Manufacturing, which employs the largest sector of the labor force, produces apparel, textiles, paper products, and leather products. Macao's economy is based on tourism, international financial operations, and light industry. Its gambling casinos attract thousands of tourists. Its major trade partners are China, Hong Kong, the United States, and Japan. Chief exports are textiles, toys, hides and skins, and wool products.
Major imports are raw materials, capital goods, and foodstuffs.
Macao imports its drinking water and much of its food supply from China. The population is primarily of Chinese origin. Portuguese and Cantonese are the official languages. Although Roman Catholicism is the official religion, the great majority of the Chinese population follows Buddhism. The Portuguese first arrived in Macao in 1513.