Country Profile: Macau
Macau, located in Eastern Asia on the southern coast of China, is a special administrative region that showcases a unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures. With a population of approximately 644,426, it is a densely populated area characterized by its urban landscape and vibrant tourism sector, particularly in gambling. The economy is largely dependent on services, especially tourism, with a high degree of autonomy under the "one country, two systems" framework since its return to Chinese sovereignty in 1999.
Geography
Macau is situated on the southern coast of China, bordered by the South China Sea. It consists primarily of urban land, with a total area of 28 square kilometers, making it less than one-sixth the size of Washington D.C. The climate is subtropical, characterized by cool winters and warm summers, while its terrain is generally flat.
- 28 sq km – Total area of Macau
- 41 km – Total coastline
- 172 m – Highest point, Alto Coloane
People and Society
Macau has a population estimated at 644,426 in 2024, with a notable majority of Chinese descent. The community is predominantly urbanized, with 100% of the population living in urban areas. The official languages are Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) and Portuguese, reflecting its colonial past.
- 85.3 years – Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
- 1.24 children – Total fertility rate (2024 est.)
- 100% – Urban population (2023)
Economy
Macau's economy is classified as a high-income economy, heavily reliant on tourism and gambling, contributing significantly to its GDP. The real GDP per capita is estimated at $112,800 for 2024, indicating a prosperous economy despite facing challenges from anti-corruption campaigns and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 8.8% – Projected real GDP growth rate (2024 est.)
- $77.524 billion – Real GDP (PPP) (2024 est.)
- 2.5% – Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
Government
Macau operates under an executive-led limited democracy, functioning as a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. The governance structure includes a chief executive and a legislative assembly. Macau maintains a high degree of autonomy, with its own legal system based on the Portuguese model.
- Chief Executive – Sam Hou FAI (since 20 December 2024)
- Legislature – Unicameral, consisting of 33 seats
Military and Security
The defense of Macau is the responsibility of China, with the People's Liberation Army maintaining a garrison within the region. The local security is managed by the Macau Public Security Police Force.
- 1 – Garrison of the People's Liberation Army in Macau
Energy
Macau boasts a 100% electrification rate, with its energy primarily generated from fossil fuels and biomass. The energy consumption per capita stands at 64.641 million Btu in 2023, reflecting its urban infrastructure and industrial demands.
- 427,000 kW – Installed generating capacity (2023 est.)
- 5.659 billion kWh – Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
Environment
Environmental challenges include air and coastal water pollution, as well as solid waste disposal issues. The population is entirely urbanized, which contributes to various environmental pressures.
- 377,942 tons – Municipal solid waste generated annually (2016 est.)
- 20% – Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2014 est.)
Transportation
Macau has modern transportation facilities despite its small size, including one airport and several heliports, facilitating the movement of tourists. The major port serves as a point for trade and travel.
- 1 – Major airport (planned for 2025)
- 5 – Merchant marine vessels (2023)
Communications
The communication infrastructure is well-developed, with a high percentage of internet users and mobile subscriptions. The local government predominantly operates broadcast media, ensuring a mix of cultural content.
- 89% – Internet user penetration (2023 est.)
- 1.37 million – Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 644,426 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Area | 28 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $77.524 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| Real GDP per capita | $112,800 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Life expectancy | 85.3 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Total fertility rate | 1.24 children/woman | Estimated for 2024 |
| Energy consumption | 5.659 billion kWh | Total for 2023 |
| Urban population | 100% | Estimated for 2023 |
| Major language | Cantonese and Portuguese | Official languages |
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