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The first and last European colony in Asia, Macau was settled by Portuguese traders in the 16th century and operated as a European port until 1999, when Macau became Chinese territory (although it retains considerable autonomy). Originally an island off the Chinese coast, Macau is now linked to the mainland by sandbars and bridges, and it is the most densely populated region on earth. Although Macau is now known mostly for its casinos (its gambling revenues exceed those of Las Vegas), the historic churches, temples and fortresses represent a handsome blend of Chinese and Portuguese styles, and its cuisine is a delicious fusion of East and West.
Macau is a small Portuguese territory comprised of a peninsula and two islands (Taipa and Coloane) on the southeast China coast, some 65 km from Hong Kong. The Portuguese were given control of Macau by China in 1557 as a reward for rooting out some pirates. Ninety-five percent of its half-million people are Chinese, three percent are Portuguese, with Macanese (Macau-born Eurasians) making up the rest. The vast majority speak Cantonese on Macau, while English and Mandarin are used as well. Portuguese is still the official language, but that's likely to change when Macau returns to Chinese authority in 1999. Macau culture is an exotic mix of Old World Europe in Asia. The peninsula is one of the most crowded areas on Earth, a fact not alleviated by 7 million tourists who visit each year. Still, walking tours along the cobbled streets and historic attractions like the ruins of St. Paul's Church, Monte Fort, and the Lou Lim Loc Gardens exude a unique charm. Events like the Macau International Music Festival, the Macau Grand Prix, and local bullfights lend still more appeal to Macau. Truth be told, however, round-the-clock casinos, horse and dog racing, and other gaming generate a lion's share of interest in the city.