Macau, but in 2004, the opening of the [[Sands Macau]] ushered in the new era.<ref name=sands/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200112/16/eng20011216_86803.shtml|title=Monopoly on Macau's Gambling Industry to End |accessdate=2008-02-25|publisher=People's Daily}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-07/30/content_353166.htm|title=Gambling empire bets on rebranding|accessdate=2008-02-25|publisher=Chinadaily.com.cn}}</ref>
Macau is an [[offshore financial centre]], a [[tax haven]], and a [[free port]] with no foreign exchange control regimes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macaubusiness.com/index.php?id=666|accessdate=2007-09-05|title=Offshore Operation in Macau|author=Luis Pereira|publisher=Macau Business}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/np/mae/oshore/2000/eng/back.htm#table1|title=Countries, Territories, and Jurisdictions with Offshore Financial Centers|accessdate=2006-09-05|author=Errico and Musalem (1999)|publisher=IMF}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/macau/macau-overview/macau-currency.html|title=Macau Currency|accessdate=2008-01-02|author=|publisher=AsiaRooms.com}}</ref> The offshore finance business is regulated and supervised by the [[Monetary Authority of Macau]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amcm.gov.mo Monetary Authority of Macau|title=The homepage of Monetary Authority of Macau|accessdate=2007-11-15|author=|publisher=The Monetary Authority of Macau, the Govt. of Macau SAR|language=}}</ref> while the regulation and supervision of the offshore non-finance business is mainly controlled by the Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ipim.gov.mo/en/index2.asp IPIM|title=The Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute|accessdate=2007-11-15|publisher=The Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, the Govt. of Macau SAR}}</ref> In 2007, [[Moody's Investors Service]] upgraded Macau's foreign and local currency government issuer ratings to 'Aa3' from 'A1', citing its government's solid finances as a large net creditor. The rating agency also upgraded Macau's foreign currency bank deposit ceiling to 'Aa3' from 'A1'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hemscott.com/news/latest-news/item.do?newsId=47556025388962 Hemscott|title=the web site of Hemscott and Empowering Inverstors |accessdate=2007-11-15|publisher=Hemscott.com}}</ref>
As prescribed by the [[Macau Basic Law]], the [[Government of Macau|government]] follows the principle of keeping expenditure within the limits of revenues in drawing up its budget, and strive to achieve a [[Fiscal adjustment|fiscal balance]], avoid [[deficits]] and keep the budget commensurate with the growth rate of its [[gross domestic product]]. All the financial [[revenues]] of the Macau Special Administrative Region shall be managed and controlled by the Region itself and shall not be handed over to the [[Government of the People's Republic of China|Central People's Government]]. The Central People's Government shall not levy any [[taxes]] in the Macau Special Administrative Region.<ref name=BLM>{{cite web|url=http://www.umac.mo/basiclaw/english/main.html|title=Content - Basic Law of Macau |accessdate=2008-02-25|publisher=University of Macau}}</ref>
==Demographics==
{{main|Demographics of Macau|Religion in Macau}}
{| cellpadding="1" style="float:right; margin: 0em 1em 1em 0em; border:1px #bbbbbb solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;"
|- align="center" bgcolor=8899AA
!colspan=2|Residents' usual<br/> language spoken at home<ref name="2006 by-census">{{cite book|title=Global Results of By-Census 2006|year=2007|publisher=Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) of the Macau Government}}</ref>
|- align=center bgcolor=AABBCC
|Language|| Percentage of</br>population
|- align="center"
|[[Standard Cantonese|Cantonese]]||85.7%
|- align="center" bgcolor=EEEEEE
|[[Standard Mandarin|Mandarin]]||3.2%
|- align="center"
|[[Chinese dialect|Other</br>Chinese dialects]]||6.7%
|- align="center" bgcolor=EEEEEE
|[[Portuguese language|Portuguese]]||0.6%
|- align="center"
|[[English language|English]]||1.5%
|- align="center" bgcolor=EEEEEE
|Others||2.3%
|}
