Macau is a special administrative region located off the coast of China with a population of over 500,000. It has a long history first as a Portuguese colony from 1557 to 1999 and now retains a high degree of autonomy as part of China. The economy is now dominated by gaming and tourism, which account for over 50% of GDP, and Macau has surpassed Las Vegas as the world's largest gaming center. The culture is a blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences seen in the historic sites, cuisine, and mix of languages spoken. Macau hosts many international events throughout the year that celebrate its history and culture.