Hong Kong: History

1842

China cedes Hong Kong island to the British following the First Opium War.

1898

China leases Hong Kong and other territories to Britain for 99 years.

1941

Japan's occupation of Hong Kong and food shortages drive many residents to flee to Mainland China. Hong Kong's 1941 population of 1.6 million shrinks to 650,000 by the end of World War II.

1950s Hong Kong experiences an economic revival fueled by light industries such as textiles.

1970s

Hong Kong's technology-based economy thrives, making Hong Kong one of the South East Asia's economic powerhouses. 

1984

Britain and China sign a joint declaration that states that Hong Kong will be reverted to Chinese rule in 1997, but will retain its capitalist economic system and partially democratic political system for 50 years following the handover.

1997

Hong Kong is handed back to Chinese authorities after more than 150 years of British control.

2003

Hong Kong and Chinese mainland sign the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), eliminating tariffs for Hong Kong's major export products to China and providing easier access to the mainland market.

2006

Tens of thousands of people rally in support of full democracy.

2009

Hong Kong authorities propose political reform in response to pressure for democracy.

2019

After a proposal to allow extradition to mainland China, Hong Kong sees anti-government and pro-democracy protests.