Hong Kong, given its small territory, is home to more than 7 million people. The density of it is 16576 people per square meter, comparing to Tokyo’s 15143 people per square meter, Hong Kong has an extra population of about 1500 people per square meter. This is an appalling figure when compared to Tokyo, another metropolis in Asia. Such highly dense area may mean extra prosperity and wealth to the city, but the problem of overcrowding will seriously reduce the quality of life of the citizens in terms of happiness, health and pressure.
Living in a place with many neighbors may mean a joy to some outgoing people, but could mean a nuisance to some. Most residence in Hong Kong is crammed with apartments. Residents rarely have sufficient public space to enjoy fresh air, relax or play sport. In another aspect, too many people living together on the same floor may not be desirable. If every neighbor is nice to each other and considerate, there is simply no problem even if it is overcrowded. However, the reality will not permit this, there are times when people could overhear neighbors’ conversations, neighbours crank up their TV volume even at midnight or dispose of rubbish improperly. These disrupts the quality time of family gathering at home and increase the friction between neighbours. Space is needed to reduce friction and generate happiness.
Overcrowding will expose residents to the threat of diseases. A compact living space is favourable for disease transmission. There is a need for a demanding drainage system and frequent sanitation to prevent the spread of diseases. For instance, the deplorable SARS pandemic was so efficient in spreading thanks to the overly packed living space. Overcrowding is like a time bomb waiting to be set off until the next wave of potential disease reigns over Hong Kong. Extra attention to the hygienic problem is needed to protect the health of the many lives in every single housing estate.
The last aspect of the reduction of quality of life caused by overcrowding is pressure caused by living in such a crowded surrounding. There is no doubt that people in Hong Kong are like living in a pressure-cooker. There are already many challenges to face at work and most employees would carry their already fatigue body back home. To a certain extent, people sometimes just need space to unwind and relax. If there is any friction between neighbours, emotionally fragile people may not be able to cope with the situation and disputes would arise. How would anyone enjoy their lives when disputes and pressure arise easily because too many people of different kinds live together closely geographically?
Living with many people is never a problem. But the problem is when too many people lives together, resources are scarce and space is lacking, people either have to live with the problem or put up a fight with it. Yet in such mode of living, it is challenging for people to enjoy quality lives.