Macau is the [[List of countries by population density|most densely populated]] region in the world, with a population density of 18,428 persons per square kilometre (47,728/sq mi).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://esa.un.org/unpp|title=United Nations World Population Prospects (2004 revision)|accessdate=2008-01-07|publisher=UN Statistics Division}}</ref> 95% percent of Macau's population is Chinese; another 2% is of mixed Chinese/Portuguese descent, an ethnic group often referred to as [[Macanese people|Macanese]].<ref name="2006 by-census"/> According to the 2006 by-census, 47% of the residents were born in mainland China, of whom 74.1% born in [[Guangdong]] and 15.2% in [[Fujian]]. Meanwhile, 42.5% of the residents were born in Macau, and those born in Hong Kong, the Philippines and Portugal shared 3.7%, 2.0% and 0.3% respectively.<ref name="2006 by-census"/>
The growth of population in Macau mainly relies on immigrants from mainland China and the influx of overseas workers since its birth rate is one of the lowest in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2054rank.html|title=Rank Order - Birth rate|accessdate=2007-05-10|publisher=CIA - The World Factbook}}</ref> According to a recent survey conducted by the U.S. [[Central Intelligence Agency]] (CIA), Macau is among the top 10 countries/regions with the highest [[List of countries by life expectancy|life expectancy]] at birth,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html|title=Rank Order - Life expectancy at birth|accessdate=2007-05-10|publisher=CIA - The World Factbook}}</ref> while its [[List of countries by infant mortality rate|infant mortality rate]] ranks among the lowest in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2091rank.html|title=Rank Order - Infant mortality rate|accessdate=2007-05-10|publisher=CIA - The World Factbook}}</ref>
[[Image:Ruins of Saint Pauls.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ruins of St. Paul's]], the façade of what was originally the Cathedral of St. Paul built in 1602.]]
{{bar box
|title=Macau religiosity
|titlebar=#ddd
|left1=religion
|right1=percent
|float=left
|bars=
{{bar percent|Taoism and Buddhism|orange|73}}
{{bar percent|Mahayana Buddhism|yellow|17}}
{{bar percent|Christianity|blue|9}}
{{bar percent|Others|gray|1}}
}}
Both [[Chinese languages|Chinese]] ([[Cantonese (linguistics)|Cantonese]]) and [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] are Macau's official languages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/english/199912/17/eng19991217O101.html|title=Solution of Transition-Related Issues Essential to Sino-Portuguese Cooperation
|accessdate=2008-01-07|publisher=People's Daily Online}}</ref> Standard [[Macanese Portuguese]] is identical to [[European Portuguese]]. Other languages such as [[Standard Mandarin|Mandarin]], English and [[Min Nan|Hokkien]] are also spoken by some local communities.<ref name=MO>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mc.html|title=Macau Overview|accessdate=2008-01-07|publisher=CIA - The World Factbook}}</ref> The [[Macanese language]], a distinctive [[Creole language|creole]] generally known as ''Patuá'', is still spoken by several dozen Macanese.<ref>{{cite book |title=Maquista Chapado: Vocabulary and Expressions in Macau's Portuguese Creole |last=Fernandes |first=Senna|authorlink= |coauthors= |year=2004|publisher=Miguel de and Alan Baxter|location=Macau |isbn=|language =}}</ref>
Most Chinese in Macau are profoundly influenced by their own tradition and culture, of which [[Chinese folk religion]], that includes the faiths of [[Taoism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Confucianism]], forms an integral part.<ref name="Macau 2007 Yearbook" /> Macau has a sizable Christian community; [[Roman Catholics]] and [[Protestant]]s constitute 7% and 2% of the population respectively. In addition, 17% of the population follows distilled original [[Mahayana Buddhism]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/7066.htm|title=Background Note: Macau Profile|accessdate=2008-01-07|publisher=U.S. State Department}}</ref>
[[Image:Templo de A-Má.JPG|thumb|right|[[A-Ma Temple]], a temple built in 1448 dedicated to the goddess [[Matsu (goddess)|Matsu]].]]
Having an economy driven by tourism, 14.6% of Macau's workforce is employed in restaurants and hotels, and 10.3% in the gambling industry.<ref name=MO/> With the opening of several casino resorts and other major constructions underway, it is reported that many sectors experience a shortage of labour. The government responds by importing labour from other neighboring regions.
