Republic of Singapore

Singapore
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Republic of Singapore
[show]
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto: "Majulah Singapura" (Malay)
"Onward, Singapore"
Anthem: Majulah Singapura
Downtown Core of Singapore viewed at night
Singapore City (Downtown

Capital
Core)1
Malay (National)
English (Main)
Official languages
Chinese
Tamil
Demonym Singaporean
Government Parliamentary republic
- President S.R. Nathan

- Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
- Speaker of Parliament Abdullah Tarmugi
- Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong
Legislature Parliament
Independence
- Founding 29 January 1819[1]
- Merger with Malaysia 16 September 1963
Separation from
- 9 August 1965
Malaysia
Area
707.1 km2
(187th)
- Total
270 sq mi
- Water (%) 1.444
Population
- 2008 estimate 4,839,400[2] (114th)
- 2000 census 4,117,700
6,489/km2 (3rd)
- Density
16,392/sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2007 estimate
- Total $228.303 billion[3] (44th)
- Per capita $49,754[3] (5th)
GDP (nominal) 2007 estimate
- Total $161.349 billion[3] (45th)
- Per capita $35,162[3] (21st)
HDI (2008) ▼ 0.918 (high) (28th)
Currency Singapore dollar (SGD)
Time zone SST (UTC+8)

dd/mm/yyyy (English)
Date formats
yyyy 年 m 月 d 日 (Chinese)
Drives on the left
Internet TLD .sg
Calling code +652

1
Singapore is a city-state.
2
02 from Malaysia.
Singapore (Chinese: 新加坡; pinyin: Xīnjiāpō; Malay: Singapura; Tamil: சிங்கப்பூர்,

Cingkappūr), officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island microstate located at the
southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It lies 137 kilometres (85 mi) north of the equator,
south of the Malaysian state of Johor and north of Indonesia's Riau Islands. At 707.1 km2
(273.0 sq mi),[4] Singapore is one of four remaining true city-states in the world. It is the
smallest nation in Southeast Asia.
Before European settlement, the island now known as Singapore was the site of a Malay
fishing village at the mouth of the Singapore River. Several hundred indigenous Orang
Laut people also lived along the nearby coast, rivers and on smaller islands. In 1819 the
British East India Company, led by Sir Stamford Raffles, established a trading post on the
island, which was used as a port along the spice route.[5] Singapore would become one of
the most important commercial and military centres of the British Empire, and the hub of
British power in Southeast Asia. The city was occupied by the Japanese during World
War II, which Winston Churchill called "Britain's greatest defeat".[6] Singapore reverted
to British rule immediately after the war, in 1945. Eighteen years later (1963) the city,
having achieved independence from Britain, merged with Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak to
form Malaysia. However, less than two years later it seceded from the federation and
became an independent republic on 9 August 1965. Singapore joined the United Nations
on 21 September that same year. It is also a member of the British Commonwealth of
Nations.
Since independence, Singapore's standard of living has risen dramatically. Foreign direct
investment and a state-led drive to industrialisation based on plans drawn up by the Dutch
economist Albert Winsemius have created a modern economy focused on industry,
education and urban planning.[7] Singapore is the 5th wealthiest country in the world in
terms of GDP (PPP) per capita.[8] This small nation has foreign exchange reserves of
more than US$177 billion.[9]
The population of Singapore is approximately 4.84 million.[2] Singapore is highly

cosmopolitan and diverse with Chinese people forming an ethnic majority with large
populations of Malay, Indian and other people. English, Malay, Tamil, and Chinese are
the official languages.[10]
The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore established the nation's political system as
a representative democracy, while the country is recognised as a parliamentary republic.
[11]
The People's Action Party (PAP) dominates the political process and has won control
of Parliament in every election since self-government in 1959.[12]
Contents
[hide]
 1 Etymology
 2 History
o 2.1 First settlement
o 2.2 Colonial rule
o 2.3 World War II
o 2.4 Independence
 3 Government and politics
 4 Geography and climate
 5 Economy
o 5.1 Free Trade Agreements
o 5.2 Tourism
o 5.3 Currency
 6 Foreign relations
o 6.1 Disputes
 7 Military
o 7.1 Singapore Armed Forces
o 7.2 Singapore Police Force
o 7.3 Singapore Civil Defence Force
o 7.4 National Service
 8 Demographics
o 8.1 Population
o 8.2 Religion
o 8.3 Education
o 8.4 Languages
 9 Culture
o 9.1 Cuisine
o 9.2 Performing arts
o 9.3 Media
 9.3.1 Broadcasting
 9.3.2 Print
o 9.4 Sport and recreation
 10 Architecture
 11 Resources
o 11.1 Water resource
 12 Transport
o 12.1 International
o 12.2 Domestic
 13 Notes
 14 References
 15 External links
[edit] Etymology
The English language name Singapore comes from Malay Singapura, "Lion-city," but it
is possible that one element of its name had a more distant original source.[13] Pura comes
from Sanskrit puram, "city, fortress," and is related to Greek polis, "citadel, city." Singa-
comes from Sanskrit siṁhaḥ, which means lion.
Recent studies of Singapore, however, indicate that lions have never lived there, not even
Asiatic lions; the beast seen by Sang Nila Utama was most likely a tiger, probably the
Malayan Tiger.[14][15]
[edit] History
Main article: History of Singapore
[edit] First settlement
Main article: Early history of Singapore
The first records of settlement in Singapore are from the 2nd century AD.[16] The island
was an outpost of the Sumatran Srivijaya empire and originally had the Javanese name
Temasek ('sea town'). Temasek (Tumasek) rapidly became a significant trading
settlement, but declined in the late 14th century. There are few remnants of old Temasek
in Singapore, but archaeologists in Singapore have uncovered artifacts of that and other
settlements. Between the 16th and early 19th centuries, Singapore island was part of the
Sultanate of Johor. During the Malay-Portugal wars in 1613, the settlement was set
ablaze by Portuguese troops.[17] The Portuguese subsequently held control in that century
and the Dutch in the 17th, but throughout most of this time the island's population
consisted mainly of fishermen.
[edit] Colonial rule
Main article: Founding of modern Singapore

