Macao

Macao, or Macau, Portuguese overseas province in southeastern China, on the western side of the Pearl River Estuary, at the head of which is Canton. Lying just within the tropics, Macao is 6.5 sq mi (17 sq km) in area. The territory came into Portuguese possession in 1557 and was granted broad autonomy in 1976. It will revert to China in 1999. The territory comprises a narrow peninsula projecting from the mainland province of Kwangtung, as well as the adjacent islands of Taipa and Coloane. Macao is a popular gambling center and important commercial port. Fishing and some textile manufacturing are significant economic activities.