People
There are more than 6.8 million people in Hong Kong. About 1.3 million
live on Hong Kong Island, around 2.1 million in mainland Kowloon,
and the remainder in the New Territories and Outlying Islands. Almost
95% of the population is ethnic Chinese; the international community
includes various nationalities.
Language
Chinese and English are the official languages with Cantonese most
widely spoken. English is spoken by many, particularly in business
circles, while english-speaking policemen have a red shoulder badge.
Religion
Buddhism and Taoism are the main religions in Hong Kong, while Confucianism,
a set of moral codes, is widely held. Buddhist and Taoist deities
are present in about 600 Chinese temples in Hong Kong. The most
popular deities are those associated with the sea and the weather.
Other religions in Hong Kong are Christian, Islamic, Hindu, Sikh
and Jewish faiths. There are many Catholic and Protestant churches
and places of worship throughout the territory. The main Islamic
mosque is on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui; the Hindu Temple is in
Happy Valley; the Sikh Temple is in Wan Chai; and the Ohel Leah
Synagogue is on Robinson Road.
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