Everything you need to know about Macau: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Macau: Prosperous Island City and China’s Semi-Autonomous Region

During 221-206 BC the Qin Dynasty ruled Macau, which later on turned into a shelter for the refugees fleeing the marauding Mongol invaders. In the beginning of 16th century Portuguese arrived in Macau and developed a strong trading relationship and later on colonized it following the Opium War. After ruling Macau for 442 years the Portuguese government finally handed over this island city of Macao to China in 1999. Significantly, Macau was the last European territory in Asia.

Macau Profile: Overview of Facts and Figures

· National Name: Macau Special Administrative Region
· Status: Semi-autonomous, special administrative region of China
· Total area: 23.8 sq km (9 sq miles)
· Population: 476,700 (via UN, 2006)
· Currency: Pataca
· Languages: Cantonese 85.7%, Hokkien 4%, Mandarin 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 2.7%, English 1.5%, Tagalog 1.3%, other 1.6% (2001 census)
· Ethnicity/ Races: Chinese 94.3%, other 5.7% (includes Macanese (mixed Portuguese and Asian ancestry)) (2006 census)
· Religion: Buddhist 50%, Roman Catholic 15%, none and other 35% (1997 est.)
· GDP (Per Capita): $28,400 (2006)
· Life Expectancy: Male: 81.36 years, Female: 87.45 years (2008 est.)
· Literacy Rate: Male: 95.3%, Female: 87.8% (2001 census)

The climatic condition of Macau is humid with subtropical climate. The average humidity of Macau is 75% to 90%. The monsoon wind causes great variation in temperature differences between summer and winter. Macau enjoys four different types of climates such as summer, winter, rainy and autumn. The typhoons are common during summer and bring violent storms and heavy rainfall.

Culture, Cuisine of Macau:
The culture of Macao exhibits fine blend of Chinese and Portugal influences and this fine juxtaposition can be seen in the life style, custom and practices of Macau people. The architectural grandeur of Macau can be seen from the fact that it has 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Macau cuisine is influenced by the Portugal and Chinese cuisines. The preparation and mixing of ingredients while making dishes provides unique aroma and taste to the food. The cooking techniques include baking, grilling and roasting. Macanese cuisines are rich in various types of spices such as turmeric, coconut milk, cinnamon and bacalhau. A large variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables are used while preparing various dishes.

Macau Economy:
Tourism contributes major portion to Macau’s economy and several initiatives have been taken by the government in order to develop Macao tourism at par with global standards. Macau is also a gambling and casino hub and this has added allure to the wealthy tourists who frequent Macao. The other main economic activities that contribute to Macau’s economy are textile manufacturing and exports, banking and financial services.

Tourist Attraction of Macau:
The tourism of Macau is famous for its plethora of historical sites, beautiful Chinese parks and magnificent modern architecture. The juxtaposition of two different cultures of Portugal and China epitomizes the beauty of Macau and remains the point of influx for the people around the globe. The world-class tourists facilities along with casinos add another dimension for the tourists to explore. UNESCO listed heritage sites remain the hot cake for the Macao to propagate itself as a tourist paradise and cultural hub.
The Monte Fort: is one of the best-preserved forts in Macau. The architectural supremacy reflects the historical glory and provides chance for tourists to have the glimpses of its rich past.
Camoes Garden and Grotto: it is memorial in the form of residential garden dedicated to famous Portuguese poet Louis de Camoes. The western architectural supremacy is reflected trough its residence and Chinese style of garden makes it one of best place to see and visit.

Major Sight-seeing Places in Macau include:

· Lou Lim Iok Garden
· A-Ma Temple,
· Macau Maritime Museum
· Prix Museum
· Taipa