Hong Kong is part of The People's Republic of China and has the status of a Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and can be divided into four parts - Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands.

Hong Kong Island, popularly known as the "Island", has an area of 81sq km (31sq miles). Here you will find an efficient transport network, smart shopping centers, restaurants, bars and social clubs, plus beaches and plenty of green open space. The majority of expatriates choose to live in this area, and there are residential areas across the Island, including the urban area of Mid Levels on the north of the Island, and Repulse Bay on the south side that offers spectacular views over the water.

Though separated by only a short stretch of water, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon represent two very different sides to Hong Kong. The  Kowloon Peninsula which has an area of 47sq km (18sq miles), is tightly packed with shops, bars, hotels and housing in an untidy jumble of new skyscrapers and old low-rise tenements. On Hong Kong Island are the main business districts,  principal Government offices and Legislative Council (seat of Government), and a selection of shopping malls, restaurants and bars.

When the British extended the colony of Hong Kong beyond the Kowloon Peninsular they leased from China 747sq km (288sq miles) of steep hills and jagged coastline, and called it the New Territories. Today, more than 40% of Hong Kong's population lives in the New Territories. The area consists of several new towns such as Shatin, Tai Po, Sai Kung, Fanling, Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun.

Lantau Island, although twice the size of Hong Kong Island, remains largely undeveloped. The main settlements are limited to the largely expatriate enclave of Discovery Bay, the airport town of Tung Chung and the area around the ferry terminal at Mui Wo. Disneyland, located close to Hong Kong International Airport is the latest major development on Lantau.

The third largest Island is Lamma which has an area of 13sq km (approx 5sq miles). Lamma is best known for its numerous waterfront seafood restaurants, abundant hiking trails and lack of motorised transport.