Statue of Thomas Stamford Raffles by Thomas Woolner, erected at the location where he
first landed at Singapore. He is recognised as the founder of modern Singapore.
On 29 January 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles landed on the main island. Spotting its
potential as a strategic geographical trading post in Southeast Asia, Raffles signed a
treaty with Sultan Hussein Shah on behalf of the British East India Company on 6
February 1819 to develop the southern part of Singapore as a British trading post and
settlement. Until August 1824, Singapore was still a territory controlled by a Malay
Ruler. Singapore only officially became a British colony in August 1824 when the British
extended control over the whole island. John Crawfurd, the second resident of Singapore,
was the one who made Singapore a British possession. He signed a treaty with Sultan
Hussein Shah on 2 August 1824 in which the Sultan and the Temmenggong handed over
the whole island to the British East India Company thus marking the start of the island's
modern era. Raffles's deputy, William Farquhar, oversaw a period of growth and ethnic
migration, which was largely spurred by a no-restriction immigration policy. The British
India office governed the island from 1858, but Singapore was made a British crown
colony in 1867, answerable directly to the Crown. By 1869, 100,000 lived on the island.
[18]
The early onset of town planning in colonial Singapore came largely through a "divide
and rule" framework where the different ethnic groups were settled in different parts of
the South of the island. The Singapore River was largely a commercial area that was
dominated by traders and bankers of various ethnic groups with mostly Chinese and
Indian coolies working to load and unload goods from barge boats known locally as
"bumboats". The Malays, consisting of the local "Orang Lauts" who worked mostly as
fishermen and seafarers, and Arab traders and scholars were mostly found in the South-
east part of the river mouth, where Kampong Glam stands today. The European settlers,
who were few then, settled around Fort Canning Hill and further upstream from the
Singapore River. Like the Europeans, the early Indian migrants also settled more inland
of the Singapore River, where Little India stands today. Very little is known about the
rural private settlements in those times (known as kampongs), other than the major move
by the post-independent Singapore government to re-settle these residents in the late
1960s.
[edit] World War II
Main article: Japanese occupation of Singapore
The Japanese Army marching in downtown Singapore
Years before the rise of the Japanese, the British noted that Japan was building its forces
rapidly. Wanting to protect its assets in Southeast Asia, the British decided to build a
naval base on the Northern end of Singapore. However, due to the war with Germany, all
warships and war equipment were brought over to Europe.
During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army invaded Malaya, culminating in the
Battle of Singapore. The ill-prepared British, with most of their forces in Europe, were
defeated in six days, and surrendered the supposedly impregnable fortress to General
Tomoyuki Yamashita on 15 February 1942. The surrender was described by British
Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill as "the worst disaster and largest capitulation in
British history."[19] The British naval base (see above) was destroyed before the Japanese
could take over the base and make use of it. Widespread indiscriminate killing of the
Chinese population occurred (see Sook Ching massacre).[20] The Japanese renamed
Singapore Shōnantō (昭南島?), from Japanese "Shōwa no jidai ni eta minami no shima"
("昭和の時代に得た南の島"?), or "southern island obtained in the age of Shōwa", and
occupied it until the British repossessed the island on 12 September 1945, a month after
the Japanese surrender.[21] The name Shōnantō was, at the time, romanised as "Syonan-to"
or "Syonan", which means "Light of the South".
[edit] Independence
Main article: History of the Republic of Singapore
Following Singapore's first general elections in 1955, which was won by the pro-
independence candidate, David Marshall, Singapore became a self-governing state within
the British Empire in 1959 with Yusof bin Ishak as its first Yang di-Pertuan Negara or
president, and Lee Kuan Yew as its first Prime Minister.[22] It declared independence from
Britain unilaterally in August 1963, before joining the Federation of Malaysia in
September along with Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak as the result of the 1962 Merger
Referendum of Singapore. Singapore left the federation two years after heated ideological
conflict between the state's PAP government and the federal Kuala Lumpur government.
Singapore officially gained sovereignty on 9 August 1965.[23] Yusof bin Ishak was sworn
in as the first President of Singapore and Lee Kuan Yew remained prime minister.
While trying to be self-sufficient, the fledging nation faced problems like mass
unemployment, housing shortages, and a dearth of land and natural resources. During Lee
Kuan Yew's term as prime minister from 1959 to 1990, his administration tackled the
problem of widespread unemployment, raised the standard of living, and implemented a
large-scale public housing programme.[24] It was during this time that the foundation of
the country's economic infrastructure was developed; the threat of racial tension was
curbed; and an independent national defence system centering around compulsory male
military service was created.[25]
In 1990, Goh Chok Tong succeeded Lee as Prime Minister. During his tenure, the
country faced the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the 2003 SARS outbreak, and terrorist
threats posed by Jemaah Islamiyah after the September 11 attacks in the United States. In
2004, Lee Hsien Loong, the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, became the third prime
minister.[26] Amongst his more notable decisions is the plan to open casinos to attract
tourism.[27]
[edit] Government and politics
Parliament House
Main article: Politics of Singapore
See also: Law of Singapore
Singapore is a parliamentary democracy with a Westminster system of unicameral

parliamentary government representing different constituencies. The bulk of the
executive powers rests with the Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister, currently Mr Lee
Hsien Loong. The office of President of Singapore, historically a ceremonial one, was
granted some veto powers as of 1991 for a few key decisions such as the use of the
national reserves and the appointment of judiciary positions. Although the position is to
be elected by popular vote, only the 1993 election has been contested to date. The
legislative branch of government is the Parliament.
Parliamentary elections in Singapore are plurality-based for group representation

constituencies since the Parliamentary Elections Act was modified in 1991.[28]
The Members of Parliament (MPs) consist of either elected, non-constituency or

nominated Members. The majority of the Members of Parliament are elected into
Parliament at a General Election on a first-past-the-post basis and represent either Single
Member or Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs).
The elected Members of Parliament act as a bridge between the community and the
Government by ensuring that the concerns of their constituents are heard in the
Parliament. The present Parliament has 94 Members of Parliament consisting of 84
elected Members of Parliament, one NCMP and nine Nominated members of Parliament.
 Elected Members, In Group Representation Constituencies, political parties field

a team of between three to six candidates. At least one candidate in the team must
belong to a minority race. This requirement ensures that parties contesting the
elections in Group Representation Constituencies are multi-racial so that minority
races will be represented in Parliament. Presently there are 14 Group
Representation Constituencies and 9 Single Member constituencies.
 Non-Constituency Members,This is to ensure that there will be a minimum
number of opposition representatives in Parliament and that views other than the
Government's can be expressed in Parliament.
 Nominated Members, up to nine Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs)
was made in 1990 to ensure a wide representation of community views in
Parliament. Nominated Members of Parliament are appointed by the President of
Singapore for a term of two and a half years on the recommendation of a Special
Select Committee of Parliament chaired by the Speaker. Nominated Members of
Parliament are not connected to any political parties.
The Istana, the official residence and office of the President of Singapore.
Politics in Singapore have been controlled by the People's Action Party (PAP) since self-
government was attained.[29] In consequence, foreign political analysts and several
opposition parties like the Workers' Party of Singapore, the Singapore Democratic Party
(SDP) and the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) have argued that Singapore is
essentially a one-party state. The Economist Intelligence Unit describes Singapore as a
"hybrid regime" of democratic and authoritarian elements.[30] Freedom House ranks the
country as "partly free".[31] Though general elections are free from irregularities and vote
rigging, the PAP has been criticized for manipulating the political system through its use
of censorship, gerrymandering, and civil libel suits against opposition politicians.[32]
Francis Seow, the exiled former Solicitor-General of Singapore, and opposition
politicians such as J.B. Jeyaretnam and Chee Soon Juan claim that Singapore courts
favour the PAP government, and there is no separation of powers.[33]
Singapore has a successful and transparent market economy. Government-linked

companies are dominant in various sectors of the local economy, such as media, utilities,
and public transport. Singapore has consistently been rated as the least corrupt country in
Asia and among the world's ten most free from corruption by Transparency International.
[34]
Although Singapore's laws are inherited from British and British Indian laws, including
many elements of English common law, the PAP has also consistently rejected liberal
democratic values, which it typifies as Western and states there should not be a 'one-size-
fits-all' solution to a democracy. There are no jury trials. Laws restricting the freedom of
speech are justified by claims that they are intended to prohibit speech that may breed ill
will or cause disharmony within Singapore's multiracial, multi-religious society. For
example, in September 2005, three bloggers were convicted of sedition for posting racist
remarks targeting minorities.[35] Some offences can lead to heavy fines or caning and
there are laws which allow capital punishment in Singapore for first-degree murder and
drug trafficking. Amnesty International has criticised Singapore for having "possibly the
highest execution rate in the world" per capita.[36] The Singapore government argues that
there is no international consensus on the appropriateness of the death penalty and that
Singapore has the sovereign right to determine its own judicial system and impose capital
punishment for the most serious crimes.[37]
[edit] Geography and climate
Singapore Downtown as seen from the DHL Balloon.

