Macao SAR

An autonomous region of East Asia, Macau is the world’s most densely populated region. Macau houses a population of 650,900 within an area of 30.5 square km. The economy of Macau is largely tourism-based. Export-oriented manufacturing of textiles and garments and financial services including banking are the other most profitable economic sectors of Macau. Over 50% of the country’s GDP is contributed by the tourism, gaming, and hospitality industry. Macau has well-established and stable trade relations with more than 120 countries and regions of the world. The tourist arrivals in Macau dramatically increased from 9.1 million in 2000 to 22 million in 2006. The gambling industry also attracts a large number of tourists to Macau. Macau is also considered by many as a tax haven and a free port boosting international trade in the region.