The Royal Geographical Society was established in the United Kingdom in 1830. For over 185 years, the Society has been a UK and international focus of geographical research, information and exploration. The Society seeks to be a world centre for geographers and geographical learning dedicated to the development and promotion of knowledge together with its application to the challenges facing society and the environment. Some of the most remarkable geographical discoveries, scientific explorations and feats of human endeavour have been initiated and supported by the Society. It maintains archives of international importance, including the largest private collection of maps in the world and documents, correspondence and diaries which record the history of exploration and geography since 1830. The RGS-HK was established in 1995, making it the first overseas branch. The branch shares the same aims as the Society. It provides a forum where members can regularly meet and listen to leading local and international speakers from the worlds of geography, exploration, travel, research and conservation. Previous speakers include the Polar explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the mountaineers Sir Chris Bonington and Doug Scott, primate expert Dame Jane Goodall, the botanist David Bellamy, leading environmentalist Sir Crispin Tickell, astronaut Pete Conrad, Wong How Man of the China Exploration and Research Society, round-the-world yachtsmen Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Sir Chay Blyth and Tracy Edwards and the authors Simon Winchester and Mark Tully. The branch holds some 50 lectures each year, which are normally held on a weekday evening. It organises field trips in Hong Kong, quiz nights and social events and publishes an Annual Review. Visit www.rgshk.org.hk to find out more.