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Population 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. Family Values More often than not, the Chinese people emphasize the importance of family values. It is customary for families, whether large or small, to live together under the same roofs to maintain close-knit ties. Unlike the Western practice where those after the age of 18 years are considered to be independent and thus capable of living on their own, the Chinese prefer to live in their parents' homes, some even after marriage. Another reason that also contributes to this way of life is the excessive cost of housing in Hong Kong.
Chinese businesspeople are often suspicious of strangers, and if possible, they prefer doing business with a next of kin or someone they are very familiar with. It is therefore not surprising that many of Hong Kong's most wealthy business empires are family-oriented and handed down the generation line. The eldest son is usually the heir to the throne, and has the responsibility of ensuring the success and honor of his father's feat. Respect should always be given where it is due, and in the Chinese culture, the older people are the ones who are richly paid. It is the duty of the children to take care of their parents once they are capable of it. You can hardly find an elderly being sent to the old folks' home. It is common for someone to address another by his or her levels in a family. For example, a man who is older is often called 'uncle', whereas one who is over 60 years of age is referred to as 'grandpa'. This also applies equally to the females. Names Ordinarily, Chinese names are of three characters, with the family name being the first, followed by the given names. However, the younger generations have now adopted Western names, as it is easier to recognize and pronounce. Language 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.
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Sunday
mornings are usually spent with the entire family having dim sum breakfast
at one of the many crowded restaurants. The Chinese refer to this as 'yum
cha'. Restaurants are packed and noisy, with trolleys of steamed-hot dumplings
and other dim sum delicacies moving from table to table, and families
sharing news and gossips while enjoying their first meal of the day.