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The History of Hong Kong

Leave a Comment / Asia /

In 214 BC (Qin Dynasty), the Qin army launched a southern expedition to Baiyue and incorporated Hong Kong into the Qin territory. Since then, Hong Kong has been within the political framework of the Chinese main body. In 736 AD (Tang Dynasty), the Tang government established Tuen Mun Military Town (now in the western part of Hong Kong and Shenzhen), stationed by two thousand soldiers to protect maritime trade. In 971 AD (Song Dynasty), the Northern Song government established an official salt farm in the Kowloon Bay area and dispatched salt officials to guard it. In 1514 AD (Ming Dynasty), Portugal sent troops to capture Tuen Mun (Tuen Mun Island, Hong Kong). The Ming government declared war on Portugal in 1521 and won the battle, but allowed the Portuguese to anchor in the area of Macau’s Central Road. In 1810 AD, the British East India Company surveyed the topography of Hong Kong at the mouth of the the Pearl River. In 1842, the Opium War failed and the Sino British Treaty of Nanjing permanently ceded Hong Kong Island to Britain. In 1860, the Second Opium War failed, and the Treaty of Beijing between China and Britain permanently ceded the Kowloon Peninsula to Britain. In 1898, the Qing government signed the “Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory” and other lease agreements with Britain, leasing the northern part of the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and over 200 neighboring islands for 99 years. On December 8, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and attacked Hong Kong on the same day. The defense of Hong Kong began, and on December 25, Hong Kong fell. The period of three years and eight months of Japanese occupation in Hong Kong began. In 1945, Britain announced the restoration of sovereignty over Hong Kong, which was a time of internal strife between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party, leaving no time to consider the Hong Kong issue. In 1949, the People’s Republic of China was established, and the governments of China and Britain reached an informal agreement on the Hong Kong issue: Beijing had no intention of reclaiming sovereignty over Hong Kong, nor did it interfere with the activities of Nationalist government soldiers in Hong Kong, in exchange for British recognition of New China. In the 1970s, as the New Territories lease was approaching, China and Britain began negotiating the Hong Kong issue. In 1997, Hong Kong returned to the motherland and the People’s Liberation Army entered Hong Kong. Before Hong Kong was ceded, there were already over 7000 people living on Hong Kong Island During the Taiping Rebellion, the population of Hong Kong increased from 15000 to 70000 During the Cultural Revolution, a large number of mainland residents flooded into Hong Kong Hong Kong is a significant international financial, business services, and shipping center in the world. The Heritage Foundation has selected Hong Kong as the world’s most free economy for 24 consecutive years, and is renowned for its excellent public security, social integrity, simple tax system, and sound legal system. It is known as the “Pearl of the East”. In the 2018 GaWC global city list, Hong Kong ranked third only after London and New York.

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Hawaii Island

Leave a Comment / Australia /

Hawaii is the largest island in the Hawaiian Islands of the North Pacific and a part of the state of Hawaii in the United States. The area is 10458 square kilometers. Population 148677 (2000). It is in the shape of a saddle. Many volcanoes. To the south is Mount Mauna Loa, with an altitude of 4176 meters, and to the north is Mount Mauna Kea, with an altitude of 4207 meters. The Mauna Loa volcano has a diameter of 218 meters and often erupts lava, making it one of the world’s famous active volcanoes.

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New Guinea

Leave a Comment / Australia /

New Guinea, also known as Irian Island, is the largest island in the Pacific Ocean and the second largest island in the world, second only to Greenland. New Guinea Island is an island in the eastern part of the Malay Archipelago, located north of Australia, in the western Pacific Ocean, and south of the equator. Adjacent to the Malay Archipelago in southeastern Asia to the west, and facing the northeast of mainland Australia across the Arafura Sea and Coral Sea to the south. The total area of New Guinea Island is approximately 786000 square kilometers. The entire island runs slightly northwest southeast. Papua New Guinea is an independent country located east of 141 ° E and on islands such as New Britain and New Ireland; To the west of 141 ° and along the coastal islands are the provinces of Papua and West Papua in Indonesia. There is very little contact between the two parts of the island, and the border treaty signed between the two countries in 1979 prohibits people from residing in the border area.

