Glencoe World Geography

Chapter 28: East Asia Today

"Hong Kong"


Introduction
In this chapter you have learned about China’s efforts to modernize its economy. You have also learned that in 1997 control of Hong Kong returned to China after 150 years of British rule. While Hong Kong has faced restricted political freedom, it is maintaining its market economy. In this activity you will learn more about Hong Kong before and after the transition from a British colony to a Chinese Special Administrative Region.

Destination Title: Hong Kong: Between Two Worlds

Directions
Start at the CNN Hong Kong: Between Two Worlds Web site.
  • Click on and explore the Past, Present, and Future links at the bottom of the screen.
  • Use the “More” and “Back” buttons to navigate the various links.
  • Then go to the CNN Special Report: One Country, Two Systems feature to find out about Hong Kong five years after the transition.
  • Click on and read the story Inevitable Decline of Hong Kong under the “Economy” heading. Then read the article Repression Marks Anniversary under the “More Stories” heading on that page.

Using the information you have gathered from the sites, answer the following questions.

1
Describe the mood prior to the handover regarding the economic future of Hong Kong. Why did people feel this way?
2
What fears did some residents of Hong Kong express prior to the handover?
3
What changes have taken place in the media since the handover? Why?
4
Evaluate the success of the “one country, two systems” formula in Hong Kong since the handover.
5
5. Imagine that you are a resident of Hong Kong. Based on the information you have read in your book and on these Web sites, write two diary entries—one dated June 30, 1997, and one dated June 30, 2002. In your first entry, share your hopes and concerns for the future of Hong Kong as an SAR. How do you think it will affect your life? In the second entry, describe your life after the handover. Did any of your hopes and fears prove to be true? Make sure you include some information about the political or economic background you have learned.
Glencoe Online Learning CenterSocial Studies HomeProduct InfoSite MapContact Us

The McGraw-Hill CompaniesGlencoe

Please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice before you explore our Web site. To report a technical problem with this Web site, please contact the Web Producer.