Currently the number of imported labours stands at a record high of 75,391 (Q2 2007), representing more than a quarter of the labour force in Macau.<ref name="pstat">{{cite web|url=http://www.dsec.gov.mo/index.asp?src=/english/indicator/e_piem_indicator.html|title=Principal statistical indicators|accessdate=2007-12-27|publisher=Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) of the Macau Government}}</ref> Some local workers complain about the lack of jobs due to the influx of cheap imported labour. Some also claim that the problem of illegal labour is severe.<ref> {{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6611245.stm|title=Rare Macau protest turns violent|accessdate=2007-12-27|author=|publisher=BBC News - Business|language=}}</ref> Another concern is the widening of income inequality in the region: Macau's [[Gini coefficient]], a popular measure of income inequality where a low value indicates a more equal income distribution, rises from 0.43 in 1998 to 0.48 in 2006. It is higher than those of other neighbouring regions, such as mainland China (0.447), [[South Korea]] (0.316) and [[Singapore]] (0.425).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/chinese/trad/hi/newsid_7160000/newsid_7165400/7165442.stm
|title=Profile of China: The problems behind Macau's prosperity |accessdate=2008-01-15|author=|publisher=BBC Chinese|language=Chinese}}</ref>.
In 2007, there were a total of 4,537 births and 1,545 deaths. [http://www.macaudailytimesnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9117&Itemid=28]
==Education==
{{main|Education in Macau}}
[[Image:UM Admin Building.jpg|thumb|right|The administrative building of the [[University of Macau]], the first modern university in the region.]]
A fifteen-year free education is currently being offered to residents, that includes a three-year kindergarten, followed by a six-year primary education and a six-year secondary education. Despite the fifteen-year free education, the [[literacy rate]] of the territory is only 93.5%. The illiterates are, however, mainly among the senior residents aged 65 or above; the younger generation, for example the population aged 15-29, has a literary rate of above 99%.<ref name="2006 by-census" /> Currently, there is only one school in Macau where Portuguese is the medium of instruction.
Macau does not have its own universal education system; non-tertiary schools follow either the British, the Chinese, or the Portuguese education system. There are currently 10 tertiary educational institutions in the region, four of them being public.<ref name="Macau 2007 Yearbook"/> In 2006, the [[Programme for International Student Assessment]], a world-wide test of 15-year-old schoolchildren's scholastic performance coordinated by [[OECD]], ranked Macau as the fifth and sixth in science and problem solving respectively.<ref name="OECD">{{cite web|url=http://www.pisa.oecd.org/document/2/0,3343,en_32252351_32236191_39718850_1_1_1_1,00.html|title=PISA 2006 Science Competencies for Tomorrow's World|accessdate=2008-01-10}}</ref> Nevertheless, education levels in Macau are low among high income regions. According to the 2006 by-census, among the resident population aged 14 and above, only 51.8% has a secondary education and 12.6% has a tertiary education.<ref name="2006 by-census"/>
As prescribed by the [[Macau Basic Law|Basic Law of Macau]] Chapter VI Article 121, the [[Government of Macau]] shall, on its own, formulate policies on [[education]], including policies regarding the educational system and its administration, the [[language]] of instruction, the allocation of funds, the [[examination]] system, the recognition of educational qualifications and the system of academic awards so as to promote educational development. The government shall also in accordance with law, gradually institute a [[compulsory education]] system. Community organisations and individuals may, in accordance with law, run educational undertakings of various kinds.<ref name=BLM/>
==Healthcare==
{{main|List of hospitals in Macau}}
Macau is served by one major public hospital, the [[Hospital Conde S. Januário]], and one major private hospital, the [[Hospital Kiang Wu]], both located in Macau Peninsula, as well as a university hospital called [[Macau University of Science and Technology Hospital]] in [[Cotai]]. In addition to hospitals, Macau also has numerous health centres providing free basic medical care to residents. Consultation in [[traditional Chinese medicine]] is also available.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gcs.gov.mo/files/spage/CFA10_E.html|title=Macau Factsheet|accessdate=2007-11-13|publisher=The Govt. of Macau SAR}}</ref> Currently none of the Macau hospitals is independently assessed through [[international healthcare accreditation]]. There are no western-style medical schools in Macau and thus all aspiring physicians in Macau have to obtain their education and qualification elsewhere.<ref name="Macau 2007 Yearbook" /> Local nurses are trained at the Macau Polytechnic Institute and the Kiang Wu [[Nursing]] College.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ipm.edu.mo/ess/|title=Macau Polytechnic Institute General Information|accessdate=2007-12-03|publisher=Macau Polytechnic Institute}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kwnc.edu.mo/web/cmain.htm|title=Homepage of the College of Nursing and Midwifery|accessdate=2007-11-13|publisher=College of Nursing and Midwifery, Macau}}</ref> Currently there are no training courses in [[midwifery]] in Macau.
