Hongkong Hotels and Resorts

Hong Kong's population is estimated to be about 6.6 million people. Being a small island-country and with that many citizens, some of its districts are considered to be the world's most densely populated areas. Only 30 percent of the total land area (300 sq. km/116 sq. miles) are inhabitable. The remaining areas are mostly undeveloped. In 1997, the density of the overall population was 5,780 people per square kilometer, while Kwun Tong District in eastern Kowloon had 53,610 people per square kilometer.

Both English and Cantonese are the official languages in Hong Kong. The majority of the populations are native Cantonese speakers. The language has a rather harsh and sepulchral tone, which cannot be easily picked up by visitors with no prior knowledge of it. Since English is a universal language, it is also widely spoken, especially in businesses and commercial centers. English textbooks are used in most schools in Hong Kong, and thus the younger generation is more apt with the language as compared to the older generation.

It is the norm to pick out English words from Cantonese conversations, especially those of the younger generation. As they have been raised in a bilingual society, they tend to leap from one language to another, sometimes without realizing it. At times, it is easier to just incorporate English words in the language rather than to translate complicated words into Cantonese.

Mandarin is now becoming more common in Hong Kong. It is not to say that whomever speaks Cantonese can automatically speak Mandarin as well. However, some of them may understand the language but not be able to speak it well. Nevertheless, in Hong Kong, locals still prefer to converse in their native language and by knowing the basics of that will be a plus for visitors.