Main article: Geography and climate of Singapore
Singapore consists of 63 islands, including mainland Singapore. There are two man-made
connections to Johor, Malaysia — Johor-Singapore Causeway in the north, and Tuas
Second Link in the west. Jurong Island, Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa are the
largest of Singapore's many smaller islands. The highest natural point of Singapore is
Bukit Timah Hill at 166 m (545 ft).
The south of Singapore, around the mouth of the Singapore River and what is now the
Downtown Core, used to be the only concentrated urban area, while the rest of the land
was either undeveloped tropical rainforest or used for agriculture. Since the 1960s, the
government has constructed new residential towns in outlying areas, resulting in an
entirely built-up urban landscape. The Urban Redevelopment Authority was established
on 1 April 1974, responsible for urban planning.
Singapore Botanic Gardens, a 67.3-hectare (166 acre) Botanic Gardens in Singapore that

includes the National Orchid Garden, which has a collection of more than 3,000 species
of orchids.
Singapore has on-going land reclamation projects with earth obtained from its own hills,
the seabed, and neighbouring countries. As a result, Singapore's land area grew from
581.5 km2 (224.5 sq mi) in the 1960s to 704 km2 (271.8 sq mi) today, and may grow by
another 100 km² (38.6 sq mi) by 2030.[38] The projects sometimes involve some of the
smaller islands being merged together through land reclamation in order to form larger,
more functional islands, such as in the case of Jurong Island.
Under the Köppen climate classification system, Singapore has a tropical rainforest
climate with no distinctive seasons. Its climate is characterized by uniform temperature
and pressure, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. Temperatures range from 22 °C to
34 °C (72° to 93 °F). On average, the relative humidity is around 90% in the morning and
60% in the afternoon. During prolonged heavy rain, relative humidity often reaches
100%.[39] The lowest and highest temperatures recorded in its maritime history are
19.4 °C (66.9 °F) and 35.8 °C (96.4 °F) respectively. June and July are the hottest
months, while November and December make up the wetter monsoon season. From
August to October, there is often haze, sometimes severe enough to prompt public health
warnings, due to bushfires in neighbouring Indonesia. Singapore does not observe
daylight saving time or a summer time zone change. The length of the day is nearly
constant year round due to the country's location near the equator.
About 23% of Singapore's land area consists of forest and nature reserves.[40]
Urbanisation has eliminated many areas of former primary rainforest, with the only
remaining area of primary rainforest being Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. A variety of
parks are maintained with human intervention, such as the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
[edit] Economy
Main article: Economy of Singapore
Singapore has a highly developed market-based economy, which historically revolves

around extended entrepot trade. Along with Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan,
Singapore is one of the Four Asian Tigers. The economy depends heavily on exports
refining imported goods, especially in manufacturing. Manufacturing constituted 26% of
Singapore's GDP in 2005.[41] The manufacturing industry is well-diversified into
electronics, petroleum refining, chemicals, mechanical engineering and biomedical
sciences manufacturing. In 2006, Singapore produced about 10% of the world's foundry
wafer output.[42] Singapore has one of the busiest ports in the world. Singapore is the
world's fourth largest foreign exchange trading centre after London, New York City and
Tokyo.[43]
Singapore has been rated as the most business-friendly economy in the world,[44][45] with
thousands of foreign expatriates working in multi-national corporations. Singapore is also
considered to be one of the top centres of finance in the world and throughout the region.
In addition to this, the city-state also employs tens of thousands of foreign blue-collared
workers around the world.
Singapore's Central Business District (CBD)
As a result of global recession and a slump in the technology sector, the country's GDP
contracted 2.2% in 2001. The Economic Review Committee (ERC) was set up in
December 2001, and recommended several policy changes with a view to revitalising the
economy. Singapore has since recovered from the recession, largely due to improvements
in the world economy; the Singaporean economy itself grew by 8.3% in 2004, 6.4% in
2005[46] and 7.9% in 2006.[47] In the first half of Year 2007, the economy grew by 7.6%.
The growth forecast for the whole year is expected to be between 7% to 8%, up from the
original estimation of 5% to 7%.[48] On 19 August 2007, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
announced in his National Day Rally Speech that Singapore's economy is expected to
grow by at least 4-6% annually over the next 5-10 years.
The per capita GDP in 2006 was US$29,474.[49] As of September 2007, the
unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is the lowest in a decade, having improved to around
pre-Asian crisis level.[50] Employment continued to grow strongly as the economy
maintained its rapid expansion. In the first three quarters of 2007, 171,500 new jobs were
created, which is close to the 176,000 for the whole of 2006.[50] For the whole of 2007,
Singapore's economy has grown 7.5% and drew in a record S$16 billion (US$10.6b,
€8.3b)of fixed asset investments in manufacturing and projects generating S$3 billion
(US$2b,€1.6b)of total business spending in services.[51] The government expects the
Singapore economy to grow by 4.5% to 6.5% in 2008.[51]
Orchard Road is decorated for Christmas, 2005.
Singapore introduced a Goods and Services Tax (GST) with an initial rate of 3% on 1
April 1994 substantially increasing government revenue by S$1.6 billion (US$1b,€800k)
and stabilising government finances.[52] The taxable GST was increased to 4% in 2003, to
5% in 2004, and to 7% on 1 July 2007.[53]
[edit] Free Trade Agreements
See also: International trade agreements of Singapore
Senior Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and former President of the United States George
W. Bush signing the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement in the White House, 6 May
2003.
Singapore has 14 bilateral and multilateral trade agreements worldwide:[54]
 Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)

 ASEAN-China (ACFTA)
 ASEAN-Korea (AKFTA)
 Australia (SAFTA)
 EFTA (European Free Trade Association: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway,
Switzerland)
 Jordan (SJFTA)
 India (CECA)
 Japan (JSEPA)
 New Zealand (ANZSCEP)
 Panama (PSFTA)
 Peru
 South Korea(KSFTA)
 Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement (Trans-Pacific SEP):
Brunei, New Zealand, Chile, Singapore
 United StatesUSSFTA
[edit] Tourism
Main article: Tourism in Singapore
Singapore is a popular travel destination, making tourism one of its largest industries.
About 9.7 million tourists visited Singapore in 2006.[55] The Orchard Road shopping
district is one of Singapore's most well-known and popular tourist draws. To attract more
tourists, the government decided to legalise gambling and to allow two casino resorts
(euphemistically called Integrated Resorts) to be developed at Marina South and Sentosa
in 2005.[56] To compete with regional rivals like Hong Kong, Tokyo and Shanghai, the
government has announced that the city area would be transformed into a more exciting
place by lighting up the civic and commercial buildings.[57] Cuisine has also been heavily
promoted as an attraction for tourists, with the Singapore Food Festival in July organised
annually to celebrate Singapore's cuisine.
Singapore is fast positioning itself as a medical tourism hub — about 200,000 foreigners
seek medical care in the country each year and Singapore medical services aim to serve
one million foreign patients annually by 2012 and generate USD 3 billion in revenue.[58]
The government expects that the initiative could create an estimated 13,000 new jobs
within the health industries.
Under the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), Wireless@SG is a

