|
 Hong
Kong
Island
is
an
island
in
the
southern
part
of
Hong
Kong,
China.
It
has
a
population
of
1,268,112
and
its
population
density
is
15,915/kmē.
The
island
had
a
population
of
3,000
inhabitants
scattered
in a
dozen
fishing
villages
when
it
was
occupied
by
the
United
Kingdom
in
the
First
Opium
War
in
1842,
and
the
City
of
Victoria
was
then
established
on
the
island
by
the
British
Force
in
honor
of
Queen
Victoria.
The
Central
area
on
the
island
is
the
historical,
political
and
economic
centre
of
Hong
Kong.
The
northern
coast
of
the
island
forms
the
southern
shore
of
the
Victoria
Harbour,
which
is
largely
responsible
for
the
development
of
Hong
Kong
due
to
its
deep
waters
favoured
by
large
trade
ships.
The
island
is
home
to
many
of
the
most
famous
sights
in
Hong
Kong,
such
as
"The
Peak",
Ocean
Park,
many
historical
sites
and
various
large
shopping
centres.
The
mountain
ranges
across
the
island
are
also
famous
for
hiking.
The
northern
part
of
Hong
Kong
Island
together
with
Kowloon
forms
the
core
urban
area
of
Hong
Kong.
Their
combined
area
is
approximately
88.3
km2
(34.5
sq.
mi.)
and
their
combined
population
(that
of
the
northern
part
of
the
island
and
of
Kowloon)
is
approximately
3,156,500,
reflecting
a
population
density
of
35,700/kmē
(91,500/sq.
mi.).
The
island
is
also
sometimes
locally
referred
to
as
"the
Island
side"
(in
specific
reference
to
the
south
side
of
the
Victoria
Harbour). |
