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| HONG KONG |
| Hong Kong Island |
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Hong Kong Island is an
island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500. The
island had a population of 3,000 inhabitants scattered in a dozen
fishing villages when it was occupied by the United Kingdom in
the First Opium War in 1842, and the City of Victoria was then
established on the island by the British Force in honour of Queen
Victoria. The Central area on the island is the historical,
political and economic centre of Hong Kong. The northern coast of
the island forms the southern shore of the Victoria Harbour,
which is largely responsible for the development of Hong Kong due
to its deep waters favoured by large trade ships.
The island is home to
many of the most famous sights in Hong Kong, such as "The
Peak", Ocean Park, many historical sites and various large
shopping centres. The mountain ranges across the island are also
famous for hiking. The northern part of Hong Kong Island together
with Kowloon forms the core urban area of Hong Kong. Their
combined area is approximately 88.3 km2 and their population is
approximately 3,156,500. The island is often referred to locally
as "Hong Kong side" or "Island side". This
style was formerly applied to many locations, e.g. 'China-side'
or even 'Kowloon Walled City-side' but is now only heard in this
form and 'Kowloon side', suggesting the two sides of the harbour.
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