Macau
Geography
Macau, officially known as the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is located on the southeastern coast of China, at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta. It is bordered by the South China Sea in the east and south, and neighbours the Guangdong City of Zhuhai to the west and north. The region consists of the Macau Peninsula itself and the islands of Taipa and Coloane, which are now connected by landfill forming the Cotai strip.
History
The history of Macau is traced back to the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC), when the region now called Macau came under the jurisdiction of Panyu county, in Nanhai prefecture (present day Guangzhou). During the Southern Song Dynasty, fishermen migrated to Macau from Guangdong and Fujian provinces. Macau did not develop as a major settlement until the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century. The first European to reach Macau was the Portuguese explorer Jorge Álvares, who arrived in 1513.
Politics
Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. In accordance with the "one country, two systems" principle, and the Basic Law of the Macau SAR, the Chinese central government is responsible for diplomatic and defense affairs, while Macau maintains its own legal system, public security force, monetary system, customs policy, and immigration policy.
Economy
Macau's economy is heavily dependent on tourism and gambling. Macau is a full member of the World Trade Organization and enjoys free trade with most of its partners, including the European Union, the United States, and Australia. The Pataca is Macau's official currency.
Culture
Macau's culture is a mix of Portuguese and Chinese influences. As a former Portuguese colony, Macau has a rich heritage of Portuguese architecture, cuisine, and traditions blended with Chinese culture. This fusion is evident in the unique Macanese cuisine, a blend of southern Chinese and Portuguese ingredients and cooking techniques.