government initiative to build Singapore's infocomm infrastructure. Working through
IDA's Call-for-Collaboration, SingTel, iCell and QMax deploy a municipal wireless
network throughout Singapore. Since late 2006, users have enjoyed free wireless access
through Wi-Fi under the "basic-tier" package offered by all three operators for 3 years.
[edit] Currency
Main article: Singapore Dollar
The currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar, represented by the symbol S$ or the
abbreviation SGD. The central bank of Singapore is the Monetary Authority of
Singapore, responsible for issuing currency. Singapore established the Board of
Commissioners of Currency, Singapore, on 7 April 1967[59] and issued its first coins and
notes.[60] The Singapore dollar was exchangeable at par with the Malaysian ringgit until
1973.[60] Interchangeability with the Brunei dollar is still maintained.[60][61]
On 27 June 2007, to commemorate 40 years of currency agreement with Brunei, a
commemorative S$20 note was launched; the back is identical to the Bruneian $20 note
launched concurrently.[61][62]
[edit] Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Singapore
Singapore maintains diplomatic relations with 175 countries,[63] although it does not
maintain a high commission or embassy in many of those countries. It is a member of the
United Nations, the Commonwealth, ASEAN and the Non-Aligned Movement. Due to
obvious geographical reasons, relations with Malaysia and Indonesia are most important
but the domestic politics of the three countries often threatens their relations. On the other
hand, Singapore enjoys good relations with many European nations, including France,
Germany and the United Kingdom, the latter sharing ties via the Five Power Defence
Arrangements (FPDA) along with Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. Good relations
are also maintained with the United States, a country perceived as a stabilising force in
the region to counterbalance the regional powers.
Singapore supports the concept of Southeast Asian regionalism and plays an active role
in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Singapore is a
founding member. Singapore is also a member of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
(APEC) forum, which has its Secretariat in Singapore. Singapore also has close relations
with fellow ASEAN nation Brunei and maintains Army training facilities in the
Sultanate.
[edit] Disputes
Singapore has several long-standing disputes with Malaysia over a number of issues:
 Water deliveries to Singapore[64][65]

 Mutual maritime boundaries
 Air routes between Singapore Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International
Airport
The dispute over the ownership of Pedra Branca, an outcrop of rocks, was resolved on 24
May 2008 (Singapore time) by the International Court of Justice between Singapore and
Malaysia (see text).
 The Singapore island known as Pedra Branca in Singapore and as Pulau Batu
Puteh in Malaysia (names mean "White Rock" in Portuguese and "White Rock
Island" in Malay respectively), is located 24 nautical miles (44 km) off the east
coast of Singapore with a land area of 2,000 m2 (2,392 sq yd). The island also
comprises Middle Rocks owned by Malaysia which are two clusters of rocks
situated 0.6 nmi (1.1 km) south of the main island. Both countries had staked a
claim on the island and were unable to settle the dispute themselves. The case was
heard at the International Court of Justice in 2007, with both parties presenting
their case. The court delivered its judgment on 23 May 2008 with Singapore
having ownership of Pedra Branca and Malaysia owning Middle Rocks.
Ownership of South Ledge, a nearby rock formation which can be seen only at
low tide is still disputed [1].
 Relocating the Singapore station of Malaysia's Keretapi Tanah Melayu from
Tanjong Pagar to Bukit Timah (see Malaysia-Singapore Points of Agreement of
1990) and moving Malaysia's immigration checkpoint from the railway station to
the Causeway.
 Not allowing laid off workers, employed in Singapore shipyards in 1998, to
receive their Central Provident Funds (CPF) contributions, which are estimated to
be RM2.4 billion.
[edit] Military
Main article: Ministry of Defence (Singapore)
RSS Formidable during Exercise Malabar 2007.
The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), currently headed by Minister Teo Chee Hean,
oversees the Singapore Army, the Republic of Singapore Navy, and the Republic of
Singapore Air Force, collectively known as the Singapore Armed Forces, along with
volunteer private companies involved in supporting roles. The Chief of Defence Forces is
Lieutenant-General Desmond Kuek Bak Chye.
The armed forces serve primarily as a deterrent against potential aggressors and also
provide humanitarian assistance to other countries. Singapore has mutual defence pacts
with several countries, most notably the Five Power Defence Arrangements. There is an
extensive overseas network of training grounds in the United States, Australia, Republic
of China (Taiwan), New Zealand, France, Thailand, Brunei, India and South Africa.
Since 1980, the concept and strategy of "Total Defence" has been adopted in all aspects
of security; an approach aimed at strengthening Singapore against all kinds of threats.
The recent rise in unconventional warfare and terrorism has cast increasing emphasis on
non-military aspects of defence. The Gurkha Contingent, part of the Singapore Police
Force, is also a counter-terrorist force. In 1991, the hijacking of Singapore Airlines Flight
117 ended in the storming of the aircraft by Singapore Special Operations Force and the
subsequent deaths of all four hijackers without injury to either passengers or SOF
personnel. A concern is Jemaah Islamiyah, a militant Islamic group whose plan to attack
the Australian High Commission was ultimately foiled in 2001.
Singapore's defence resources have been used in international humanitarian aid missions,
including United Nations peacekeeping assignments involved in 11 different countries.[66]
In September 2005, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) sent three CH-47
Chinook helicopters to Louisiana to assist in relief operations for Hurricane Katrina. In
the aftermath of the 2004 Asian Tsunami (or Boxing Day Tsunami), the SAF deployed 3
LSTs (Landing Ship Tank), 12 Super Puma and 8 Chinook helicopters to aid in relief
operations to the countries that were affected by the tsunami.
[edit] Singapore Armed Forces
Main article: Singapore Armed Forces
An RSAF CH-47SD lands aboard USS Rushmore during Exercise CARAT 2001
The Singapore Armed Forces, the military forces of Singapore, takes charge of the
overall defence of the country. It comprises three branches: the Singapore Army,
Republic of Singapore Air Force, and the Republic of Singapore Navy.
The Singapore Army is one of the three services of the Singapore Armed Forces. It is
headed by the Chief of Army (COA), currently Major General Neo Kian Hong. The
Army focuses on leveraging technology and weapon systems as "force-multipliers". It is
currently undergoing the transformation into what it terms a "3rd-Generation fighting
force".[67]
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), the air force branch, guards the airspace of
Singapore. The RSAF was established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command.
It operates four air bases in Singapore and operates its aircraft in several overseas
locations in order to provide greater exposure to its pilots. The main aircraft found in its
fleet include F-16 Fighting Falcons, CH-47 Chinook and C-130 Hercules.
The final branch, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), is the navy of the Singapore
Armed Forces, responsible for the defence of Singapore against seaborne threats and
protection of its sea lines of communications. Operating within the crowded littoral
waters of the Singapore Strait, the RSN is regarded as one of the best in the region.[68] The
RSN operates from two bases, Tuas Naval Base and Changi Naval Base, and has a large
number of vessels, including 4 submarines, 6 frigates, and 4 amphibious transport docks.
All commissioned ships of the RSN have a prefix RSS, which means Republic of
Singapore Ship.
[edit] Singapore Police Force
Main article: Singapore Police Force
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is the main agency tasked with maintaining law and
order in the country.[69] Formerly known as the Republic of Singapore Police, it has
grown from an 11-man organisation to a 38,587 strong force. It enjoys a relatively
positive public image,[70] and is credited for helping to arrest Singapore's civic unrests and
lawlessness in its early years, and maintaining the low crime rate today.[71] The
organisation structure of the SPF is split between the staff and line functions, roughly
modelled after the military. There are currently 15 staff departments and 13 line units.
The SPF is headquartered in a block at New Phoenix Park in Novena, adjacent to a twin
block occupied by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Police officers typically respond to calls in rapid-deployment vehicles known as the Fast
Response Car. They have been staunch users of Japanese-made saloon cars since the
1980s for patrol duties, with the mainstay models in use being the various generations of
the Mitsubishi Lancers, Mazda 323s, Toyota Corollas & Subaru Impreza.
[edit] Singapore Civil Defence Force
An SCDF Combined Platform Ladder (CPL) Vehicle

