Macau S.A.R. is located in Eastern Asia, and its capital is Macao. It has a population of approximately 687,000 and covers an area of about 33 km². Its official currency is the Macanese pataca (MOP).
What stands out
People & place
20,818 /km² across 33 km²
Macau S.A.R. has a recorded population of 687,000 and a reported surface area of 33 km².
Economic snapshot
$49.47 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $49.47 billion and GDP per capita at $72,005 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Macau, a glittering enclave on the southern coast of China, blends centuries‑old Portuguese heritage with modern Asian dynamism, making it one of the world’s most vibrant and densely populated urban centers.
Nestled on the western side of the Pearl River Delta, Macau comprises the Macau Peninsula and the islands of Taipa and Coloane, connected by bridges and the reclaimed Cotai Strip. Its hilly terrain offers scenic views of the South China Sea and a skyline dominated by towering casino resorts.
Macau’s culture is a unique fusion of East and West: traditional Cantonese festivals share the streets with Portuguese cobblestone architecture, while the culinary scene dazzles with delicacies like pork chop buns, egg tarts, and the famed Macanese cuisine that melds African, Indian, and European flavors.
Founded as a Portuguese trading post in the 16th century, Macau remained under European administration for over four centuries, becoming the oldest European settlement in East Asia before its 1999 handover to China under the “one country, two systems” framework.
Key facts
Macau generates more gaming revenue per capita than any other jurisdiction in the world, surpassing Las Vegas and Monte Carlo.
It covers just 32.9 square kilometers but houses over 680,000 residents, making it one of the most densely populated places on Earth.
The historic centre of Macau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its blend of Portuguese and Chinese architectural styles.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
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Macau S.A.R.: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Macau S.A.R.?
The capital of Macau S.A.R. is Macao.
What is the population of Macau S.A.R.?
Macau S.A.R. has a recorded population of approximately 687,000 people.
How big is Macau S.A.R.?
Macau S.A.R. covers an area of about 33 km².
What is the population density of Macau S.A.R.?
Macau S.A.R. has a population density of roughly 20,818 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Macau S.A.R.?
Macau S.A.R. has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $49.47 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Macau S.A.R.?
Macau S.A.R. has a GDP per capita of approximately $72,005.
What currency is used in Macau S.A.R.?
Macau S.A.R. uses the Macanese pataca (MOP), with the symbol $.
Where is Macau S.A.R. located?
Macau S.A.R. is located in Eastern Asia, Asia.
What is the native name of Macau S.A.R.?
The native name of Macau S.A.R. is 澳門.
What are people from Macau S.A.R. called?
People from Macau S.A.R. are referred to as Macanese, Chinese.
What is the phone calling code for Macau S.A.R.?
The international dialing code for Macau S.A.R. is +853.
What is the internet domain for Macau S.A.R.?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Macau S.A.R. is .mo.
What time zone is Macau S.A.R. in?
Macau S.A.R. uses the Asia/Macau time zone.
What is Macau S.A.R. known for?
Macau, a glittering enclave on the southern coast of China, blends centuries‑old Portuguese heritage with modern Asian dynamism, making it one of the world’s most vibrant and densely populated urban centers.
Eastern Asia