What is the population of Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has a city population of 7,396,076. That is the population within the city's own boundary, not its wider metropolitan area. City population, GeoNames.
About Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, with a population of 7.5 million on just 1,114 square kilometers. One of the world's most densely populated and vertical cities, Hong Kong is a global financial center known for its dramatic skyline, vibrant culture, and unique position between East and West.
Metro population
7,491,609
0.090% of world population
Archive estimateAnnual growth
−0.10%
Archive estimateDensity
7,135/km²
1,050 km² metro area
Key Facts
City population, GeoNames. GeoNames publishes no year for its population figures, so “record updated” is when the entry was last edited — not the date the population was measured. Elevation is modelled from a digital elevation model rather than surveyed, so it is approximate.
Nearby Cities
All 1 in Hong KongClosest listed cities by great-circle distance from the city centre.
Compared with the World's Largest Cities
City-proper population against the fifteen largest cities in the dataset.
| Name | City population |
|---|---|
| Shanghai | 24.9M |
| Beijing | 19M |
| Shenzhen | 17.5M |
| Guangzhou | 16.1M |
| Kinshasa | 16M |
| Istanbul | 15.7M |
| Lagos | 15.4M |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 14M |
| Chengdu | 13.6M |
| Lahore | 13M |
| Mumbai | 12.7M |
| São Paulo | 12.4M |
| Mexico City | 12.3M |
| Karachi | 11.6M |
| Tianjin | 11.1M |
| Hong Kong | 7.4M |
Airports
Scheduled-service airports within 100 km, nearest first.
- Hong Kong International AirportHKG
27 km from the city centre
Source: OurAirports, matched by distance.
History
Hong Kong Island was ceded to Britain after the First Opium War (1842), with Kowloon and New Territories added later. The city developed as a major trading port. After WWII, waves of Chinese migrants fueled industrialization. Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997 under 'one country, two systems,' guaranteed until 2047.
Economy
Hong Kong is one of the world's leading financial centers alongside New York and London. The stock exchange is Asia's third-largest. Key sectors include finance, trade, logistics, tourism, and professional services. The city has a free-market economy with low taxes. Recent political changes have affected its international business appeal.
Culture
Hong Kong culture blends Cantonese traditions with international influences. Cantonese cuisine is legendary—dim sum, roast meats, and cha chaan teng (local cafés). Cantopop and Hong Kong cinema were once Asian powerhouses. Traditional festivals (Mid-Autumn, Dragon Boat) are celebrated. The city moves fast and works hard.
Transportation
Hong Kong's MTR is one of the world's best metro systems—clean, efficient, and profitable. Buses, trams (on Hong Kong Island), and ferries serve the territory. Hong Kong International Airport is a major Asian hub. Taxis are affordable. The Octopus card works for all transit.
Current Challenges
Hong Kong faces significant challenges: extreme housing costs (world's least affordable), political tensions following 2019 protests and the National Security Law, brain drain, declining international business confidence, and competition from mainland cities. Space constraints and aging population are concerns.
Highlights
Landmarks & Attractions
- Victoria Peak
- Hong Kong skyline
- Star Ferry
- Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
- Temple Street Night Market
- Victoria Harbour
- Ocean Park
- Wong Tai Sin Temple
What Hong Kong Is Known For
- Skyline
- Dim sum
- Shopping
- Finance
- Density
- Efficiency
Universities
- University of Hong Kong
- HKUST
- Chinese University of Hong Kong
Sports Teams
- Hong Kong national teams
- Hong Kong Premier League clubs
Interesting Facts
- Hong Kong has the world's longest covered escalator system (800 meters)
- The city has more skyscrapers than any other city
- Dim sum means 'touch the heart'
- Hong Kong has one of the world's highest Rolls-Royce per capita rates
- The Star Ferry has operated since 1888
- Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan made their fame here
Hong Kong Population FAQ
Where is Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is in Hong Kong. Its coordinates are 22.278, 114.175.
How big is Hong Kong compared with other cities in Hong Kong?
It is the 1st largest of the 1 cities listed in Hong Kong, holding 98.6% of the national population.