Flag of Macau
- Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
Facts
- Population: 612,000
- Major languages: Chinese (mainly Cantonese), Portuguese
- Major religions: Buddhism, Christianity
- Life expectancy: 81 years (men), 87 years ( women)
- Currency: Pataca
Notes
- Macau was a Portuguese territory until 1999.
Tourism
- Its giant casinos and malls on the Cotai Strip have earned it the nickname, “Las Vegas of Asia.”
- One of its more striking landmarks is 338 meter high Macau Tower.
- Macau’s Historic Centre has narrow alleyways, colourful colonial homes and grand Senado Square.
- Up a steep staircase, the Ruins of St. Paul’s encompass the baroque facade of a 17th-century Jesuit church.
- The 16th-century A-Ma Temple is dedicated to the Taoist goddess of mariners.
- Hilltop Fortaleza do Monte is a Jesuit fort from 1626, while adjoining Museum of Macau highlights the territory’s history.
- Lou Lim Ieoc, a 19th-century Chinese garden, has winding paths, bamboo groves and bridges.
- Coloane’s Hac Sa Beach is known for its black sand.
Cuisine
- Macanese cuisine fuses Asian and European flavours
Geography
- Area: 23.8 sq km (9 sq miles)
- Located on the south coast of China, across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong.
Overlanding
- Drive » Left side