Macau — Region and Tourist Information
Region Facts
- Location
- South China coast.
- Language
- The official languages are Chinese (Cantonese) and Portuguese. English is widely spoken by those engaged in trade, tourism and commerce. Hokkien and Mandarin are also spoken.
- Area
- 28.6 sq km (11 sq miles).
- Time Zone
- GMT + 8.
- Electricity
- Usually 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
- Population
- 531,000 (2007).
- Population Density
- 18,566 per sq km.
- Capital City
- Macau.
- Government
- Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China since 1999.
- Head of Government
- Chief Executive Fernando Chui since 1999.
- Religion
- The main religions are Buddhism, Roman Catholicism, Protestantism and Taoism. The majority are Buddhists.
Recent History
Previously a Special Territory of Portugal, Macau became a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China on 20 December 1999, with Edmund Ho Hau-Wah appointed Chief Executive. In early 2002, the government broke the monopoly on operating casinos, previously held by local tycoon Stanley Ho, by licensing a handful of new casino operators, including Ho himself and Las Vegas kingpins Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn.
Communications
Telephone
Country Code: . International facilities are available at the General Post Office at Leal Senado Square, Macau City, the Central Post Offices in Taipa and Colôane, as well as all phone booths.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.
Internet
Internet facilities are available at the UNESCO center and the central library at Macau and its branches. There are also many Internet cafes in the city.
Media
Macau's media companies are a mix of privately and government run. The Government Information Bureau oversees the media and broadcasters. While Macau's press undoubtedly enjoys more freedom than mainland media, its independence is likely to be tempered somewhat.
Post
Airmail to Europe takes five to seven days. Automatic vending machines are available at various locations for stamps.Opening times vary. Some at key locations including the port and airport open Mon-Sat 1000-1900. The Senadao Square head office opens Mon-Fri 0900-1800 and Sat 0900-1300.
Press
• Portuguese dailies include Hoje Macau and Jornal Tribuna de Macau.
• Chinese dailies include Macau Daily News and Va Kio Daily.
• An English-language business magazine, Macau Business, launched in 2004 and is privately owned.
• A monthly listings and city information magazine Macau Talk is widely available in bars and restaurants.
Radio
•Radio Macau operates Chinese and Portuguese-language networks.
Public Holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2011-December 2012 period.
2010
8 Dec Feast of the Immaculate Conception
20 Dec Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
22 Dec Winter Solstice
24 Dec Christmas Eve
25 Dec Christmas Day
2011
1 Jan New Year’s Day
3 Feb Chinese New Year
5 Apr Ching Ming Festival
22 Apr Good Friday
25 Apr Easter Monday
1 May Labor Day
10 May Feast of Buddha (Feast of the Bathing of Lord Buddha)
6 Jun Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat) Festival
12 Sep Mid-Autumn Festival
1 Oct - 2 Oct National Day of the People’s Republic of China
5 Oct Chung Yeung Festival
2 Nov All Souls’ Day
8 Dec Feast of the Immaculate Conception
20 Dec Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
22 Dec Winter Solstice
24 Dec Christmas Eve
25 Dec Christmas Day
2012
1 Jan New Year’s Day
23 Jan Chinese New Year
4 Apr Ching Ming Festival
6 Apr Good Friday
9 Apr Easter Monday
28 Apr Feast of Buddha (Feast of the Bathing of Lord Buddha)
1 May Labor Day
23 Jun Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat) Festival
30 Sep Mid-Autumn Festival
1 Oct - 2 Oct National Day of the People’s Republic of China
22 Oct Chung Yeung Festival
2 Nov All Souls’ Day
8 Dec Feast of the Immaculate Conception
20 Dec Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
22 Dec Winter Solstice
24 Dec Christmas Eve
25 Dec Christmas Day
Contact Information
Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) in the UK
c/o Representation Plus, 11 Blades Court, 121 Deodar Road, London SW15 2NU, UK
Tel: (020) 8877 4501/17.
Website: www.macautourism.gov.mo
Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) in the USA
3601 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 2100, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, CA 90266, USA
Tel: (310) 643 2630 or 1 866 656 2228.
Website: www.macautourism.gov.mo
