Geography of Macau

Pre-colonial records show that Macau totalled only 2.78 km2 (1.07 sq mi) but began to increase as a result of Portuguese settlement.

Macau's size has gradually increased as result of continued land reclamation, especially on Taipa and Coloane.

Geographic coordinates: 22°10′N 113°33′E / 22.167°N 113.550°E / 22.167; 113.550 Location: Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China Terrain: generally flat Elevation extremes: lowest point: South China Sea 0 m highest point: Coloane Alto 172 m (564 ft) Macau has generally flat terrain resulting from extensive land reclamation, but numerous steep hills mark the original natural land mass.

Although Macau is located in the tropics, it has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cwa), because the Siberian pressure system in the winter pushes cool air further south than similar semipermanent permanent high pressure systems.

Major destruction occurred in September 1874, when a devastating typhoon hit Macau and high seas swept across the low-lying area of the peninsula.

It is warm and moist when the southeast and southwest winds are coming from the Pacific Ocean, and typhoons are relatively common during summertime.

It is dry and slightly cold when the north winds are coming from Siberia or the northern part of mainland China.

Relying on water supply from the Xijiang River, in 2006 Macau suffered its worse crisis of salinity in freshwater during the dry season, which takes place in late winter and early spring.

[5] Until early 20th century, the Macau peninsula was dotted with small farms on its northern area, beyond the walls protecting the city.

Currently, in the Macau peninsula, no arable land, natural pastures or woodland exists and forests have been cleared and plant species have been subjected to profound changes.