In the early 1980s, Deng Xiaoping put forward the creative concept of “one country, two systems”. The idea was to advance China’s peaceful reunification. His vision has been translated into reality first in Hong Kong, and then in Macau. Deng Xiaoping (left) with visiting Portuguese President António dos Santos Ramalho Eanes on May 24, 1985.

Chinese President Jiang Zemin (right) congratulates Edmund Ho Hau Wah on May 24, 1999, on his election and appointment as the first MSAR chief executive. Ho won a second term five years later.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (right) welcomes Chief Executive-elect Fernando Chui Sai On in Zhongnanhai on August 12, 2009. Chui is MSAR’s third-term chief executive.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) meets Chief Executive-elect Ho Iat Seng at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 11, 2019. Ho is MSAR’s fifth-term chief executive.

Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai holds a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) meets with Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On in Zhongnanhai on December 17, 2018. Chui is on a duty visit to Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (third from left, back row) witnesses the signing of the Framework Agreement on Deepening Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Cooperation in the Development of the Greater Bay Area in Hong Kong on July 1, 2017.

The Lotus Flower in Full Bloom sculpture that was presented by the Chinese central government to MSAR government in 1999.

Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On attends the thematic forum on people-to-people connectivity during the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation on April 25, 2019.

A bird’s-eye view of Macau.

A scene of the annual Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

At its 29th session on July 15, 2005, the World Heritage Committee decided to inscribe the Historic Center of Macau on the World Heritage List. The Center was the only nomination submitted by China to the World Heritage Committee that year.

The Macau International Marathon is accredited by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.

Macau leverages its strength in tourism education to position itself in the hospitality industry that could help in the development of the Greater Bay Area.

In 2007, Macau became one of the few regions in the world to offer a 15-year compulsory education.

Since its return to China, Macau has seen steady improvement of its people’s livelihood. The region enjoys social stability and harmony.

In 2018, the average life expectancy in Macau was 83.4 years, the second highest in the world.