Macau or Macao is a recently constituted Special Administrative Region (SAR) under the aegis of the People's Republic of China (PRC). It is one of the two such SARs in China, the second one being Hong Kong. Being ruled by the Portuguese for 442 years, the Macau Special Administrative Region came to being on 20 December in 1999. Modern Macau is among the best world cities.
The beginning of the Portuguese occupation of Macau dates back to the 16th century when the Portuguese traders set foot over there. With most of the foreign traders settling in Hong Kong after the Opiun War in 1841, business and financial activities received a major setback in Macau. Ruled by Portugal until the shifting of powers in 1999, Macau happened to be the oldest European colony in East Asia. In a very short period, Macau has established itself as an industrial belt noted for electronics, Textiles and toys industries. The tourism sector brimmed with hotels, resorts, restaurants, stadiums and casinos is virtually unrivaled as far as the neighboring cities are concerned. The technological growth has laid down a sound infrastructure, turning Macau into one of the best cities in Asia.
The Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration and the Basic Law state that Macau's social, economic, human rights and liberty are to remain intact for a minimum of half a century from its inception. Under this type of constitution Macau enjoy many privileges except for the defense and foreign affairs. Executive, legislative and judicial bodies have been made autonomous for better and faster result. Macau has its own currency, customs areas, immigration and border controls and police force.
Leftovers of Portuguese culture is still very vivid in the indigenous cultural practices in Macau. Holidays, events and festivals showcase many of the Portuguese elements.
The Historic Center of Macau has been listed at 31st under the World Heitage Site listings issued by the World Heritage Community.
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