The Health Bureau in Macau is mainly responsible for coordinating the activities between the public and private organisations in the area of [[public health]], and assure the health of citizens through specialised and [[primary health care]] services, as well as disease prevention and [[health promotion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ssm.gov.mo/design/introduction/e_introduce_fs.htm|title=The introduction of Health Bureau, Macau SAR |accessdate=2007-11-13|publisher=The Govt. of Macau SAR|language=}}</ref> The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention was established in 2001, which monitors the operation of hospitals, health centres, and the [[blood transfusion]] centre in Macau. It also handles the organisation of care and prevention of diseases affecting the population, sets guidelines for hospitals and private health care providers, and issues [[medical license|licences]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ssm.gov.mo/design/organization/e_legis_fs.htm|title=The policy and functions of the department of health, Macau SAR |accessdate=2007-11-13|publisher=The Govt. of Macau SAR}}</ref>
==Transport==
{{main|Transport in Macau}}
[[Image:3wheelscar.jpg|thumb|right|[[Trishaw]] used to be a major public mode of transport in Macau. But now it is only for sightseeing purposes.]]
While the traffic in mainland China drives on the right, in Macau traffic moves on the left. Macau has a well-established public transport network connecting the [[Macau Peninsula]], [[Cotai]], [[Taipa Island]] and [[Coloane Island]]. Buses and taxis are the major modes of public transport in Macau. Currently two companies, namely [[Transmac]] and [[Transportas Companhia de Macau]], operate franchised public bus services in Macau.<ref>Macau Yearbook 2007, 453-454.</ref> The [[trishaw]], a hybrid of the tricycle and the rickshaw, is also available, though it is mainly for sightseeing purposes.
The Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal provides cross-border transportation services for passengers travelling between Macau and Hong Kong, while the Yuet Tung Terminal in the Inner Harbour serves those travelling between Macau and cities in mainland China, including [[Shekou]] and [[Shenzhen]].<ref>Macau Yearbook 2007,458. </ref> Macau has one active international airport, known as [[Macau International Airport]] located at the eastern end of Taipa and neighbouring waters. Since currently there are no regular direct passenger-flights between mainland China and [[Taiwan]], the airport serves as a transient avenue for the passengers travelling between the two regions.<ref>Chan, 58.</ref><ref>Fung, 198.</ref> It is the primary hub for [[Viva Macau]] and [[Air Macau]]. In 2006, the airport handled about 5 million passengers. <ref>Macau Yearbook 2007, 467-468.</ref>
==Culture==
{{main|Culture of Macau}}
[[Image:KuanYimMacau.JPG|thumb|right|upright|The Statue of Guan Yin, a blend between the traditional images of the goddess [[Guan Yin]] and [[Holy Mary]].]]
The mixing of the [[Culture of China|Chinese]] and [[Culture of Portugal|Portuguese cultures]] and religious traditions for more than four centuries has left Macau with an inimitable collection of holidays, festivals and events. The biggest event of the year is the [[Macau Grand Prix]] in November,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo/app/home/mgpc/en|title=Grand Prix Macau|accessdate=2008-01-04|publisher=Macau Grand Prix Committee}}</ref> when the main streets in Macau Peninsula are converted to a racetrack bearing similarities with the [[Monaco Grand Prix]]. Other annual events include Macau Arts festival in March,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marimari.com/content/macau/events_festivals/march.html|title=Events and Festivals|accessdate=2008-01-04|publisher=Marimari.com, Inc.}}</ref> the International Fireworks Display Contest in September,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marimari.com/content/macau/events_festivals/september.html|title=Events and Festivals|accessdate=2008-01-04|publisher=Marimari.com, Inc.}}</ref> the International Music festival in October and/or November,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marimari.com/content/macau/events_festivals/october.html|title=Events and Festivals|accessdate=2008-01-04|publisher=Marimari.com, Inc.}}</ref> and the Macau International Marathon in December.<ref name=festival>{{cite web|url=http://www.marimari.com/content/macau/events_festivals/december.html|title=Events and Festivals|accessdate=2008-01-04|publisher=Marimari.com, Inc.}}</ref>
[[Image:Portuguese road.jpg|thumb|left|upright|The Portuguese style stone-road at [[Largo do Senado]].]]
