There are a number of obvious similarities between Singapore and Hong Kong.

In terms of physical size they're not greatly different.

Although the total area of Hong Kong is about twice that of Singapore,

the amount of land that is actually usable is more or less the same.

Both cities were born as British colonies in the first half of the 19th century

and are mainly populated by migrants from southern China.

However, while Hong Kong's population of around seven million is overwhelmingly Chinese (98%, in fact),

Singapore's population of around 2.8 million is made up of 76% Chinese, 15% Malay, and 7% Indian.

In both cities there are slightly more men than women.

Both cities witnessed very rapid economic development in the 1960s and 1970s,

and are now important international financial centres.

However, there are a number of differences between the two cities.

Hong Kong's population density - 5,590 persons per square kilometre,

is much higher than Singapore's 4,323 per square kilometre.

It is well known that Singapore is quieter, cleaner and greener than Hong Kong.

One reason for this is that Singapore's roads are much less congested than Hong Kong's.

Whereas the Singapore government has taken measures to

restrict the number of private cars allowed on the roads and encouraged citizens to use public transport,

Hong Kong has done little to discourage car ownership

and has simply continued to build more roads to carry the ever increasing number of vehicles.