China, Macao SAR population (live estimate)

Macau has a distinctive linguistic profile shaped by Chinese and Portuguese influences. Chinese and Portuguese are the official languages, with Cantonese serving as the main spoken variety of Chinese in everyday life. Portuguese has a smaller number of native speakers but retains symbolic and institutional importance in law, administration, and certain educational and cultural domains. Mandarin (Putonghua) has become increasingly visible in commerce and official communication, reflecting closer ties with mainland China. English functions as an important additional language in tourism, hospitality, and international business.

Macau is a small but densely populated territory, with most residents living in urbanized areas on the Macau Peninsula and the connected islands of Taipa and Coloane. The population is predominantly ethnic Chinese, with a historical Portuguese community and a Macanese population of mixed heritage. Significant numbers of migrant workers, especially from mainland China and Southeast Asia, contribute to the demographic and linguistic mix. Economic growth driven by tourism and gaming has reinforced the role of multiple languages in daily life, particularly in service industries.

The cities shown here represent major urban centres with populations over 50,000, as defined by the UN Degree of Urbanisation (DEGURBA) methodology. Smaller towns and rural settlements are not included.