The Historical Archives of Macao is the public repository of Macao’s unique historical documentary heritage. It collects, processes, protects and makes available the enduring records of government supporting Macao’s memory. In celebration of China Cultural Heritage Day and International Archives Day, the Historical Archives of Macao will hold an Open Day on 11 June to increase public awareness of the function and collection of the Archives, while an archives exhibition titled “How Many Are We?”, which will also open on the same day, remains on display until 14 August.

Census enumeration –creating a snapshot of the population based on a single moment in time- has been a part of administrative activity for centuries, providing benchmark information on the changes in the demographic structure and socio-economic characteristics of the population. The “How Many are We?” exhibition focuses on the development of census enumeration in Macao as reflected in information gathered by the Administration over the centuries. Records, plans, photographs and other historic materials from the Historical Archive’s collection and items from the Macao Statistics and Census Service are on display. These records reflect the interaction between the Chinese and Portuguese communities in Macao, contributing to the rich fabric of social harmony that we see today.

Members of the public are welcome to visit the exhibition at the Historical Archives of Macao (open Mon-Fri, 09:30-18.30, Sat & Sun, 10:00-18.00).Website of the Historical Archives of Macao: http://www.archives.gov.mo/en. For enquiries, please call 2859 2919.