Tiny Macau, a special administrative region of China, has seen its low-key colonial character give way to massive commercial and tourist development.

The former Portuguese colony, a near neighbor of Hong Kong, occupies a small peninsula and two islands off China's southern coast.

Its economy revolves around tourism. Macau has capitalized on its long history as a gambling centre, drawing many thousands of visitors from China and Hong Kong.

Foreign casino companies have invested heavily since Hong Kong tycoon Stanley Ho's decades-long monopoly on the gaming industry ended in 2002. New "mega-casinos", which include major hotel developments, have replaced traditional gambling dens.

In 2006 the returns from the casino boom surpassed the revenues of the US gambling mecca, Las Vegas. But analysts warn that Macau risks relying too much on the industry.

Some politicians and academics say most locals have yet to benefit from the economic boom.

The former colony reverted to Chinese sovereignty in 1999 after 400 years of Portuguese rule. Beijing promised to uphold Western-style freedoms for at least 50 years.

Although it is part of China, Macau is governed under the "one country, two systems" principle, under which it has a large degree of autonomy.

Pro-reform forces are less vocal in Macau than in Hong Kong. But pro-democracy activists are pushing for universal suffrage after 2009, when Macau's constitution, the Basic Law, allows for changes to the electoral system.

Portuguese seafarers settled in the area in the 1500s. Initially, the colony prospered on the lucrative returns from regional trade, and European-style mansions and churches mushroomed.

Trade dwindled from the 1600s, but the introduction of licensed gambling in the mid 1800s revived Macau's fortunes.

Facts
• Territory: Macau
• Status: Semi-autonomous, special administrative region of China
• Population: 476,700 (via UN, 2006)
• Area: 23.8 sq km (9 sq miles)
• Major languages: Chinese (mainly Cantonese), Portuguese (both official)
• Major religions: Buddhism, Christianity
• Life expectancy: 78 (men), 82 (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 pataca = 100 avos
• Main exports: Clothing, textiles • GNI per capita: $14,390 (World Bank, 2000)
• Internet domain: .mo
• International dialing code: +853

Media
The local government is the main media player in Macau; it runs the region's terrestrial TV and radio stations and subsidizes printed publications.

Citing these ties, the Vienna-based International Press Institute reports that it is "difficult to define the media as independent".

The press
• Macao Daily News - main daily, Chinese-language
• Va Kio Daily - Chinese-language daily
• Hoje Macau - Portuguese-language daily
• Jornal Tribuna de Macau - Portuguese-language daily
• Ponto Final - Portuguese-language daily

Television
• Teledifusao Macau - operates Chinese and Portuguese-language networks

Radio
• Radio Macau - operates Chinese and Portuguese-language networks

SUMMARY INFO:

Macau is NOT a country, it is a SAR (Special Administrative Region).

Macau used to be Portugal's but now belongs to China.

Macau is a ferry-ride away from Hongkong (about 30 minutes) and is Asia's Gambling haven.

Macau is projected and forecasted to rival Las Vegas, Nevada USA's casinos. Most of Vegas casinos have already built their respective casino counterparts here (Wynn, MGM, etc.).

Because of China's and India's combined approximate and projected 4 billion people and because of Macau's proximity to the two Asian countries, Macau is expected to boom as the world's casino destination.

Whether you're a habitual, heavy or hobby gambler, it's worth visiting Macau...it's every penny's worth.

Visiting Macau Country.com allows you to virtually experience and tour Macau vicariously.

Join us for a POKER TOURNEY regularly from LAX (Los Angeles Airport, California) via Hongkong to Macau with an extra-added Manila, Philippines sidetrack if you so wish. Submit the form below.

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