Singapore or Republic of Singapore, is an island and city-state in Southeast Asia. It lies about one degree latitude or 137 kms north of the equator, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, bordering South China Sea in the east, Singapore Strait to the south, Straits of Johor in the north, and Strait of Malacca to the west. Singapore comprises of a single main island, with 63 satellite islands and islets, and one outlying islet. The main island occupies about 18 sq. m. area. The main island is separated from Peninsular Malaysia by Johor Strait, a narrow channel crossed by a road and rail causeway that is more than half a mile long. Singapore’s total area has increased by 25% since its’ independence thanks to extensive land reclamation projects.
Singapore is known for the world’s third highest population density. As a multicultural society it recognises the need to respect cultural identities of all ethnic groups in Singapore; that has four official languages namely Mandarin, English, Malay, and Tamil. Multiracialism is enshrined in Singapore’s constitution and it shapes national policies in education, housing, and politics. The country’s history dates back at least a millennia; having been a maritime power known as Temasek and was a part of several successive thalassocratic empires. But, its contemporary era really began in 1819; when Stamford Raffles established Singapore as an entrepôt trading post for the British Empire. In 1867, British colonies in Southeast Asia were reorganised, and Singapore came under direct control of Britain. During World War 2; Singapore was occupied by Japanese forces in 1942. It was returned to Britain as a separate colony after unconditional surrender by Japan in 1945.
As largest port city in whole of Southeast Asia, Singapore gained independence in 1959 and in 1963 became part of Federation of Malaysia, alongwith islands of North Borneo, and Sarawak. But ideological differences, particularly the perceived encroachment of the egalitarian “Malaysian Malaysia” political ideology, led by Lee Kuan Yew into other constituent entities of Malaysia at perceived expense of bumiputera; coupled with policies of Ketuanan Melayu, led to Singapore’s expulsion from the federation in 1965; and it became independent in 1965.
After turbulent early years; whilst lacking natural resources and hinterland, Singapore rapidly developed to become one of the Four Asian Tigers based on international trade and economic globalisation. Integrating itself within the world economy through free trade coupled with minimal or no trade barriers, an export-oriented industrialisation, and large accumulation of foreign direct investments, foreign-exchange, and assets held by sovereign wealth funds made the country, one of the richest countries in the world.
Singapore as a highly developed country, is tied for 11th on the UN Human Development Index and has the second-highest GDP per capita (PPP) in the world. Identified as a taxhaven, Singapore is the only country in Asia with a AAA sovereign credit rating from all major rating agencies. Overtime Singapore has evolved into a major financial, aviation, maritime shipping hub, and is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive cities in world, to live for expatriates and foreign workers. Singapore ranks high in key social indicators; such as quality of life, personal safety, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and housing, with a home-ownership rate of 88%. People of Singapore enjoy fastest Internet connection speeds, one of the longest life expectancies, lowest infant mortality rates, and the lowest levels of corruption in the world.
Singapore, as a unitary parliamentary republic follows, British Westminster system of governce, and its legal system is based on common law. A multi-party democracy with free elections, the government under the People’s Action Party (PAP) exercises control and dominance over politics and society; having ruled Singapore continuously since independence in 1959. As one of the five founding members of ASEAN, Singapore is also the headquarters of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat, and Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) Secretariat; it plays host to many international conferences and events.
Singapore is also a member of the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, East Asia Summit, World Trade Organization, and Commonwealth of Nations. Singapore is an anglicised version of country’s native Malay name ‘Singapura’, which was derived from the Sanskrit word for “lion city” (Sanskrit: सिंहपुर; meaning siṃha or “lion”, and pura meaning “city” or “fortress”. A Chinese account from the third century referred to a place as Pú Luó Zhōng, which sounds like Malay for “island at the end of a peninsula.” References to the name Temasek or Tumasik; were found in Nagarakretagama, a Javanese eulogy written way back in 1365, and also a Vietnamese text from the same time. Temasek possibly means “Sea Town”, that was derived from the Malay word ‘tasek’, meaning “sea” or lake.
Variations of ‘Siṃhapura’ name were used for numerous cities in the region prior to establishment of the Kingdom of Singapura on the island. The ingdom was established by a fleeing Srivijaya Raja or prince from Palembang. In Hindu-Buddhist culture, lions are associated with power and protection, which may explain the attraction of such a name and many national symbols; such as the coat of arms and the lion head symbol. The name ‘Singapura’ supplanted the name Temasek around 15th century; but precise time and reason remains unknown.