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Tanzania

Leave a Comment / South America /

Tanzania is one of the birthplaces of ancient humans. In the 7th to 8th centuries, Arabs and Persians migrated in large numbers. In 1886, the mainland of Tanganyika was designated as a German sphere of influence. In 1890, Zanzibar became a British protectorate, and in November 1917, the entire territory was under British control. After World War I, it became a British appointed territory. After World War II, the United Nations resolution changed the mainland of Tanganyika to a British “trust territory”. After a long period of struggle, the people of Tanganyika and Zanzibar officially declared independence on December 9, 1961 and January 12, 1964, respectively. On April 26, 1964, the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar was formed, and on October 29, it was renamed the United Republic of Tanzania.

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Zambia’s abundant natural resources

Leave a Comment / Africa /

mineral resources Zambia has abundant mineral resources. Non ferrous metal deposits include copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, nickel, platinum, manganese, tin, iron, and gold. Zambia is known as the “country of copper mines”, with proven copper reserves of 19 million tons, accounting for about 6% of the world’s total copper reserves. Its per capita share ranks first in the world. According to Zambia’s 2020 mineral production report, copper production increased from 796000 tons in 2019 to 882000 tons in 2020. The country’s copper resources are mainly concentrated in the Copper Belt Province and Northwest Province. After decades of development, almost all copper mines in the Copper Belt Province have shifted from early open-pit mining to underground mining, and with the increase of mining depth, the difficulty of mining continues to increase. The copper mines in Northwest Province are mainly open-pit mining, but the grade is relatively low. Cobalt, as an associated mineral of copper, ranks second in the world with reserves of approximately 350000 tons. In 2020, Zambia’s cobalt production was 287 tons. Lead and zinc mines are mainly distributed in Cabwe, with a total proven reserve of approximately 4.96 million tons. Their grades contain 15% lead and 25% zinc, making them one of the regions with the richest lead and zinc grades and reserves in the world. Iron ore reserves are relatively abundant, with a proven reserve of about 900 million tons and an ore grade of 50%, mainly distributed in the central and western provinces. In 2020, the gold production was 3578.8 kilograms, and it is expected to continue to increase in the future. Non metallic mineral resources include limestone, phosphate, potassium (sodium) feldspar, wollastonite, marble, granite, and sodalite. Zambia also has various gemstones, including emerald, amethyst, diamond, malachite, garnet, tourmaline, etc. Among them, emerald production accounts for over 20% of the world’s total production, with high transparency and good quality. Forest resources Approximately 45% of the country’s land is covered by forests, and high-quality timber such as rosewood, dragon blood wood, teak, mahogany, rosewood, rosewood, bergamot wood, silica wood, and ebony are commercially available for export. Due to continuous logging, Zambia’s forests are decreasing at a rate of 100000 hectares per year. For this reason, the Zambian government formulated a policy in 2002, stipulating that logs and square timber are not allowed to be exported and must be processed into boards and wooden products to increase added value before being exported. In addition, a forest protection area of 60000 square kilometers has been designated to strengthen the protection of precious tree species. In 2012, in order to protect forestry resources, the government established 11 nurseries nationwide, cultivated 17.5 million trees, and actively called on tribes, schools, churches, and others to participate in tree planting activities. In 2017, Zambia released its seventh five-year development plan, which requires each province to ensure that the afforestation area reaches 50000 hectares by 2021. water resource Zambia has rivers, lakes, and swamps throughout the country, dense waterways, and abundant water resources. Surface water accounts for 42% of the surface water reserves in southern Africa, while groundwater resources account for 45% of the groundwater reserves in southern Africa. The main rivers include Zambezi River, Kafue River, Luangwa River, and Luapura River.