Main article: Singapore Civil Defence Force
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is the main agency in charge of the provision
of emergency services in Singapore during peacetime and emergencies. A uniformed
organisation under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the SCDF provides
ambulance, fire fighting and emergency response services to the Republic of Singapore.
It also plays a major role in the Republic's disaster relief operations. It is branched into 6
Operational and Training Divisions beneath the Headquarters Element. Of these six, four
are known as Operational Divisions, also known as Territorial Divisions, and each cover
vast sections of Singapore corresponding roughly to the four cardinal points of the
compass.
The SCDF maintains a large fleet of custom vehicles, called appliances, to provide an
emergency response force capable of mitigating any and all kinds of fires and disasters.
Ranging from the generic fire truck and ambulance to more sophisticated mobile
command structures and disaster mitigation vehicles of all kinds, many of the appliances
were designed and commissioned by the Force itself rather than obtaining ready-made
designs from industries.
[edit] National Service
Main article: National Service in Singapore
Singapore legislation requires every able-bodied male Singapore citizen and second-
generation permanent resident to undertake National Service for a minimum of 2 years
upon reaching 18 years of age or completion of his studies (whichever comes first), with
exemption on medical or other grounds. After serving for two years, every male is
considered operationally ready, and is liable for reservist national service to the age of 40
(50 for commissioned officers). More than 350,000 men serve as operationally-ready
servicemen assigned to reservist combat units, and another 72,500 men form the full-time
national service and regular corps.
[edit] Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Singapore
[edit] Population
Built in 1843, the Sri Mariamman Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Singapore. It is
also one of the many religious buildings marked as national monuments for their
historical value.
According to government statistics, the population of Singapore as of 2008 was 4.84

million, of whom 3.64 million were Singaporean citizens and permanent residents
(termed "Singapore Residents").[72] Various Chinese ethnic groups formed 75.2% of
Singapore's residents, Malays 13.6%, Indians 8.8%, while Eurasians, Arabs and other
groups formed 2.4%.
In 2006 the crude birth rate stood at 10.1 per 1000, a very low level attributed to birth
control policies, and the crude death rate was also one of the lowest in the world at 4.3
per 1000. The total population growth was 4.4% with Singapore residents growth at
1.8%. The higher percentage growth rate is largely from net immigration, but also
increasing life expectancy. Singapore is the second-most densely populated independent
country in the world after Monaco, excluding Macau and Hong Kong, which are special
administrative regions of the People's Republic of China. In 1957, Singapore's population
was approximately 1.45 million, and there was a relatively high birth rate. Aware of the
country's extremely limited natural resources and small territory, the government
introduced birth control policies in the late 1960s. In the late 1990s, the population was
aging, with fewer people entering the labour market and a shortage of skilled workers. In
a dramatic reversal of policy, the Singapore government introduced a "baby bonus"
scheme in 2001 (enhanced in August 2004) that encouraged couples to have more
children.[73]
In 2006, the total fertility rate was only 1.26 children per woman, the 3rd lowest in the
world and well below the 2.10 needed to replace the population.[74] In 2006, 38,317
babies were born, compared to around 37,600 in 2005. This number, however, is not
sufficient to maintain the population's growth. To overcome this problem, the
government is encouraging foreigners to immigrate to Singapore. These large numbers of
immigrants have kept Singapore's population from declining.[75]
[edit] Religion
Main article: Religion in Singapore
Religion in Singapore
religion percent
Buddhism 42.5%
No religion 14.8%
Christianity 14.6%
Islam 13.9%
Taoism 8.5%
Hinduism 4%
Others 1.6%
Singapore is a multi-religious country. According to Statistics Singapore, around 51% of

resident Singaporeans (excluding significant numbers of visitors and migrant workers)
practice Buddhism and Taoism. About 15%, mostly Chinese, Eurasians, and Indians,
practice Christianity - a broad classification including Catholicism, Protestantism and
other denominations. Muslims constitute 14%, of whom Malays account for the majority
with a substantial number of Indian Muslims and Chinese Muslims. Smaller minorities
practice Sikhism, Hinduism and others, according to the 2000 census.[76]
Some religious materials and practices are banned in Singapore. The Jehovah's
Witnesses, for example, are prohibited from distributing religious materials[77] and are
sometimes jailed for their conscientious refusals to serve in the Singaporean military.[78]
About 15% of the population declared no religious affiliation.
[edit] Education
Students having assembly in the hall of a Singapore secondary school.

Main article: Education in Singapore
English is the medium of instruction in Singapore schools. All Singaporeans are required
at least primary 6 education and must attend govenrment schools as part of National
Education.
Many children attend private kindergartens until they start at primary school at the age of
six. Singapore's ruling political party, the PAP, is the largest provider of preschool
education through its community arm.
English is the language of instruction for mathematics and the natural sciences. For the
Chinese community, there are Special Assistance Plan schools which receive extra
funding to teach in Mandarin along with English. Some schools also integrate language
subjects with mathematics and the sciences, using both English and a second language.
Curricular standards are set by the Ministry of Education with a mix of private schools
and public schools. There is no strict public-private dichotomy: the degree of autonomy,
regarding curriculum and student admission, government funding received, and tuition
burden on the students is further classified into "government-run", "government-aided",
"autonomous", "independent", and "privately-funded".[79] In addition, international
schools cater to expatriate students, and to a few local students given permission by the
education ministry.
There are three state universities in Singapore; the National University of Singapore,
Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University. A fourth
public university is under consideration as the government looks to provide higher
education for 30% of each cohort.[80] There are also five polytechnics (Singapore
Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, Nanyang Polytechnic and
Republic Polytechnic). Unlike similarly named institutions in many other countries,
polytechnics in Singapore do not award degrees.
The educational system features non-compulsory kindergarten for three years, followed
by six years of primary education leading up to the Primary School Leaving Examination
(PSLE). Four to five years of secondary education follow, leading up to the Singapore-
Cambridge GCE 'N' Level or Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level examinations that
assess academic achievement and determine the kind of post-secondary education routes
they can pursue.
Junior Colleges and Centralised Institutes provide a two or three-year pre-university

education route. An alternative, the Integrated Programme, lets the more academically-
inclined skip the 'O' Level examination and proceed straight to obtain pre-university
qualifications such as the GCE 'A' Level certificate, the International Baccalaureate
diploma, or other equivalent academic accreditations. Polytechnics offer courses leading
up to at least a diploma for students, while the other tertiary institutions offer various
bachelor's, master's, doctoral degrees, other higher diplomas, and associate degree
courses. Other institutes include the National Institute of Education (NIE), a teaching
college to train teachers, various management institutes, and vocational education
institutes such as the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).
The Economic Development Board (EDB) has been actively recruiting foreign schools to
set up campuses in Singapore under the "Global Schoolhouse" programme which aims to
attract 150000 foreign students by 2015.[81] ESSEC Business School, a century-old
Parisian business school, provides courses specific to Asia. in 2001 INSEAD, a leading
business school, opened its first overseas campus in Singapore, and the University of
Chicago Graduate School of Business has a campus in the city as well. The Tisch School
of the Arts is the latest to set up a branch campus, opening in 2007.
However, the EDB failed to attract and retain the University of Warwick and University
of New South Wales, respectively, citing lack of academic freedom[82] and financial
concerns.[83]
In 1999, the Ministry of Education started the Programme for Rebuilding and Improving
Existing schools (PRIME) to upgrade school buildings, many of which were built over 20
to 30 years ago, in phases at a cost of S$4.5 billion.[84] This programme aims to provide a
better school environment for the students by upgrading school buildings to latest
standards. In 2005, the Flexible School Infrastructure (FlexSI) framework was
implemented through the building of modular classrooms which can be opened up for
larger lectures, and allowing a school's staff members to mould their school's designs to
suit the school's unique identity and culture. At the same time, an indoor sports hall will
be provided to every school so that schools can carry out physical education lessons in
inclement weather.[85]
[edit] Languages
Construction site sign showing Singapore's four official languages: English, Chinese (in
Traditional Script), Tamil, and Malay.
Main article: Languages of Singapore
The official languages are English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil.[10] The national language
of Singapore is Malay for historical reasons,[10] and it is used in the national anthem,
"Majulah Singapura".[86]
English has been heavily promoted as the country's language of administration since its
independence. The English used is primarily based on British English, with some
American English influences. The use of English became widespread in Singapore after it
was implemented as a first language medium in the education system, and English is the
most common language in Singaporean literature. In school, children are required to learn
English and one of the three other official languages. Public signs and official
publications are in English, although there are usually translated versions in other official
languages. However, most Singaporeans speak a localised hybrid form of English known
as Singlish ("Singapore English"), which has many creole-like characteristics,
incorporating vocabulary and grammar from Standard English, various Chinese dialects,
Malay, and Indian languages.
The second most common language in Singapore is Mandarin, with over seventy percent
of the population having it as a second language. Most Singapore Chinese are, however,
descended from immigrants who came from the southern regions of China where other
dialects were spoken, such as Hokkien, Teochew and Cantonese. Mandarin use has
spread largely as a result of government efforts to support its adoption and use over the
dialects.
[edit] Culture
Main article: Culture of Singapore
Singapore is a mixture of an ethnic Malay population with a Chinese majority, as well as