The semi-historical Malay Annals, state that Temasek was christened as Singapura by a 13th-century Srivijayan Raja from Palembang called Sang Nila Utama. Legend says that Sang Nila Utama encountered a strange beast on the island, he thought was a lion. Considering it as good omen, he established the town of Singapura on the site where he encountered the beast. As per Portuguese sources, is based on the real life Parameswara of Palembang. Parameswara had declared independence from Majapahit and mounted a Lion Throne, thus claiming the Srivijaya Empire. Driven into exile by the Javanese, he usurped control over Temasek; and rechristened it Singapura, in memory of the throne he was driven from.
Under Japanese occupation, Singapore was renamed Syonan meaning “Light of the South.” Singapore is sometimes referred to by the nickname the “Garden City,” in reference to its numerous parks and tree-lined streets. This due to Singapore’s urbanisation that meant it has lost 95% of its historical forests, and now over half of the naturally occurring fauna and flora in Singapore is present in nature reserves, such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, which comprise only 0.25% of Singapore’s land area. In 1967, the Singapore government to combat this decline in natural space, introduced a vision to make Singapore as a “garden city”, in order to improve quality of life. Since then, nearly 10% of Singapore’s land has been set aside for parks and nature reserves. The government has initiated major plans to preserve Singapore’s remaining wildlife.
Singapore’s well-known gardens include the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Singapore’s highly developed market economy, is based historically on extended entrepôt trade. Singapore is regarded as a Asian Tiger, economy-wise alongside Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan. Singapore’s economy is regarded as dynamic, innovative, free, and business-friendly. Singapore with the 2nd highest GDP per capita, roughly 44% of the Singaporean workforce is made up of non-Singaporeans. Despite a free market, Singapore’s government operations has a significant stake in country’s economy, contributing upto 22% of GDP.
The currency of Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD or S$), issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). It is interchangeable with the Brunei Dollar at par value since 1967, Singapore has the world’s 11th largest foreign reserves, one of the highest net international investment position per capita. Singapore is a tax haven, for the wealthy due to its low tax rates on personal income and tax exemptions on foreign-based income and capital gains. Well connected by air and sea with all major countries, Singapore has a wide road and metro rail network besides boat service to connect the islands.
Tourism is a major industry and contributor to the Singapore’s economy. Singapore is the 5th most visited city worldwide, and 2nd most in Asia Pacific region; attracting a massive 18.5 million international tourists in 2018, over three times than Singapore’s total population. In 2019 tourism contributed directly to about 4% of Singapore’s GDP. In 2015, Singapore was as top and 6th-best world destinations to visit by Lonely Planet and The New York Times respectively. The city has many landmarks including the Merlion, Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Jewel Changi Airport, CHIJMES, National Gallery Singapore, Singapore Flyer, Orchard Road shopping belt, resort island of Sentosa, and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Orchard Road district, which contains multi-storey shopping centres and hotels, can be considered the centre of shopping and tourism in Singapore, that attract maximum tourist footfall. Other popular tourist attractions include the River Wonders and Night Safari. The Singapore Zoo a popular tourist attraction has embraced the open zoo concept whereby animals are kept in enclosures, and are separated from zoo visitors by hidden dry or wet moats, instead of caging the zoo animals. The River Wonders is home to over 300 species of animals, including many endangered species.
Singapore promotes itself as a major medical tourism hub. Singapore is also a major education and healthcare hub attracting students and medical tourist from numerous countries across the world. As a business hub, the city state hosts numerous trade events throughout the year, that also attracts numerous business tourist. Singapore is known for its huge skyscrapers, mostly are used as office building with offices of numerous global corporations operating in the major international port city. Even residential buildings are in high rise due to paucity of land. Despite its small size, Singapore as a multicultural nation has a diversity of languages, religions, and cultures.
Singaporeans who speak English would likely lean toward Western culture, while those who speak Chinese are most likely to lean toward Chinese culture. Malay–speaking Singaporeans are most likely to lean toward Malay culture, which is closely linked to Islamic culture; while Tamil–speaking Singaporeans are most likely to lean toward Tamil culture, which is linked to Hindu culture. Racial and religious harmony plays a crucial part inSingapore’s success, and building a Singaporean identity. Major religious festivals of all ethnicities are public holidays in the country.
The country is famous as an arts, cuisine and literature hub. Sports in Singapore is also popular with athletics swimming, rugby and baseball being very popular. There are numerous hotels that offer luxurious, mid range and budget accommodation. The restaurants serve variety of food, that are influenced by Malay, Tamil, Chinese, and English food habits at variety of prices. Tourist visiting the country can enjoy beaches, golfing, surfing, scuba diving, ice skating and snow skiing as also street food. For entertainment there are couple of amusement parks and casino. The shopping malls sell variety of international and local branded products. Alcohol and smoking is allowed but heavily taxed and regulated. Known for its vibrant nightlife with numerous nightclubs and clubs where youngsters hangout. All these things make Singapore a must visit place for the visiting tourists.
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