Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$30,000 (2007)

Inflation Rate

6.2% (December 2008)

Population

559,846 (July 2009 est.)

Country Map

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Macau : Introduction

Colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Macau was the first European settlement in the Far East. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and Portugal on 13 April 1987, Macau became the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 20 December 1999. In this agreement, China promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic system would not be practiced in Macau, and that Macau would enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.

Macau: Monetary Authority of Macao

The Monetary Authority of Macao is the autonomous central banking entity of Macau. Its website provides news, statistics, and general banking regulations. In addition, monthly and annual economic reports are made available. Site is available in English, Portuguese and Chinese.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (October 2009)