Country Profile: Macau
Macau, located in Eastern Asia, is a small but vibrant special administrative region of China known for its unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures. With a modest area of 28 square kilometers, this urbanized region boasts a population of approximately 644,426, predominantly of Chinese descent. The economy thrives on tourism, especially gambling, and has seen significant GDP fluctuations in recent years due to external pressures like the COVID-19 pandemic. Governed under the “one country, two systems” framework, Macau enjoys a degree of autonomy, though its political landscape has faced scrutiny in recent years.
Geography
Macau is situated along the southern coast of China, bordering the South China Sea, and consists of a peninsula and two islands, Coloane and Taipa. The region is predominantly urban and is characterized by its generally flat terrain, with the highest point being Alto Coloane at 172 meters above sea level.
- Total Area: 28 sq km
- Coastline: 41 km
- Land Boundaries: 3 km with China
- Population Distribution: Fairly evenly distributed across the territory
- Climate: Subtropical with cool winters and warm summers
People and Society
The population of Macau is predominantly Chinese, making up 89.4% of the total residents, with a mix of ethnicities including Portuguese heritage. The region has a high urbanization rate, with 100% of residents living in urban areas, and a median age of 42.5 years.
- Total Population: 644,426 (2024 est.)
- Life Expectancy: 85.3 years (2024 est.)
- Languages: Chinese and Portuguese are the official languages
- Religious Composition: Folk religion (58.9%), Buddhism (17.3%), Christianity (7.2%)
- Urbanization Rate: 100% (2023)
Economy
Macau's economy is classified as high-income, heavily reliant on the services sector, particularly tourism and gambling, which accounts for a significant portion of its GDP. The region has faced economic challenges due to anti-corruption measures in mainland China and the global COVID-19 pandemic, but is currently experiencing a recovery.
- GDP (PPP): $77.524 billion (2024 est.)
- Real GDP Growth Rate: 8.8% (2024 est.)
- GDP per Capita: $112,800 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment Rate: 2.5% (2024 est.)
- Exports: $41.839 billion (2023 est.)
Government
Macau operates as a special administrative region of China with an executive-led limited democracy. The local government has limited powers, with foreign affairs and defense managed by the Chinese central authority. Universal suffrage is granted for permanent residents, but political activities have seen restrictions.
- Government Type: Executive-led limited democracy
- Chief of State: President of China, Xi Jinping
- Head of Government: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai (since 20 December 2024)
- Legislature: Unicameral Legislative Assembly with 33 seats
- Next Legislative Election: September 2025
Military and Security
Defense in Macau is under the jurisdiction of China, with the Chinese People's Liberation Army maintaining a garrison in the region. The local security is managed by the Macau Public Security Police Force.
- Defensive Responsibility: China
- Local Security Forces: Macau Public Security Police Force
Energy
Macau's energy infrastructure is characterized by a high rate of electrification, with 100% access to electricity for its population. The region sources its electricity primarily from fossil fuels and biomass.
- Electricity Consumption: 5.659 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Total Installed Capacity: 427,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Electricity Imports: 5.327 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Natural Gas Consumption: 121.747 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Environment
Macau faces several environmental challenges, including air and coastal water pollution, as well as solid waste management. The region has a high urbanization rate and maintains a climate characterized by seasonal variations.
- Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 1.595 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Municipal Solid Waste: 377,900 tons generated annually (2024 est.)
Transportation
Macau has a well-developed transportation network facilitated by its small geographic size. It features one airport and several heliports, along with a modest merchant marine presence.
- Airports: 1 (planned for 2025)
- Heliports: 4 (planned for 2025)
- Total Ports: 1 (including oil terminals)
Communications
The telecommunications infrastructure in Macau has seen significant development, with high mobile subscription rates and internet penetration.
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 1.37 million (2023 est.)
- Internet Users: 89% of the population (2023 est.)
- Fixed-line Subscriptions: 87,000 (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 644,426 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 28 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $77.524 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.5% | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 100% | 2022 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 85.3 years | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 8.6 births/1,000 people | 2024 estimate |
| Total Energy Consumption | 64.641 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Urban Population | 100% | 2023 estimate |
| Carbon Dioxide Emissions | 1.595 million metric tonnes | 2023 estimate |
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