Macau

In 1547, Chinese officials granted a monopoly to Portuguese traders in Macau by banning direct trade with Japan due to piracy by Chinese and Japanese nationals. This move made the already profitable trade along the Guangzhou-Macau-Nagasaki route even more lucrative for the Portuguese.

In 1556, Macau was established as a trade settlement by the Portuguese Empire. Over the next 450 years, Macau became a sanctuary for many individuals fleeing social upheavals, war, and famine, including the celebrated poet Luis Vaz de Camoes.

In 1557, the Portuguese took over Macau, establishing it as the first European colony in East Asia. The name 'Macau' was adapted from the Chinese name 'A Ma Gao', in honor of the patron goddess of sailors, A-Ma.

In 1580, King Philip II of Spain elevated Macau from a settlement to a city, renaming it as the 'City of the Name of God'. This was a result of the union of Spanish and Portuguese crowns.

King Philip II of Spain promoted Macau from a settlement to a city, recognizing its importance in trade between Portuguese Macau, Spanish Manila, and China.

The Third Tokugawa Shogun, Iemitsu, expelled the Portuguese and all foreigners from Nagasaki in 1636, ending the lucrative trade with Japan due to paranoia of Christianity.

The shōgun of Japan sealed the country off from foreign influence, leading to the sakoku period where no Japanese were allowed to leave the country and no foreign ships could dock in Japanese ports.

In 1639, Macau's most profitable trade route between China and Japan was severed, impacting the economic activities in the region.

In 1642, Macau celebrated the news of the Portuguese House of Braganza regaining control of the Crown from the Spanish Hapsburgs. A ten-week celebration followed, during which Macau sent gifts to the new King João IV and expressed loyalty. In return, the King rewarded Macau with the title 'City of the Name of God in China, There is none more loyal.'

The Treaty of Peace, Amity, and Commerce between China and the United States was signed at the Kun Iam Temple in Macau on 3 July 1799.

China ceded Hong Kong to the British in 1842, leading to the start of trade shifting from Macau to Hong Kong due to the strategic Victoria Harbour. This event had significant economic and political implications.

The Treaty of Wangxia was signed at the Templo de Kun Iam in the village of Mong Há between the United States and China, marking the official beginning of Sino-US relations.

In 1849, Portugal abolished the Chinese customs house and declared Macau independent. This led to tensions with China, culminating in the assassination of Gov. Ferreira do Amaral during the Baishaling Incident.

In 1883, Macau and East Timor were once again combined as an overseas province of Portugal, this time under the control of Goa. This administrative change reflected Portugal's colonial policies in the region.

The Protocol signed in Lisbon on 26 March 1887 solidified the perpetual occupation and government of Macau by Portugal, with the condition that Macau and its dependencies would not be transferred without China's agreement.

The Beijing Treaty signed on 1 December 1887 further reinforced Portugal's control over Macau, including the cession of Taipa and Coloane. However, the treaty did not establish a clear border between Macau and the mainland.

In 1890, Ilha Verde was officially included as part of Macau's territory. Over the years, through land reclamation efforts, it became integrated into the Macao Peninsula by 1923.

In August 1943, Japanese troops seized the British steamer Sian in Macau, resulting in the death of approximately 20 guards. Subsequently, the Japanese demanded the installation of 'advisors' in Macau under the threat of military occupation.

In January 1945, aircraft from the USS Enterprise bombed and strafed the hangar of the Naval Aviation Centre in Macau to destroy aviation fuel that was planned to be sold to Japan. This action was taken to prevent support to Japan during World War II.

In 1951, the Salazar regime declared Macau, along with other Portuguese colonies, as an “Overseas Province” of Portugal.

In 1952, a major border incident occurred at Macao’s border crossing to China, Portas do Cerco, where Portuguese African Troops exchanged fire with Chinese Communist border guards.

In 1962, the gambling industry in Macau experienced a significant development when the government awarded the Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau (STDM) monopoly rights over all forms of gambling, leading to the introduction of western-style games and modernization of marine transport.

During the communist Cultural Revolution in 1966, riots broke out in Macau when local Chinese and Macau authority clashed over a minor dispute concerning building permits. The most serious incident was the 12-3 incident, sparked by an overreaction of Portuguese officials, resulting in 8 deaths and a total climbdown by the Portuguese Government.

On January 29, 1967, the Portuguese Governor, José Manuel de Sousa e Faro Nobre de Carvalho, signed a statement of apology at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Macau under a portrait of Mao Zedong. Ho Yin, the Chamber’s President, presided over the event.

The Taipa-Coloane Causeway, connecting Taipa island and Coloane island, was officially opened in 1968. This infrastructure development played a crucial role in enhancing transportation and connectivity between the two islands in Macau.

After the anti-colonialist Carnation Revolution in 1974, Portugal gave up all claims over Macau and expressed the intention to hand over Macau to Chinese sovereignty.

A joint communiqué signed on May 20, 1986, called for negotiations on the Macau question. This marked the beginning of discussions regarding the future status of Macau.

The Joint Declaration on the Question of Macau was signed in Beijing on April 13, 1987. This agreement set the foundation for Macau's return to Chinese sovereignty as a Special Administrative Region.

In 1999, Macau was handed over from Portugal to China, ending over 400 years of Portuguese colonial rule.

The transfer of sovereignty over Macau from Portugal to China, ending over 400 years of Portuguese colonial rule.

On December 20, 1999, Macau was officially handed over from Portuguese colonial rule to China, leading to the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region (S.A.R.).

Since 2000, Macau has experienced a significant growth in the gambling and gaming industry, leading to its transformation into one of the world's largest gambling centers in terms of revenue.

Following the end of the gambling monopoly system in 2002, Macau saw the rise of multiple casino operating concessions, including SJM, Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, Galaxy Entertainment Group, MGM Mirage, Pansy Ho Chiu-king, Melco, and PBL. This event marked the start of Macau's emergence as a major gambling hub in Asia.

In 2004, the Cotai Strip development was finalized as part of efforts to enhance the gambling industry in Macau. Construction of hotels and casinos began in 2004, contributing to the growth of Macau's gaming sector.

By 2006, Macau's economy driven by casinos had surpassed Hong Kong in GDP growth, with gaming receipts exceeding those of Las Vegas.

The world's largest casino opened in Macau, contributing to its transformation into the most successful gambling city in the world.

On 27 June 2009, the Macau government officially announced that the University of Macau will build its new campus on Hengqin island, facing the Cotai area. This decision was made due to limited residential and development space in Macau.

Between 2011 and 2013, major construction began on several planned mega-resorts on the Cotai Strip in Macau. These projects aimed to further develop the tourism and entertainment sector in the region.

Macau ranked among the world's richest territories, with significant economic growth attributed to casino taxes and government dividends.

In June 2014, Macau experienced a decline in gambling revenues for the first time on a year-to-year basis. This marked the beginning of a trend where gambling revenues continued to decrease for the rest of the year compared to 2013.

The Parisian Macao, opened in mid-2016, is a luxurious hotel and casino resort located on the Cotai Strip in Macau. It features a half-size replica Eiffel Tower with observation decks and nightly light shows, along with 3,000 rooms and suites, dining, shopping, and entertainment options.