Whether you’re a gambler or a geography buff, you will most probably have heard about Macau – considered the Las Vegas of the East. Macau has become so popular among gamblers around the world – especially high rollers – that it has actually overtaken Vegas in terms of revenue. Everywhere you look in this Chinese controlled peninsula, there are hotels and casinos being built at an incredible pace, with exciting casino games and titles. And while the recession put things on hold in Macau for a while, construction work is now back – faster and more intense than ever before.
Facts about Macau
Macau is clearly a fascinating place to visit and to enjoy the superb casinos and games on offer, and it’s definitely on my own wish list of places to visit. Here are a few other interesting facts about the place:
- There are two official languages in Macau – Chinese and Portuguese.
- The majority of people who live in Macau are Buddhists, although you will also find Catholics and Protestants.
- The Portuguese ruled in Macau in the 16th Century and you can still find remnants of their settlements as well as their culture (hence the official language).
- In fact, Macau was the first European settlement in the Far East.
- The infant mortality rate in Macau ranks among the lowest in the world.
Major Tourist Attractions
Macau is not only about gambling and casinos and you can find lots of interesting places to visit that are steeped in history. The most popular tourist spot in Macau is the Church of St Pauls which was originally built in 1602, destroyed in a typhoon and rebuilt in 1865. A Jesuit citadel, known as Sao Paulo du Monto is located right in the heart of Macau’s old city and was actually instrumental in preventing the Dutch from storming the city in 1622. For those interested in the Chinese history of the enclave, there is a complex of stunning temples which date from around 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, known as Kum Iam Tong which boasts some interesting works of art.
Taipa Village
A colorful village that has been restored by authorities and represents some great examples of Portuguese colonial architecture.
