What remains of British influence still exist in Hong Kong?

What remains of British influence still exist in Hong Kong?

Perhaps Britain’s greatest export – the English language. It’s still widely spoken in Hong Kong, and alongside Cantonese is one of the city’s two official languages. In Hong Kong, English is widely used in the government and by the legal, professional and business sectors.

Was Hong Kong the last British colony?

It was the end of an era: In July 1997, as the flag of the United Kingdom was lowered over Hong Kong, the prosperous colony was returned to China after over 150 years of British rule.

How many countries were Colonised by Britain?

The British Empire stretched into each part of the world. Territories were held across the continents. There remain 14 British Territories Overseas.

Which country British ruled the most?

India, Britain’s most valuable and populous possession, achieved independence as part of a larger decolonisation movement, in which Britain granted independence to most territories of the empire.

How many people in Hong Kong are fluent in English?

Actually, according to a recent census report, less than 50\% of Hong Kong’s residents speak fluent English. It is thus not surprising that only 3\% of locals prefer to use English as their usual, everyday language.

Why didn’t Britain offer Hong Kong citizens citizenship?

But the decision was also fuelled by the legacy of British control there. This kind of citizenship was not offered, despite some calls to do so, at the time when Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997. Remember that handover took place on the basis that its partial democracy and market economy would be respected.

Can Hong Kong residents come to live in the UK?

The UK will introduce a new visa at the end of January that will give 5.4 million Hong Kong residents – a staggering 70\% of the territory’s population – the right to come and live in the UK, and eventually become citizens.

Should the UK give Hong Kong democracy?

When Britain withdrew from the colony in 1997, it offered many of its people an overseas British passport, with the possible right of UK residency. Whatever treachery China may have perpetrated, Britain should keep its side of the bargain. We could never give Hong Kong democracy. We can at least give it refuge from democracy’s foes.

Can the UK decide who comes from Hong Kong after Brexit?

A clash for many perhaps, depending how and when people from Hong Kong arrive here. But for ministers, the decision is a testament of the principle that the UK out of the EU can make its own decisions about who arrives and who leaves.