Special Administrative Region facts for kids

A Special Administrative Region (SAR) is a special area in China. It has a lot of power to rule itself. This means it has a high level of autonomy. There are two SARs in China: Hong Kong and Macau.

Unlike other parts of mainland China, SARs have their own special rulebook called a Basic Law. This law is different from the main law of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The Basic Law gives Hong Kong and Macau special freedoms. These include freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. People can also gather freely and ask the government for changes.

The Basic Law also lets SARs make their own economic rules. This is why their economies are more open than in mainland China. They can also decide who can enter their regions without needing a visa. Because of this, Hong Kong and Macau have their own money, passports, and official languages. This special arrangement is known as the "one country, two systems" policy.

Chinese is an official language in both SARs. However, in mainland China, Mandarin is the main spoken language. Simplified Chinese is the main written language there. In Hong Kong and Macau, Cantonese is spoken most often. Traditional Chinese is the main written language. The Basic Law allows this difference. Also, English is an official language in Hong Kong. Portuguese is an official language in Macau. These were the languages of the countries that ruled them in the past.

How Hong Kong Became an SAR

After the British Empire fought China in the Opium Wars, China had to give up Hong Kong. This happened because of unfair treaties that helped Britain.

• In 1842, China gave up Hong Kong Island.
• In 1860, they gave up the Kowloon Peninsula.
• In 1898, China had to lease the New Territories to Britain for 99 years.

In the 1980s, the lease for the New Territories was almost over. The United Kingdom wanted to keep leasing it. But China said no. The New Territories had half of Hong Kong's people and most of its water. Without it, Hong Kong's economy would have been in trouble. So, in 1984, Britain agreed to talk about giving Hong Kong back. In 1988, China agreed to the Basic Law. This law would make Hong Kong an SAR when it returned to China. In 1997, Hong Kong was given back to the PRC.

How Macau Became an SAR

In 1557, the Portuguese Empire set up a permanent home in Macau. China had given them permission to dock and trade there. Portugal later took over Taipa in 1951 and Coloane in 1864. In 1887, China had to sign a treaty. This made Macau a permanent colony of Portugal.

However, a military coup changed the Portuguese government in 1974. The new government promised to give back all the lands it had taken overseas. In 1986, Portugal and China began talks. They discussed how to peacefully return Macau to China. In 1999, Macau became an SAR in the PRC.

SAR Status in China

China has agreed that the way Hong Kong and Macau do business, live, and use their laws will stay the same. This will last for 50 years after they became part of the PRC. For Hong Kong, this special status will last until 2047. For Macau, it will last until 2049. After these dates, the PRC can rule Hong Kong and Macau as it chooses.