Hong Kong grew into a large city spreading across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon peninsula. British established Hong Kong as a colony in the east and established a free market system. Although the British returned Hong Kong to China in 1997, Hong Kong remains a special district that embraces free markets and capitalism. Heritage Foundation ranked Hong Kong the most economically free region in the world for the last 10 years.

As I walked along the sidewalks and streets, I saw people, more people, and even more people. Hong Kong has over 7 million residents. Everywhere I went; I walked passed crowds of people. People were bumping into me and several stopped in front of me, so I bumped into them.

Being the most economically free region in the world, the city was expensive. I walked across the street to the grocery store and bought my pizza, sandwiches, and stir-fries at the deli, and I cringed at the expensive prices.

Hong Kong has one benefit - a modern clean subway connects the city. Although the airport is located outside the city in Kowloon Peninsula, I paid about $100 Hong Kong dollars (about $13 U.S. dollars) for a ride on the subway to the city near my hostel.

Hong Kong

• Area of the country spans 426 square miles, making Hong Kong one of the smallest countries in the world.
• The currency is the Hong Kong dollar.
• Hong Kong is a special administrative district of China.
• In 2011, the population was estimated at 7,071,576. Hong Kong is the fourth densest city in the world.
• Hong Kong is an Asian tiger with a rapidly growing economy. It is a market-based economy with low tax rates, competitive workforce, innovative, and one of the least corrupt countries in the world.
• British returned Hong Kong to China in July 1, 1997.