31.   Demoralized by the grinding pace and stultifying atmosphere of Hong Kong, local filmmakers fled this former British colony faster than the British themselves.

32.   Democracy advocates say the new appointees will give Beijing tighter control over the former British colony.

33.   Eight months before this British colony returns to China, stocks are rising, the Hong Kong dollar is strengthening and borrowing costs are falling.

34.   English, as it was when Singapore was a British colony, remains the official language.

35.   Even before he spoke at a university here Tuesday, Gao had whipped up a tempest in this former British colony.

36.   Fifty-two former British colonies belong to the diplomatic club known as the Commonwealth.

37.   For nearly a century the island was a British colony.

38.   For two decades, Mahathir and Anwar were inseparable, united in a drive to turn this former British colony into Exhibit A of the Asian miracle.

39.   Foot-and-mouth disease is more a nuisance than a crisis in this former British colony for several reasons.

40.   Former British colonies have the most potential for investors because their exchanges are often older and more established.