ng returned to Chinese sovereignty. However, this outflow is more than counterbalanced by legal and illegal immigration from China, so the population is increasing.
Most Chinese are Buddhists or Taoists, with smaller numbers of Christians and Muslims among them. English is the principal language of government in Hong Kong, but the normal medium of communication is Cantonese. The first nine years of education are free, universal, and compulsory, and almost all students complete two further years of secondary education. There are three universities, two polytechnics, and several other post secondary institutions in Hong Kong. This territory was originally sought by Britain because of its magnificent natural harbor, Victoria Harbour, and during the 19th century it was the main entrepot (trade center) for Western commerce with China. One third of China's imports and exports still pass through the port.
After 1949, when the traditional entrepot trade with China declined, businessmen from Shanghai who were flee
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