Indian and Arab immigrants. There also exist significant Eurasian and Peranakan (known
also as 'Straits Chinese') communities.
[edit] Cuisine
Enjoying Singaporean cuisine. Hawker centres and kopi tiams are evenly distributed.
Main article: Cuisine of Singapore
Singaporean cuisine is an example of diversity and cultural diffusion, with influences

from Chinese, Indian, Malay and Tamil cuisine. In Singapore's hawker centres,
traditionally Malay hawker stalls selling halal food may serve halal versions of
traditionally Tamil food. Chinese food stalls may introduce indigenous Malay ingredients
or cooking techniques. This continues to make the cuisine of Singapore a significant
cultural attraction.
Local foods are diverse, ranging from Hainanese chicken rice to satay. Singaporeans also
enjoy a wide variety of seafood including crabs, clams, squid, and oysters. One such dish
is stingray barbecued and served on banana leaf with sambal or chili.
Amongst locals, popular dishes include bak chor mee, mee pok, sambal stingray, laksa,
nasi lemak, chili crab and satay. All of which, can be found at local hawker centres
around Singapore.
[edit] Performing arts

Esplanade, Theatres on the Bay
See also: Music of Singapore
Since the 1990s, the government has been striving to promote Singapore as a centre for
arts and culture, and to transform the country into a cosmopolitan 'gateway between the
East and West'.[87] The highlight of these efforts was the construction of Esplanade, a
centre for performing arts that opened on 12 October 2002.[88]
An annual arts festival is also organised by the National Arts Council that incorporates
theatre arts, dance, music and visual arts, among other possibilities.
A first Singapore Biennale took place in 2006 to showcase contemporary art from around
the world. The next one will be in 2008 which will feature Southeast Asian works.
[edit] Media
Main article: Media of Singapore
Around 38,000 people work in the media in Singapore, including publishing, print,
broadcasting, film, music, digital and IT media sectors. The industry contributed 1.56%
to Singapore's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2001 with an annual turnover of S$10
billion($6.6b,€5.1b). The industry grew at an average rate of 7.7% annually from 1990 to
2000, and the government seeks to increase its GDP contribution to 3% by 2012.
The "Singapore government" says the media play an important role in the country, and
describes the city as one of the key strategic media centres in the Asia-Pacific region.[89]
The goal of the government's Media 21 plan, launched in 2002,[90] is to establish
Singapore as a global media hub.
In its Annual Worldwide Press Freedom Index for 2004, Reporters Without Borders
ranked Singapore 147 out of 167. Most of the local media are directly or indirectly
controlled by the government through shareholdings of these media entities by the state's
investment arm Temasek Holdings, and are often perceived as pro-government.
[edit] Broadcasting
Main article: Broadcasting in Singapore

State-owned MediaCorp operates all seven free-to-air terrestrial local television channels
licensed to broadcast in Singapore, as well as 14 radio channels. Radio and television
stations are all government-owned entities. The radio stations are mainly operated by
MediaCorp with the exception of four stations, which are operated by SAFRA Radio and
SPH UnionWorks respectively. The Cable and IPTV Pay-TV Service are owned by
Starhub TV and Singtel Mio TV. Private ownership of satellite dish receivers capable of
viewing uncensored televised content from abroad is illegal.
[edit] Print
Main article: List of newspapers in Singapore
The Straits Times, the most circulated newspaper in the country
There are a total of 16 newspapers in active circulation. Daily newspapers are published
in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil.
Print is dominated by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), the government-linked publisher

of the flagship English-language daily, The Straits Times. SPH publishes all other daily
newspapers with the exception of Today, a free English-language tabloid published by
the state-owned broadcaster MediaCorp.
There are also several popular magazines circulating in Singapore, like i-weekly, 8 days,
Maxim Singapore and FHM Singapore.
[edit] Sport and recreation
Main article: Sports in Singapore
Singaporeans participate in a wide variety of sports and recreational activities. Favorite

sports include football, cricket, swimming, badminton, basketball, rugby union,
volleyball and table tennis. Most people live in public residential areas that often provide
amenities such as swimming pools, outdoor basketball courts and indoor sport
complexes. As might be expected on an island, water sports are popular, including
sailing, kayaking and water skiing. Scuba diving is another recreation, particularly around
the southern island of Pulau Hantu which is known for its rich coral reefs.
Closing ceremony for the use of the National Stadium
The 55,000 seat National Stadium, Singapore, located in Kallang was opened in July
1973 and was used for sporting, cultural, entertainment and national events until its
official closure on 30 June 2007 to make way for the Singapore Sports Hub on the same
site. This sports complex is expected to be ready by 2011 and will comprise a new
55,000-capacity National Stadium with a retractable roof, a 6,000-capacity indoor aquatic
centre, a 400-metre warm-up athletic track and a 3,000-seater multi-purpose arena.
36,000 square metres of space have also been reserved for commercial development.
Singaporean sportsmen have performed in regional as well as international competitions

in sports such as table tennis, badminton, bowling, sailing, silat, swimming and water
polo. Athletes such as Fandi Ahmad, Ang Peng Siong, Li Jiawei and Ronald Susilo have
become household names in the country.
The Singapore Slingers joined the Australian National Basketball League in 2006 and
have three Singaporeans in their squad. Despite being the team with the largest support
pool in the NBL, they generally get the smallest crowds in the NBL.
Beginning in 2008, Singapore started hosting a round of the Formula One World
Championship. The race staged at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in the Marina Bay area
and became the first night race on the F1 circuit[91] and the first street circuit in Asia.[92]
On 21 February 2008, the International Olympic Committee announced[93] that Singapore

