We’re of the opinion that Hong Kong is a city of extremes, and it turns out The Loop agrees. The new lifestyle website recently studied the Census and Statistics Department’s findings from the last few years, and put together some pretty nifty graphics that illustrate just how much Hong Kong can swing from one extreme to the other.
Whether you’re in denial or not, scientifically minded Coconauts will know that it’s always best to back up your arguments with some cold, hard data:
1. Hong Kong has an extremely low unemployment rate
Congrats to us.
2. Hongkongers have apparently found the secret to longevity, with the average man living to his early 80s, and the average woman living to her mid-late 80s
More years to spend with your nose to the grindstone, we suppose.
3. Roughly 70 percent of Hongkongers don’t have a university degree
A whopping 19 percent of Hongkongers only have primary school educations, and 51.2 percent have high school degrees.
4. Our government is rolling in dosh
As of July 2015, Hong Kong’s fiscal reserves were HKD796.9 billion.
5. Our salaries tax is extremely low #ThanksCapitalism
The average Hongkonger doesn’t need to pay more than 15 percent tax on their income, and even the richest of the rich needn’t pay over 17 percent.
6. Surprise surprise, real estate is expensive as hell
The stat that will surprise literally no one – if you’re looking to buy, say, a 430-square-foot apartment on Hong Kong island, you would be lucky to shell out less than HKD5.2 million. Broken down, it means for every square foot (or hardwood tile, if you’re fancy), you’ll be HKD12,093 out of pocket.
7. We’ve got a pretty good balance of urban and jungle
And finally, a staggering 40 percent of Hong Kong’s land is undeveloped country parks and reserves, which means there’s plenty of space for you to go out and scream in frustration about the price of your rent.
The full version of this article can be read here.
The original article (by Ryan Chan and Adele Wong) was published in The Loop, a brand new Hong Kong lifestyle website. Check out their profile of Coconuts HK’s kick-ass Multimedia Producer, Laurel Chor, here.
Got a tip? Send it to us at hongkong@coconuts.co
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