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Hong Kong Geography

What is the terrain and geography like in Hong Kong?

Overview

The seaward, or south side of Hong Kong Island, is made up of a rugged shoreline with high cliffs and sheltered bays. The interior is rough terrain with steep hills and small valleys. The highest area, known as the Peak, is 555 meters (1,830 ft.) above sea level and has a breathtaking view of the scenic harbor and Kowloon on one side and the offshore islands and South China Sea on the other.

The Kowloon Peninsula is directly across the harbor from Hong Kong Island. It is separated from the New Territories by groups of hills, the highest of which rises to more than 3,000 feet. The Kowloon area, with its major subdivisions of Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui, is the leading industrial area of Hong Kong, as well as a major residential area and tourist center with many hotels and shops. The major railway station, Hung Hom, serving Guangzhou, is also located in this densely populated area.

The New Territories comprises an area of 355 square miles between Kowloon and the Chinese border and also includes some 235 small offshore islands. This area accounts for most of the HKSAR's agricultural activity and a growing portion of its industrial and residential sectors. The topography is mostly steep hills and marshes, but many places are used for small farms. The only major agriculture on the offshore islands is on Lantau Island, the largest. The remaining islands are small, and, if inhabited, are primarily fishing bases. The rustic character of the New Territories has been transformed in recent years with the construction of major satellite towns such as Sha Tin and Tuen Mun, where large numbers of Hong Kong residents live.

Geography - note

composed of more than 200 islands

Climate

The area's varied climate is governed by the monsoons. Although Hong Kong lies within the Tropics, it enjoys a variety of weather because of these seasonal winds. The winter monsoon blows from the north or northeast from September to mid-March, and the summer wind blows from the south or southwest from mid-March to September. During the summer monsoon, the weather is hot and humid; during the winter monsoon it is cool. Average temperatures range from 58°F in February (with lows in the 40's) to 82°F in July (with highs in the 90's.) The mean relative humidity ranges from a low of 67% in November to 84% in May; many days the humidity approaches 100%, accompanied by heavy clouds. Late fall is the most pleasant time of year, generally with dry and sunny weather and high temperatures of 70° to 75°F. The average annual rainfall is 95 inches.

Hong Kong Use of Natural Resources

Hong Kong Environment

Climate:

The area's varied climate is governed by the monsoons. Although Hong Kong lies within the Tropics, it enjoys a variety of weather because of these seasonal winds. The winter monsoon blows from the north or northeast from September to mid-March, and the summer wind blows from the south or southwest from mid-March to September. During the summer monsoon, the weather is hot and humid; during the winter monsoon it is cool. Average temperatures range from 58°F in February (with lows in the 40's) to 82°F in July (with highs in the 90's.) The mean relative humidity ranges from a low of 67% in November to 84% in May; many days the humidity approaches 100%, accompanied by heavy clouds. Late fall is the most pleasant time of year, generally with dry and sunny weather and high temperatures of 70° to 75°F. The average annual rainfall is 95 inches.

Terrain:

hilly to mountainous with steep slopes; lowlands in north

Natural Resources:

outstanding deepwater harbor, feldspar

Natural Hazards:

occasional typhoons

Environmental Issues:

air and water pollution from rapid urbanization

Environment - International Agreements:

party to: Marine Dumping (associate member), Ship Pollution (associate member)

Hong Kong Geography

Geographic Location Asia
Total Area 426 Square Miles
1,104 Square Kilometers
Land Area 407 Square Miles
1,054 Square Kilometers
Water Area 19 Square Miles
50 Square Kilometers
Land Boundaries 19 Miles
30 Kilometers
Border Countries regional border: China 30 km
Coastline 455 Miles
733 Kilometers
Geographic Coordinates 22 15 N, 114 10 E
Terrain hilly to mountainous with steep slopes; lowlands in north
Highest Point 958 Meters
Highest Point Location Tai Mo Shan 958 m
Lowest Point Location South China Sea 0 m
Natural Resources outstanding deepwater harbor, feldspar
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