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Algeria

Leave a Comment / Africa /

The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, abbreviated as “Algeria” (Arabic: الجزائر Al Jaz āʼ Ir, French: Alg é rie, is a country in the Maghreb region of northern Africa. The north is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, the east is bordered by Libya and Tunisia, the southeast and south are respectively bordered by Niger, Mali, and Mauritania, and the west is connected to Morocco. Algeria has the largest land area among African countries, Mediterranean countries, and Arab countries, ranking 10th in the world, with a population of 45.6 million (in 2023), the majority of whom are Arabs, followed by Berbers (about 20% of the total population), and a land area of 2.38 million square kilometers. The capital is Algiers, and the country is divided into 58 provinces. [1] The name Algeria comes from the city name and capital Algiers, which means “archipelago” in Arabic. It refers to the four islands located in the bay of the city before, which gradually became connected to the mainland after 1525. [1] The Kingdom of Berber was established in the 3rd century BC. In 146 BC, it became a province of ancient Rome. Conquered by the Arabs in 702. In the 16th century, it became a province of the Ottoman Empire. [1] Not long after, the forces of Spain, Portugal, France and other countries invaded successively. In 1830, France occupied Algiers, and in 1905, it occupied the entire territory. On September 19, 1958, the Provisional Government of the Republic was declared established. Declared independence on July 3, 1962. [1] Algeria’s economic scale ranks fourth in Africa, only behind South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt. Oil and natural gas are the pillars of Afghanistan’s national economy. Algeria has the fifth largest natural gas reserves in the world and is the second largest natural gas exporter in the world. The oil reserves rank 15th in the world. In 2022, Algeria’s GDP was 233 billion US dollars, with a per capita GDP of 5187 US dollars and an economic growth rate of 3.8%

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Greenland

Leave a Comment / North America /

Greenland, located in the northeast of North America, is one of the autonomous territories of Denmark and the largest island in the world, with an area of 2166313.54 square kilometers. Greenland is located at the border between North America and Europe, connecting the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. To the west is Canada across the strait, to the north is the Arctic Ocean, to the south is the Atlantic Ocean, and to the east is Iceland across the sea from Europe through the Danish Strait. The coastline is over 35000 kilometers long and is a Danish territory with the capital city of Nuk. The Inuit people make up the majority, and the entire island is cold all year round, with a typical polar climate. In summer, temperatures in coastal areas can reach above zero degrees Celsius, while inland areas are frozen all year round. More than 80% of the island’s land is covered by ice sheets. On November 15, 2023 local time, Greenland joined the Paris Agreement, an international climate agreement. Greenland belongs to a cold polar climate, deeply influenced by Arctic cold currents and polar easterly winds. The East Greenland Cold Current moves southward along the east coast of Greenland, while the West Greenland Warm Current moves northward along the west coast of Greenland, causing the temperature on the west side of Greenland to be higher than on the east side. The interior of the island is covered with a huge ice sheet, creating a harsh polar ice sheet climate. The climate in the southern part of the West Coast is relatively mild, with no ice sheet and a permafrost layer. Its surface melts in summer, and lichen moss and low grass grow on the ground. It has a polar tundra climate and is the most pleasant place on Greenland. Most of the island’s residents live in the southwest coastal area. There is a persistent layer of cold air over the cold interior of the island, and low-pressure air masses often move from west to east above the cold air, causing the weather to be constantly changing, sometimes sunny, and sometimes snowy. The absolute minimum temperature of the coldest month in the central plateau region reaches minus 70 ℃, making it the second “cold pole” on Earth after Antarctica. In winter, except for the southwestern coastal areas affected by the West Greenland Warm Current, most of the sea around Greenland Island will freeze. In summer, most of the sea around Greenland thaws, with icebergs and fragmented sea ice flowing with the waves. However, the sea ice in the north and northeast remains connected and does not melt, connected to the permanent sea ice in the center of the Arctic Ocean.

