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Macau is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Under the
SAR formula, Macau has a high degree of autonomy in political and economical matters. China is responsible for defense and foreign affairs.
Macau was until 1999 Europe's oldest colony in Asia, predating Hong Kong by 300
years. Macau was primarily a successful Portuguese trading port between China and
Japan. Portugal brought along its civil law system and helped introduce Christianity. In
1850, gambling became legal and Macau has prospered since.
Macau's Basic Law approved in March 1993 by China's National People's Congress, is
Macau's constitution. Chief of State is the President of China JIANG Zemin. Macau's
Head of Government is Chief Executive Edmund HO Hau-wah. Macau has a 23 seat
unicameral Legislative Council (LEGCO). There are 7 members appointed by the Chief
Executive, 8 member elected indirectly 8 members voted directly. All members stay in
office for 4 years. Macau's Basic Law increased the amount of elected members from 8 to 10 each for a total of 27 seats. Direct legislative elections were introduced in 1976. Most political groups continue to operate after the handover and a record 106 candidates are registered for next elections.
Chinese rule has allowed Taiwanese groups to remain in Macau and have also contributed to less gang related violence. Sadly, Amnesty International reports of a severe crackdown on Falun Gong practioners. In line with China's officially sanctioned repression, the Macau government has detained and tortured tens of thousands of individuals and even confined them in psychiatric hospitals.
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