14 interesting facts about Macau
- It is believed that the name ‘Macau’ was derived from the A-Ma Temple, a place of worship that was build in 1448, with Matsu (the goddess of seafarers and fishermen) as its deity.
- In Macau one of the most practised sports is Rink Hockey, left by the Portuguese.
- The official languages of Macau are Portuguese and Chinese.
- Majority of the people living in Macau are Buddhists, while one can also find Roman Catholics and Protestants here.
- Local cooking in Macau consists of a blend of Cantonese and Portuguese cuisines.
- Chinese form as much as 95% of the total population of Macau, whereas the rest of the 5% comprise of people belonging to Portugal, Europe and other countries.
- The Lunar Chinese New Year is the most important traditional festival and celebration normally takes place in late January or early February.
- After Las Vegas, Macau is one of the biggest gambling areas in the world. In fact, gambling is even legalized in Macau.
- The mixing of the Chinese and Portuguese cultures and religious traditions for more than four centuries has left Macau with an inimitable collection of holidays, festivals and events.
- The currency of Macau is Macanese Pataca.
- Macau is one of the most densely populated regions in the world.
- Macau was the first and last European colony in China.
- Macau is a highly humid region, with the humidity ranging anywhere between 75% and 90%. It receives fairly heavy rainfall as well.
- The infant mortality rate of Macau ranks amongst the lowest in the world.
