Macau at a Glance

Macau lies on the western side of the Pearl river delta, bordered by Guangdong Province to the north and facing the South china Sea to the east and south. The territory's economy is heavily dependent on gambling, tourism and also includes manufacturing. Macau was administered by Portugal from the mid-16th century until late 1999, when it was the last remaining European colony in Asia. Its fortresses and churches are of unique Mediterranean style, intermixed with alleys, temples and shrines. In modern times Macau has developed industries such as textiles, electronics and toys, as well as it is building up a world class tourist industry with a wide choice of hotels, resorts, sports facilities, restaurants and casinos.
Area29.5 Square KilometersCapitalMacauPopulation0.57 MillionOfficial LanguagesChinese, EnglishCurrencyMacanese PatacaTime DifferenceMacau is 2 hours and 30 minutes ahead of India (IST+2:30hrs.)ISD Code+853BoundaryChina
  • Visa Requirements

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    For a short stay in Macau, Indian citizens do not need a visa. However, a passport with minimum 6 months of validity from the return date is required.

  • Overview

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    Macau's status as an outpost of European settlement and commerce in China, gave it a special historical identity. Since the early nineteenth century the majority of the population was Chinese and emerged as a major trading centre in Southeast Asia. The country’s culture is largely based on a mixture of the two cultures that have influenced the area and today is one of the main tourist attractions of the city. The traditional religions of China like Taoism and Buddhism are the major religions but there is also a very sizable Catholic community as well. The culture of Macau is characterized by a fusion between the Portuguese and Chinese cultures.

  • Overview

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    Macanese cuisine is cooked with many ingredients that recall the unique history of Macau and its Portuguese maritime culture. Many unique dishes resulted from the spice blends that the wives of Portuguese sailors used in an attempt to replicate European dishes. Common cooking techniques include baking, grilling and roasting.

  • Portuguese egg tarts

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    It consists of a flaky pastry shell, with a rich, sweet egg custard filling with a consistency similar to creme brulee. It's best eaten warm. Everywhere from restaurants and hotels to street food vendors sell them.

  • Caldo Verde

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    Caldo Verde soup uses potatoes. This, alongside green salad, is an almost universal starter in Macanese cuisine. There’s usually a bread or corn bread for dipping. It’s delicious when paired with Vinho Verde.

  • Minchi

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    Macanese Minchi is one of the most prized dishes of Macau and has as many variations. Traditionally, it is made with beef or pork but it can also be made with chicken, fish, shrimp or vegetables like bitter melon or wood ear mushrooms.

  • Overview

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    Macau has all sorts of festivals and holidays. A variety of colourful tourist events such as Macau International Music Festival, Arts Festival and the International Fireworks Display Contest are held by local tourist organizations and companies in Macau.

  • Chinese New Year

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    Chinese New Year is celebrated worldwide to mark the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar, which differs from the other calendars. It is also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year and celebrations can last for about 15 days.

  • Dragon Boat Festival

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    The world’s top dragon boat athletes come to Macau for the Dragon Boat Race. These three days of intense racing that fills the city’s iconic harbour with heart-stopping action is a profusion of colour. The sounds of drummers and fans urge paddlers on to the finish line.

  • A-Ma Festival

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    A-Ma Festival is dedicated to the goddess, A-Ma, said to be a legendary heroine who saved Macau people from storms. People pay homage to the goddess in A-Ma Temple on the day. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the Chinese Opera Performance during this time.