Hong Kong

Hong Kong, long known as a British colony and international trading hub, became an Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China in 1997. While it remains a significant financial center and commercial port, the last 20+ years have not been without crisis as Hong Kong attempts to adjust to changing directives from the central government.

The population of Hong Kong is nearly 90% Han Chinese. The majority of the remaining people are Filipino and Indonesian workers. More than half the population identifies as having no religion. Of those who do claim a religious preference, 28% are Buddhist, while Protestant and Catholic combined are 12%.

Prior to the transfer of control to the Chinese government, meaningful religious freedom existed in Hong Kong. Open worship was allowed, and publication and distribution of religious materials was tolerated.

However, in recent years there have been significant human rights issues and political unrest as the central government has exerted increasing control over the region. While international trade and tourism continue unabated, the relative freedoms for worship and missions activity have been seriously restricted under the leadership of Xi Jinping.

People Groups: 10 Unreached People Groups