The Lunar [[Chinese New Year]] is the most important traditional festival and celebration normally takes place in late January or early February.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marimari.com/content/macau/events_festivals/february.html|title=Events and Festivals|accessdate=2008-01-04|author=|publisher=Marimari.com, Inc.|language=}}</ref><ref name=Asiarooms>{{cite web|url=http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/macau/macau-festivals-&-events/index.html|title=Macau Festivals & Events|accessdate=2008-01-04|publisher=AsiaRooms.com}}</ref> The Pou Tai Un Temple in Taipa is the place for the Feast of Tou Tei, the Earth god, in February. The Procession of the Passion of Our Lord is a well-known Catholic rite and journey, which travels from Igreja de Santo Agostinho to Igreja da Sé Catedral, also taking place in February.<ref name=Asiarooms/> A-Ma Temple, which honours the Goddess Matsu, is in full swing in April with many congratulant worshippers during the A-Ma festival. To look on dancing dragons at the Feast of the Drunken Dragon and twinkling-clean Buddhas at the Feast of Bathing of Lord Buddha in May is common. In [[Coloane Village]], the [[Taoist]] god Tam Kong is also honoured on the same day.<ref name=Asiarooms/> [[Dragon Boat Festival|Dragon Boat festival]] is brought into play on Nam Van Lake in June and Hungry Ghosts' festival, in late August and/or early September every year. All events and festivities of the year end with [[Dongzhi|Winter Solstice]] in December.<ref name=festival/>
Local cooking in Macau consists of a blend of [[Cantonese food|Cantonese]] and [[Portuguese cuisine|Portuguese]] cuisines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marimari.com/content/macau/food/main.html|title=Food in Macau|accessdate=2008-01-04|author=|publisher=Marimari.com, Inc.|language=}}</ref> Many unique dishes resulted from the spice blends that the wives of Portuguese sailors used in an attempt to replicate European dishes. Its ingredients and seasonings include those from Europe, [[South America]], [[Africa]], [[India]], and Southeast Asia, as well as local Chinese ingredients.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisthelife.com/en/macanese-cuisine.htm|title=Macanese Cuisine|accessdate=2008-01-04|author=|publisher=thisisthelife.com|language=}}</ref> Typically, Macanese food is seasoned with various spices and flavours including [[turmeric]], [[coconut milk]], [[cinnamon]] and [[bacalhau]], giving special aromas and tastes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arscives.com/bladesign/macau.discovered.htm|title=Discovering Macau - fabulous food spice route and early fusion cuisine|accessdate=2007-06-07|author=|publisher=Discovery.com|language=}}</ref> Famous dishes include [[Galinha à Portuguesa]], Galinha à Africana (African chicken), [[Bacalhau]], Macanese Chili Shrimps and [[stir-fry]] curry crab. [[Pork chop bun]], [[ginger milk]] and [[egg tart|Portuguese-style egg tart]] are also very popular in Macau.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/macau/dining.htm|title=Macau Dining|accessdate=2007-06-07|author=|publisher=TravelChinaGuide.com|language=}}</ref>
Macau preserves many historical properties in the urban area. The [[Historic Centre of Macau]], which includes some twenty-five historic monuments and public squares, was officially listed as a [[World Heritage Site]] by [[UNESCO]] on [[July 15]] [[2005]] during the 29th session of the [[World Heritage Committee]], held in [[Durban]], [[South Africa]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/news/135 |title=Mostar, Macau and Biblical vestiges in Israel are among the 17 cultural sites inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List |accessdate=2006-09-05 |publisher=UNESCO}}</ref>
==See also==
: ''Main lists: ''[[List of basic Macau topics]] and [[List of Macau-related articles]]''
{{Macau topics}}
==References==
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{{reflist|2}}
==Bibliography==
*{{cite book
|first = S. S. | last = Chan
|title = The Macau Economy
|publisher = Publications Centre, University of Macau
|id = ISBN 99937-26-03-6
|year = 2000
}}
*{{cite book
|title = Macau: a General Introduction
|first = Bong Yin | last = Fung
|publisher = Joint Publishing (H.K.) Co. Ltd.
