Population and Culture         • Almost 95 % of the population is ethnic Chinese.     • The international community consists of various nationalities.         Many of the paradoxes of modern Chinese and Asian life and development can be observed in Hong Kong. Modern urban industrial centers, with their frenzied pace and congestion are juxtaposed with traditional farming and fishing villages. Cultural performances from every continent take place in the same halls as traditional Chinese operas. And artistic displays from around the world share gallery walls with ancient Chinese paintings and calligraphy.             Location         • Located at the heart of Asia and the crossroads of major air routes.     • Within five hours flying time to Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.     • Gateway to China - the border with China can be reached in 40 minutes by frequent commuter trains.     • Consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and more than 260 outlying islands.     • A total area of 1,075 square kilometres.     • Most of the territory's almost 7 million inhabitants live on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and various "New Towns" such as Ma On Shan and Tin Shui Wai. The rest of the New Territories is hilly and sparsely populated. Scattered throughout the region are fishermen and agricultural communities whose clans trace their Hong Kong ancestors back for centuries.             Climate         • Below the Tropic of Cancer at approximately the same latitude as Cuba, the Bahamas and Hawaii.     • Spring is rainy and warm.     • Summer is hot and humid when temperatures can rise to 33 oC (92 oF)     • Late autumn and early winter are dry and mild.     • Late winter is chilly and wet.