Hong Kong after transfer of sovereignty

In July 1, 1997, Hong Kong was transferred from British rule to Chinese rule. At that time, Hongkongers had high expectations about the city's future. Economy was at peak and business was booming.

After the transfer of sovereignty, Hong Kong faced a series of problems, both political and economical. The government carried out a series of reforms to adopt a more modern ideology and democracy, but faced many difficulties. Additionally, the citizens encountered the Asian financial crisis. Despite a transfer of power to China, the citizens participate in how their government is run, and the region maintains some degree of autonomy. Hong Kong media has not come under state control, though many inhabitants of the island believe that the media practices self-censorship.

A demostration broke out in Hong Kong to protest the voters' inability to elect half the members of the representative council to the Chinese Communist Party. The demonstration was tolerated by the Communist party to ensure social stability in the region and to sustain the recent economic growth (2003 onwards). Environmental problems, however, have increased: smog caused by the rapid industrialization of mainland China clouds Hong Kong's once pristine skyline.

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