|year = 1999
|id = ISBN 962-04-1642-2
|language =Chinese
}}
*{{cite book
|author = Government Information Bureau
|year=2007
|title=Macau Yearbook 2007
|publisher=Government Information Bureau of the Macau SAR
|isbn=978-99937-56-09-5
}}
==Further reading==
{{portal|Macau|Coat_of_arms_of_Macao.svg}}
*{{cite book
|author = Cremer (Editor)
|title = Macau: City of Commerce and Culture
|publisher = Univ of Washington Pr
|id = ISBN 0295966084
|year = 1988
}}
*{{cite book
|title = Between China and Europe - Person, Culture and Emotion in Macau
|first = | last = De Pina-Cabral
|publisher = Berg Publishers
|year = 2002
|id = ISBN 0826457495
}}
*{{cite book
|first = James| last = Eayrs
|title = Macau Foreign Policy and Government Guide
|publisher = International Business Publications, USA
|location =
|year = 2003
|id = ISBN 0739764519
}}
==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Macau}}
{{commons|Maps of Macau}}
; Business
*[http://www.macauhub.com.mo/en/index.php MacauHub]
; Government
*[http://www.gov.mo/egi/Portal/index.jsp Portal of the government of Macau]
*[http://www.gcs.gov.mo/MainFrame.php?PageLang=E Government Information Bureau]
*[http://www.icm.gov.mo/indexE.asp Cultural Affairs Bureau]
*[http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/ Macau Government Tourist Office]
;Guides and directories
* [http://www.cityguide.gov.mo/ Macau City Guide]
* {{wikitravel|Macau}}
; Profiles
* [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mc.html CIA - The World Factbook — Macau]
* [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/motoc.html Library of Congress - ''Country Study: Macau'']
* [http://yearbook.gcs.gov.mo/ Macau Yearbook]
* [http://www.macaudata.com/macauweb/Encyclopedia/index.html Encyclopedia of Macau (in Chinese)]
{{Province-level divisions of the People's Republic of China}}
{{Major cities of Greater China}}
{{Pearl River Delta}}
{{Dependent and other territories of Asia}}
{{Countries and territories of East Asia}}
{{Sino-Tibetan-speaking}}
{{Territories of Greater China}}
{{WTO}}
<!--Categories-->
[[Category:Macau| ]]
[[Category:Cities in China]]
[[Category:Coastal cities]]
[[Category:Former Portuguese colonies]]
[[Category:Pearl River Delta]]
[[Category:1999 establishments]]
[[Category:Chinese-speaking countries and territories]]
{{link FA|pt}}
{{link FA|zh}}
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[[af:Macau]]
[[ar:ماكاو]]
[[an:Macau]]
[[zh-min-nan:Ò-mn̂g]]
[[be-x-old:Макао]]
[[bar:Macao]]
[[bs:Makao]]
[[bg:Макао]]
[[ca:Macau]]
[[cv:Макао]]
[[ceb:Macau]]
[[cs:Macao]]
[[cy:Macau]]
[[da:Macao]]
[[de:Macao]]
[[dv:މަކާއޫ]]
[[et:Aomen]]
[[el:Μακάου]]
[[es:Macao]]
[[eo:Makao]]
[[ext:Macau]]
[[eu:Macau]]
[[fa:ماکائو]]
[[fr:Macao]]
[[gd:Macau]]
[[gl:Macau - 澳门]]
[[zh-classical:澳門]]
[[ko:마카오]]
[[hr:Makao]]
[[io:Makau]]
[[bpy:মাকাউ]]
[[id:Makau]]
[[ia:Macao]]
[[os:Макао]]
[[is:Makaó]]
[[it:Macao]]
[[he:מקאו]]
[[ka:მაკაო]]
[[kk:Аумын]]
[[sw:Macau]]
[[lb:Macau]]
[[lt:Makao]]
[[lij:Macao]]
[[ln:Makau]]
[[hu:Makaó]]
[[ms:Macau]]
[[cdo:Ó̤-muòng]]
[[nl:Macau]]
[[ja:マカオ]]
[[no:Macao]]
[[nn:Macao]]
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[[ro:Macao]]
[[ru:Аомынь]]
[[scn:Macau]]
[[simple:Macau]]
[[sk:Macao]]
[[sl:Macao]]
[[sr:Макау]]
[[sh:Makao]]
[[fi:Macao]]
[[sv:Macao]]
[[tl:Macau]]
[[ta:மக்காவு]]
[[te:మకావు]]
[[th:เขตบริหารพิเศษมาเก๊า]]
[[vi:Ma Cao]]
[[tr:Makao]]
[[uk:Аоминь]]
[[zh-yue:澳門]]
[[zh:澳門]]