People and Society of Hong Kong

Nationality

Chinese/Hong Konger

Ethnic Groups

Chinese 95%, other 5%

Population

7,413,070

Good medical facilities are available, and there are many Western-trained physicians in Hong Kong. Prescription drugs are widely available, although they may have different names from those in the United States. Hong Kong emergency service response times for police, fire, and ambulances are good. Air pollution is increasingly serious in Hong Kong. Congested vehicle traffic and mainland factories pump out ozone, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides, leading to a visible haze in the atmosphere on most days of the year. Average roadside pollution levels exceed WHO guidelines by 200% and continue to deteriorate, creating health risks for those with allergies, asthma, or cardiac problems. Hong Kong remains at "Alert" response status for Pandemic Influenza.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Hong Kong consistently ranks among the highest in the world for life expectancy at birth, a distinction that reflects the region's advanced healthcare infrastructure, high standard of living, and deeply rooted cultural emphasis on health and longevity. As of the most recent available data, life expectancy at birth in Hong Kong stands at approximately 85 years overall, with women averaging around 88 years and men averaging approximately 82 years. These figures place Hong Kong at or near the very top of global rankings, regularly surpassing Japan, Switzerland, and other nations long celebrated for their longevity statistics. Several factors contribute to this remarkable outcome. Hong Kong maintains a highly developed public healthcare system that offers affordable and accessible medical services to residents through a network of public hospitals and clinics managed by the Hospital Authority. The region also benefits from low rates of smoking among women, a traditionally active lifestyle, and a diet historically rich in vegetables, seafood, and moderate portions — characteristics consistently associated with longer, healthier lives. Environmental and social factors also play a role. Hong Kong has relatively low rates of cardiovascular disease mortality compared to many Western nations, partly due to dietary habits and partly due to early detection and treatment programs. The region invests significantly in preventive care, maternal and child health, and chronic disease management, all of which contribute to pushing average lifespans upward. Urbanization presents some challenges, including air quality concerns linked to regional industrial activity and dense traffic, which can affect respiratory health. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary dip in life expectancy figures in the early 2020s, as it did in many parts of the world, but Hong Kong's long-term trajectory has remained strongly upward over the past several decades and has since recovered. The population of Hong Kong is also aging rapidly as a result of these extended lifespans combined with a persistently low birth rate, creating ongoing policy discussions about elder care, pension sustainability, and workforce planning. Life expectancy in Hong Kong is not merely a health statistic — it is a defining characteristic of the society and a central concern in its long-term governance and social planning.

Infant Mortality Rate

Hong Kong maintains one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world, a testament to its highly developed healthcare infrastructure, well-trained medical professionals, and strong public health policies. The infant mortality rate in Hong Kong stands at approximately 1.6 to 1.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing it consistently among the top performers globally alongside countries such as Japan, Singapore, and Iceland. This remarkably low rate reflects several key factors. Hong Kong operates a dual-track healthcare system comprising a robust public sector managed by the Hospital Authority and a well-regulated private sector. Prenatal care is widely accessible and actively utilized, with the vast majority of births taking place in hospital settings under the supervision of qualified medical staff. Postnatal follow-up services, including well-baby clinics and maternal health programs run through the Department of Health, help ensure infants receive timely vaccinations, nutritional guidance, and developmental screenings in the critical early weeks and months of life. Socioeconomic conditions also play a role. Hong Kong's high standard of living, low rates of extreme poverty, clean water supply, and food safety standards all contribute to favorable outcomes for newborns. High levels of maternal education and health literacy further support healthy infant development. The territory has sustained these low mortality figures consistently over several decades, demonstrating not only strong medical capacity but also systemic resilience. Even as urban densities create certain public health challenges, such as the rapid spread of respiratory illnesses, neonatal and infant care outcomes have remained exceptional. For context, the global average infant mortality rate is approximately 27 to 29 deaths per 1,000 live births, making Hong Kong's figures dramatically lower than the worldwide norm and significantly below even many other high-income economies. Continued investment in maternal and child health services suggests Hong Kong will maintain its position among the world's leaders in infant survival well into the future.

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over has ever attended school

• eclectic mixture of local religions90.0%
• Christian10.0%

Chinese (Cantonese), English; both are official

The official language of Hong Kong is Chinese. English is still the language of commerce, as it was the official language up until 1997. The official dialect is Yue (Cantonese) from Guangdong. Chinese written script has been standardized for centuries, but the simplified script from mainland China is beginning to become popular in Hong Kong.

• Cantonese
• English

Crime Information

Hong Kong has a low crime rate. Even so, you should exercise caution when in congested areas and pay particular attention to personal belongings while in crowded markets and while traveling on public transportation. Violent crime, though rare, does occur. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Hong Kong, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. In Hong Kong you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. If you are found to be driving under the influence, you could be sent immediately to jail. There are also some things that might be legal in Hong Kong, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Hong Kong, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. If you violate Hong Kong laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession of, use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Hong Kong are severe, and if you are convicted, you can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. In Hong Kong, detained U.S. citizens have been surprised that they had been arrested for violations that would not have resulted in arrest in the United States. Arrest notifications in Hong Kong: If you are arrested in Hong Kong, authorities of Hong Kong are required to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong of your arrest.