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| Macau (Macau) Territory in East Asia, on the coast of the South China Sea, which is the colonial possession of Portugal. Located at the mouth of the Pearl River. Area - 16 sq. km. Population - 350 thousand, mainly Chinese (about 98%), as well as Portuguese and others. The administrative center is the city of Aomin (about 180 thousand inhabitants.). The official language is Portuguese. The state religion is Catholic. In 1553 Portuguese merchants settled on this territory, in 1555 they rented it from the Chinese authorities, in 1557 established "this administration" here, from 1850 they stopped paying rent, and in 1887 they imposed a protocol on China. to which Portugal received the right to "perpetual control" of this territory. In 1940, Japan captured Aomin. However, in 1945, after the defeat of Japan in World War II, the Portuguese reasserted their control over it. In 1951, Portugal proclaimed Aomin as its "overseas province". It is governed by the Portuguese governor (since 1979 - General Melu Ezhidiu), with which there is a Legislative Council. After the overthrow of the fascist government in Portugal (1974), the Democratic Center party was formed on the territory of Macau, uniting the left forces and advocating the implementation of democratic reforms. The right-wing forces are united in the Association for the Defense of the Interests of Aomy. On February 8, 1979, the PRC established diplomatic relations with Portugal, which, however, did not in any way affect the current status of Aomyn. Macau is an important commercial port and financial center, where major trade operations are carried out, including the secret trade in gold and drugs. The city is famous for its entertainment venues (casinos, nightclubs, brothels, opiekurilnye) and entertainment such as bullfighting, dog racing, etc., attracting foreign tourists. China conducts transit trade through Macao and annually receives large revenues from commercial operations, the operation of a number of establishments and enterprises controlled by the Chinese (up to $ 50 million a year). The population is employed in textile and light industrial enterprises, fishing, handicraft, in the service sector. Textiles, clothing, gunpowder, matches, porcelain, camphor, and handicraft products are exported. The monetary unit is pataca. 5.3 patacas = 1 am. dollars (1980). |
