Macau was found by the Portuguese in 1557 which makes it  the oldest European colonial settlement in China.

After numerous unscuccessful attempts by the Dutch to gain control over the peninsula, the Portuguese remained  in power until the handover to China in 1999.

Today Macau holds a semi-independent position, similar to its neighbour Hong Kong. 

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Throughout history the Macanese economy was mainly based on maritime activity and trading, until the world of gambling transformed it into one of the largest casino-ran industries in the world, even surpassing the infamous Las Vegas.

The small Macau (30 km2) became a magnet for investors and gambling Chinese, resulting in an exponential growth in revenue, as well as increasing numbers of tourists and overseas workers.

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This sudden change in demographics creates new wealth and opportunities, but also has

an impact on the local population, not always for the best.

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Macau is now the most densed region in the world, where real estate companies and hotel owners run the show.  Casinos, resorts and skyscrapers took over the former rustique landscape and keep on altering it on a daily basis.

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Artificial constructions such as Venetian canals, a Roman colosseum and even the Eiffel Tower are being copied and suddenly appear in the Chinese street view.

European façades have taken over the peninsuala, behind which the new wealthy Chinese

try their luck, even when it's against all odds.

 

Let the chips fall where they may...

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