Macau, << muh KOW >>, also spelled Macao (pop. 590,000), is a special administrative region of China and a former territory of Portugal. It consists of the city of Macau, which occupies a peninsula, and the islands of Taipa and Coloane. The region covers about 8 square miles (21 square kilometers). It lies at the mouth of the Zhu Jiang (Pearl River), about 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Hong Kong.
Some parts of Macau feature architecture from the colonial era. These areas have old churches and pastel-colored houses lining cobblestone streets. Other parts of Macau have modern high-rise apartments, hotels, and office buildings. More than 95 percent of the people are Chinese. A small fraction of the population is of Portuguese ancestry. Macau’s economy is based on tourism and light industry. Leading industries include the manufacture of fireworks, furniture, textiles, and toys. Gambling casinos in Macau attract many tourists.
Portugal established a permanent settlement in Macau in 1557. Initially, Portugal paid China an annual rent for the land. But in the 1840’s, Portugal stopped paying rent and evicted the remaining Chinese authorities. China recognized Portuguese control in 1887. In 1966, pro-Communist Chinese living in Macau rioted against the Portuguese administration of the territory.
Portugal returned Macau to China in December 1999 under an agreement signed by both countries in 1987. As a special administrative region of China, Macau maintains separate political, judicial, and social systems from the rest of the country. China, however, appoints the chief executive of Macau.