won the bid to host the inaugural 2010 Summer Youth Olympics. Singapore beat
Moscow in the final by 53 votes to 44.[94]
[edit] Architecture
The three tallest buildings in Singapore are located at Raffles Place, namely, from left to
right, Republic Plaza, UOB Plaza One and OUB Centre. All three buildings are 280
metres in height.
Main article: Architecture of Singapore
The architecture of Singapore is varied, reflecting the ethnic build-up of the country.
Singapore has several ethnic neighbourhoods, including Chinatown and Little India.
These were formed under the Raffles Plan to segregate the immigrants. Many places of
worship were also constructed during the colonial era. Sri Mariamman Temple, the
Masjid Jamae mosque and the Church of Gregory the Illuminator are among those that
were built during the colonial period. Work is now underway to preserve these religious
sites as National Monuments of Singapore.
Due to the lack of space and lack of preservation policies during the 1960s, 70s and 80s,
few historical buildings remain in the Central Business District (CBD) - the Fullerton
Hotel and the previously-moved Lau Pa Sat being some exceptions. However, just
outside of Raffles Place, and throughout the rest of the downtown core, there is a large
scattering of pre-WWII buildings - some going back nearly as far as Raffles, as with the
Empress Place Building, built in 1827. Many classical buildings were destroyed during
the post-war decades, up until the 1990s, when the government started strict programmes
to conserve the buildings and areas of historic value.
Past the shopping malls are streets lined with shophouses. Many other such areas have
been gazetted as historic districts. Information can be found at the URA Centre in
Maxwell Road, where there are exhibits and several models of the island and its
architecture. Singapore has also become a centre for postmodern architecture.
Historically, the demand for high-end buildings has been in and around the Central
Business District (CBD). After decades of development, the CBD has become an area
with many tall office buildings. These buildings comprise the skyline along the coast of
Marina Bay and Raffles Place, a tourist attraction in Singapore. Plans for tall buildings
must be reviewed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.[95] No building in
Singapore may be taller than 280 metres.[96] The three tallest buildings in Singapore,
namely Republic Plaza, UOB Plaza One and OUB Centre, are all 280 metres in height.
More contemporary architectural examples in Singapore include the Marina Bay

Financial Centre, Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, One Raffles Quay, Reflections at
Keppel Bay, The Sail @ Marina Bay, the Singapore Flyer, One Marina Boulevard, and
Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay.
[edit] Resources
[edit] Water resource
Main article: Water resources of Singapore

Without natural freshwater rivers and lakes, rainfall is the primary domestic source of
water supply in Singapore. About half of Singapore's water comes from rain collected in
reservoirs and catchment areas while the rest comes from Malaysia. The two countries
have long argued of the legality of agreements to supply water that were signed in
colonial times.
Singapore has a network of reservoirs and water catchment areas. In 2001, there were 19
raw water reservoirs, 9 treatment works and 14 storage or service reservoirs locally to
serve domestic needs. Marina Barrage is a dam being constructed around the estuary of
three Singapore rivers, creating a huge freshwater reservoir by 2009, the Marina Bay
reservoir.[97] This will increase the rainfall catchment to two-thirds of the country's
surface area.
Historically, Singapore relied on imports from Malaysia to supply half of its water
consumption. However, two water agreements that supply water to Singapore are due to
expire by 2011 and 2061 respectively. The two countries are engaged in a dispute on the
price of water. Without a resolution in sight, the government of Singapore decided to
increase self-sufficiency in its water supply.[98] Presently, more catchment areas, facilities
to recycle water (producing NEWater) and desalination plants are being built. This "four
tap" strategy aims to reduce reliance on foreign supply and to diversify its water sources.
[98]
[edit] Transport
Main article: Transport in Singapore
[edit] International
The Port of Singapore with Sentosa island in the background.
Singapore is a major Asian transportation hub, positioned on many sea and air trade
routes.
The Port of Singapore, managed by port operators PSA International and Jurong Port,
was the world's second busiest port in 2005 in terms of shipping tonnage handled, at 1.15
billion gross tons, and in terms of containerised traffic, at 23.2 million twenty-foot
equivalent units (TEUs). It was also the world's second busiest in terms of cargo tonnage,
coming behind Shanghai with 423 million tons handled. In addition, the Port is the
world's busiest for transshipment traffic and the world's biggest ship refuelling centre.[99]
PSA Keppel
Singapore is an aviation hub for the Southeast Asian region and a stopover on the
Kangaroo route between Australasia and Europe. Singapore Changi Airport has a
network of 81 airlines connecting Singapore to 185 cities in 58 countries. It has been
rated as one of the best international airports by international travel magazines, including
being rated as the world's best airport for the first time in 2006 by Skytrax.[100] The airport
currently has three passenger terminals. There is also a budget terminal, which serves
budget carrier Tiger Airways and Cebu Pacific. The national carrier is Singapore Airlines
(SIA). The government is moving towards privatising Changi airport.
Singapore is linked to Johor, Malaysia via the Johor-Singapore Causeway and the Tuas
Second Link, as well as a railway operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu of Malaysia, with
its southern terminus at Tanjong Pagar railway station. Frequent ferry service to several
nearby Indonesian ports also exists.
A C751B train at Eunos MRT Station on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, one of
three heavy rail passenger transport lines in Singapore.
[edit] Domestic
The domestic transport infrastructure has a well-connected island-wide road transport

system which includes a network of expressways. The public road system is served by
the nation's bus service and a number of licensed taxi-operating companies. The public
bus transport has been the subject of criticism by Singaporeans, the majority of whom are
dependent on it for their daily commuting. Since 1987, the heavy rail passenger Mass
Rapid Transit (MRT) metro system has been in operation. The MRT has been further
augmented by the Light Rail Transit (LRT) light rail system, and increases accessibility
to housing estates. Established in 2001, the EZ-Link system allows contactless
smartcards to serve as stored value tickets for use in the public transport systems in
Singapore.
More than 2.85 million people use the bus network daily, while more than 1.5 million
people use either the LRT or MRT as part of their daily routine.[101] Approximately
945,000 people use the taxi services daily.[101] Private vehicle use in the Central Area is
discouraged by tolls implemented during hours of heavy road traffic, through an
Electronic Road Pricing system. Private vehicle ownership is discouraged by high vehicle
taxes and imposing quotas on vehicle purchase.
[edit] Notes
1. ^ "Singapore: History". Asian Studies Network Information Center.
http://inic.utexas.edu/asnic/countries/singapore/Singapore-History.html. Retrieved
on 2007-11-02.
2. ^ a b "Population - latest data". Singapore Department of Statistics Singapore.
2008-10-17. http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/latestdata.html. Retrieved on 2008-
10-17.
3. ^ a b c d "Singapore". International Monetary Fund.
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?
pr.x=66&pr.y=20&sy=2004&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br
=1&c=576&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC
%2CLP&grp=0&a=. Retrieved on 2008-10-09.
4. ^ "Population & Land area". Singapore Department of Statistics Singapore. 2008-
12-15. http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/keyind.html#popnarea. Retrieved on
2008-12-15.
5. ^ "Flavours of Singapore". Uniquely Singapore. Singapore Tourism Board.
http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/getting_around/tours_in
_singapore/ethnic___cultural/flavours_of_singapore.html. Retrieved on 2007-04-
13.
6. ^ ""The 30 Greatest Battles of World War II".
http://www.strategypage.com/militaryforums/30-18346.aspx.
7. ^ Murphy, Craig (2006). The United Nations Development Programme: A Better
Way?. Cambridge University Press. pp. 101. ISBN 9780521864695.
8. ^ "List of GDP (PPP) per capita by country, 2007". International Monetary Fund.
http://imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?
pr.x=25&pr.y=9&sy=2007&ey=2007&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=
1&c=512%2C446%2C914%2C666%2C612%2C668%2C614%2C672%2C311%
2C946%2C213%2C137%2C911%2C962%2C193%2C674%2C122%2C676%2C
912%2C548%2C313%2C556%2C419%2C678%2C513%2C181%2C316%2C682
%2C913%2C684%2C124%2C273%2C339%2C921%2C638%2C948%2C514%2
C943%2C218%2C686%2C963%2C688%2C616%2C518%2C223%2C728%2C5
16%2C558%2C918%2C138%2C748%2C196%2C618%2C278%2C522%2C692
%2C622%2C694%2C156%2C142%2C624%2C449%2C626%2C564%2C628%2
C283%2C228%2C853%2C924%2C288%2C233%2C293%2C632%2C566%2C6
36%2C964%2C634%2C182%2C238%2C453%2C662%2C968%2C960%2C922
%2C423%2C714%2C935%2C862%2C128%2C716%2C611%2C456%2C321%2
C722%2C243%2C942%2C248%2C718%2C469%2C724%2C253%2C576%2C6
42%2C936%2C643%2C961%2C939%2C813%2C644%2C199%2C819%2C184
%2C172%2C524%2C132%2C361%2C646%2C362%2C648%2C364%2C915%2
C732%2C134%2C366%2C652%2C734%2C174%2C144%2C328&s=PPPPC&gr
p=0&a=.
9. ^ "Official Foreign Reserves". Statistics Singapore. Monetary Authority of
Singapore.
http://www.mas.gov.sg/data_room/reserves_statistics/Official_Foreign_Reserves.
html. Retrieved on 2008-03-15.
10. ^ a b c "Republic of Singapore Independence Act".
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REVED-RSI&doctitle=REPUBLIC%20OF%20SINGAPORE
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[edit] References
 Hill, Michael, & Kwen Fee Lian (1995). The Politics of Nation Building and Citizenship
in Singapore. Routledge. ISBN 041512025X
 Mauzy, Diane K. & R. S. Milne (2002). Singapore Politics: Under the People's Action
Party. Routledge. ISBN 0415246539.
 Tan, Kenneth Paul (2007). Renaissance Singapore? Economy, Culture, and Politics.
NUS Press. ISBN 9971693770.
 Yew, Lee Kuan (2000). From Third World To First: The Singapore Story: 1965-2000.
New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 0060197765
 Worthington, Ross (2002). Governance in Singapore. Routledge/Curzon. ISBN
070071474X.
 "Census of Population (2000)" (PDF). Singapore Department of Statistics.
http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/popn/cop2000admin.pdf. Retrieved on 2000-01-11.
 "Key Facts & Figures". Ministry of Transport, Singapore. http://www.mot.gov.sg/.
 "Nation's History". Singapore Infomap. http://www.sg/explore/history.htm. Retrieved on
2004-01-11.
 "MOE-PRIME". Programme For Rebuilding and IMproving Existing schools (PRIME).
Archived from the original on 2007-08-23.
http://web.archive.org/web/20070823024237/http://www.moe.gov.sg/prime/prime.htm.
 "Press Releases". Eight More Schools to Benefit from Upgrading.
http://www.moe.gov.sg/press/2007/pr20070214.htm. Retrieved on 2007-05-15.
This article incorporates public domain text from the websites of Singapore Department
of Statistics, United States Department of State, the United States Library of Congress &
CIA World Factbook (2004).
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This page was last updated on 10 February 2009