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Sweden

Leave a Comment / Europe /

Sweden (Swedish: Sverige) is a country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula and one of the five Nordic countries. The capital is Stockholm. It borders Norway to the west, Finland to the northeast, Skagerrak Strait and Kattegat Strait to the southwest, and the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia to the east. Sweden faces Denmark, Germany, Poland, Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia across the sea, with a coastline of 2181 kilometers and a total area of 450000 square kilometers, making it the largest country in Northern Europe. The country is divided into 21 provinces and 290 cities, with Stockholm as the capital. As of October 2023, the total population of Sweden is 10.56 million. At the beginning of the 11th century, a unified Kingdom of Sweden was formed. Since 1397, he has been a member of the Kalmar League led by Denmark. In 1523, independence was regained. The period from 1611 to 1721 was the peak of national strength and was known as the “Swedish Empire”. In 1805, he participated in the Napoleonic Wars, and in 1809, he was forced to cede Finland after being defeated by the Russian Empire. In 1814, the Kiel Treaty was signed, and Norway was acquired from Denmark, establishing the United Kingdom of Sweden and Norway. Sweden remained neutral in both World Wars. In 1995, Sweden joined the European Union. Sweden has a narrow and elongated terrain that slopes from northwest to southeast. The northern part is the Noerland Plateau, while the southern and coastal areas are mostly plains or hills. As of July 2021, Sweden has 21 provinces and 290 cities. The governor is appointed by the government, and the municipal leadership is elected. Both the province and the city have significant autonomy. Stockholm is the capital of Sweden. Sweden is a developed capitalist country and also the site of the Nobel Prize. In 2022, Sweden’s gross domestic product was 5962.8 billion Swedish kroner (approximately 558.4 billion US dollars), with a per capita gross domestic product of 567000 Swedish kroner (approximately 53000 US dollars) and a GDP growth rate of 2.6%. On March 7, 2024 local time, Sweden officially joined NATO, becoming the 32nd member state of NATO.

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Serbia

Leave a Comment / Europe /

Serbia is located in the central region of the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe, bordering eight countries including Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Macedonia. Serbia has a long history and rich cultural heritage. In ancient times, Serbia was one of the important regions for the formation of the Slavic people. During the Middle Ages, the Kingdom of Serbia rose and became a powerful country in Eastern Europe, leaving important marks in European history. Serbian culture combines Slavic, Orthodox, Türkiye and other elements to form a unique cultural style, especially in music, dance and literature. Serbia is known as a “tourism treasure on the Balkan Peninsula”, with numerous stunning natural landscapes and historical relics. Belgrade, as the capital, is one of the most popular cities for tourists in Serbia. Tourists can experience the sedimentation of history in the three major castles of Kavoda, Kosewac Park, and Rukaseta in Belgrade, while also taking a stroll in the Knyazini district on the banks of the Seva River, enjoying unique architecture and charming scenery. Belgrade Fortress is also a must visit place, and this well preserved historical fortress provides a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Serbia’s cultural traditions are also a part of its unique charm. Music and dance occupy an important position in Serbian culture, especially in traditional Serbian music and dance groups (Kolo). These art forms showcase the passion and vitality of the Serbian people, as well as their inheritance and respect for the past. Traditional Serbian clothing is also very eye-catching, as it is a way for locals to express their identity and cultural belonging. Every year, Serbia holds a series of grand traditional festivals and celebrations, attracting tourists from all over the world to participate.

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The Netherlands

Leave a Comment / Europe /

The Kingdom of the Netherlands, abbreviated as the Netherlands, has its capital in Amsterdam. Located in the northwest of Europe. To the east is Germany, to the south is Belgium, and to the west and north is the North Sea. The local area is 41528 square kilometers, with a coastline of 1075 kilometers. 24% of the area is below sea level, and 1/3 of the area is only 1 meter above sea level. Belongs to a marine temperate broad-leaved forest climate. Composed of 12 local provinces and 6 overseas territories. As of December 2023, the local population of the Netherlands is 17.94 million, of which 76.8% are Dutch. The official language is Dutch, and overseas territories commonly use Dutch, English, Spanish, and Papi Amento.

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