The Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is a small territory on the southern coast of China. Administered by Portugal until 1999, it was the oldest European colony in China, dating to the 16th century. The administrative power (in Portuguese "poderes") over Macau was transferred to the People's Republic of China in 1999, and it is now a Special Administrative Region of the PRC. Macau has played a unique and influential role in relations between China and the West, especially between the late 16th and 19th centuries.
Residents of Macau mostly speak Cantonese natively; Mandarin, Portuguese, and English are also spoken. Broadly, Macanese refers to all permanent inhabitants of Macau. More narrowly, it refers to an ethnic group in Macau originating from Portuguese descent, usually mixed with Chinese and sometimes other ancestry.
Besides historical colonial relics, Macau's biggest attraction is its gambling industry and casinos. Though many forms of gambling are legal here, the most popular game is Pai Gow, played with Chinese dominoes. Gamblers from Hong Kong often take one-day excursions to Macau; ferry service by hydrofoil to and from Hong Kong is available 24 hours a day, every day.
Macau's population consists of mostly Han Chinese with a minority (less than 5%) of Portuguese. The legal language until the handover from Portugal to the People's Republic of China in 1999 was Portuguese. The primary language of the population is Cantonese. Mandarin is also spoken when necessary because it is the official language of China.
A sign in both Chinese and Portuguese in Macau — or "Cartório da Sé" (in Portuguese) means "Office of the Cathedral."
The signs in both Traditional Chinese and Portuguese can be seen everywhere in Macau. However, English is becoming more important in Macau, whereas Portuguese is becoming less important. In recent years, there are more signs in Chinese, Portuguese and English in Macau.
The primary religion is Buddhism, but only half of Macau is Buddhist. Roman Catholic has a large influence over the non-Buddhist areas. However, The Protestantism develops well in Macau. It attracts many juveniles to become Protestants.
The primary economy of the region is said to be tourism, but many reports show that 40-50% of the regional business is in gambling. There is also a strong business in trade between China and other countries. That trade is weakening as the process of joining Macau to China continues (it is expected to be complete by 2050).
Things you should know when travelling to Macau
The crime rate is relatively low. Petty crime occurs at the airport and in tourist areas, especially in and around casinos. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.
Foreigners have been attacked and robbed in the shopping district of Shenzhen, located across the border from Hong Kong. Canadians should be extremely vigilant while in Shenzhen and should travel with a friend or in groups. Copies of passports/ID and a small supply of cash should be carried separate from other personal belongings. The emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services is 999.
