Front: George VI (1895-1952), King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the British dominions beyond the seas 1936-1952

George VI was born Albert Frederick Arthur George Windsor, son of George V and Queen Mary.

Albert joined the Royal Navy in 1909 and served as a naval cadet. He served during World War I, and saw action aboard HMS Collingwood in the Battle of Jutland (31 May-1 June 1916). In 1917, Albert joined the Royal Air Force but did not see any further action in the war. After the war, Albert studied history, economics and civics for a year at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Albert married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, on 26 April 1923.

Albert became King George VI when his brother King Edward VIII abdicated the throne on December 11, 1936. Officially he was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the British dominions beyond the seas. George VI was the last Emperor of India (until 1947) and the last King of Ireland (until 1949).

Back: Fancy design

Front: George VI (1895-1952), King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the British dominions beyond the seas 1936-1952

Back: Fancy design

Front: George VI (1895-1952), King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the British dominions beyond the seas 1936-1952

Back: Fancy design

George VI (1895-1952), King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the British dominions beyond the seas 1936-1952

George VI (1895-1952), King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the British dominions beyond the seas 1936-1952

George VI (1895-1952), King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the British dominions beyond the seas 1936-1952

Hong Kong, located on the southeastern coast of China, was a British colony from 1842 to 1997 when its sovereignty was transferred to China.

Hong Kong is governed as a Special Administrative Region of China. Under the terms of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China has promised to give Hong Kong a relatively high degree of autonomy for at least 50 years after the transfer of sovereignty.
Under the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, Hong Kong retains its own legal system, currency, customs policy, cultural delegation, international sport teams, and immigration laws. China represents Hong Kong only in foreign affairs and defense.

For a more detailed country profile, see CIA World Factbook on Hong Kong.