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Macau, formerly a Chinese territory under Portuguese administration, became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on December 20, 1999. The SAR maintains a high degree of autonomy, except in the areas of defense and foreign policy. Macau retains its own currency, laws, and border controls. Facilities for tourism are well developed. Gambling and tourism are the largest sectors in Macau's economy. With a population of approximately 543,000, Macau covers a 29.2 square-kilometer area including the peninsula of Macau, connected to the PRC, and the two islands of Taipa and Coloane linked by a causeway 2.2 km long. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Macau for additional information.