Hong Kong, once a British colony and renowned international trading hub, transitioned to a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China in 1997 under the “one country, two systems” framework. While it remains a global financial center and a vital commercial port, the past two decades have been marked by challenges as Hong Kong navigates shifting policies and growing influence from Beijing.

Nearly 90% of Hong Kong’s population is Han Chinese, with most of the remaining residents being Filipino and Indonesian workers. More than half of the population identifies as non-religious. Among those with religious affiliation, 28% practice Buddhism, while Protestant and Catholic Christians together make up about 12%.

Before the 1997 handover, Hong Kong enjoyed robust religious freedom, with open worship and unrestricted publication and distribution of religious materials. This environment fostered an active faith community and significant missions activity.

In recent years, however, heightened control by Beijing under Xi Jinping’s leadership has raised concerns about human rights and freedom of expression in the region. Political unrest and tighter regulations have significantly restricted the freedoms that once characterized Hong Kong, including those related to worship and religious outreach. Despite these challenges, the city continues to thrive as a hub for international trade and tourism.