Legend: Definition Field Listing Rank Order
Introduction Singapore Top of Page
Background:
Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined
the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and
became independent. Singapore subsequently became one of the
world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading
links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled)
and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of
Western Europe.
Geography Singapore Top of Page
Location:
Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and
Indonesia
Geographic coordinates:
1 22 N, 103 48 E
Map references:
Southeast Asia
Area:
total: 692.7 sq km
land: 682.7 sq km
water: 10 sq km
Area - comparative:
slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
193 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: within and beyond territorial sea,
as defined in treaties and practice
Climate:
tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons
- Northeastern monsoon (December to March) and
Southwestern monsoon (June to September); inter-
monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening
thunderstorms
Terrain:
lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water
catchment area and nature preserve
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m
highest point: Bukit Timah 166 m
Natural resources:
fish, deepwater ports
Land use:
arable land: 1.47%
permanent crops: 1.47%
other: 97.06% (2005)
Irrigated land:
NA
Total renewable water
resources:
0.6 cu km (1975)
Freshwater withdrawal
(domestic/industrial/agricultur
al): total: 0.19 cu km/yr (45%/51%/4%)
per capita: 44 cu m/yr (1975)
Natural hazards:
NA
Environment - current issues:
industrial pollution; limited natural fresh water resources;
limited land availability presents waste disposal
problems; seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires
in Indonesia
Environment - international
agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-
Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:
focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes
People Singapore Top of Page
Population:
4,608,167 (July 2008 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 14.8% (male 353,333/female 329,005)
15-64 years: 76.5% (male 1,717,357/female 1,809,462)
65 years and over: 8.7% (male 177,378/female 221,632) (2008 est.)
Median age:
total: 38.4 years
male: 38 years
female: 38.8 years (2008 est.)
Population
growth rate: 1.135% (2008 est.)
Birth rate:
8.99 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate:
4.53 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Net migration
rate: 6.88 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2008 est.)
Infant mortality
rate: total: 2.3 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 2.51 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2008 est.)
Life expectancy
at birth: total population: 81.89 years
male: 79.29 years
female: 84.68 years (2008 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.08 children born/woman (2008 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult
prevalence rate: 0.2% (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people
living with 4,100 (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS:
HIV/AIDS -
deaths: fewer than 200 (2003 est.)
Nationality:
noun: Singaporean(s)
adjective: Singapore
Ethnic groups:
Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4% (2000 census)
Religions:
Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%, Hindu 4%, Catholic
4.8%, other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none 14.8% (2000 census)
Languages:
Mandarin 35%, English 23%, Malay 14.1%, Hokkien 11.4%,
Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew 4.9%, Tamil 3.2%, other Chinese dialects
1.8%, other 0.9% (2000 census)
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.5%
male: 96.6%
female: 88.6% (2000 census)
Education
expenditures: 3.7% of GDP (2001)
Government Singapore Top of Page
Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Singapore
conventional short form: Singapore
local long form: Republic of Singapore
local short form: Singapore
Government
type: parliamentary republic
Capital:
name: Singapore
geographic coordinates: 1 17 N, 103 51 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
Administrative
divisions: none
Independence:
9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)
National holiday:
National Day, 9 August (1965)
Constitution:
3 June 1959; amended 1965 (based on preindependence State of
Singapore Constitution)
Legal system:
based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction
Suffrage:
21 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive
branch: chief of state: President S R NATHAN (since 1 September 1999)
note: uses S R NATHAN but his full name and the one used in formal
communications is Sellapan RAMANATHAN
head of government: Prime Minister LEE Hsien Loong (since 12
August 2004); Senior Minister GOH Chok Tong (since 12 August
2004); Minister Mentor LEE Kuan Yew (since 12 August 2004);
Deputy Prime Ministers Shunmugam JAYAKUMAR (since 12 August
2004) and WONG Kan Seng (since 1 September 2005)
cabinet: appointed by president, responsible to parliament
elections: president elected by popular vote for six-year term;
appointed on 17 August 2005 (next election to be held by August
2011); following legislative elections, leader of majority party or
leader of majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by
president; deputy prime ministers appointed by president
election results: Sellapan Rama (S R) NATHAN appointed president
in August 2005 after Presidential Elections Committee disqualified
three other would-be candidates; scheduled election not held
Legislative
branch: unicameral Parliament (84 seats; members elected by popular vote to
serve five-year terms); note - in addition, there are up to nine
nominated members; up to three losing opposition candidates who
came closest to winning seats may be appointed as "nonconstituency"
members
elections: last held on 6 May 2006 (next to be held by 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - PAP 66.6%, WP 16.3%,
SDA 13%, SDP 4.1%; seats by party - PAP 82, WP 1, SDA 1
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president with the
advice of the prime minister, other judges are appointed by the
president with the advice of the chief justice); Court of Appeals
Political parties
and leaders: People's Action Party or PAP [LEE Hsien Loong]; Singapore
Democratic Alliance or SDA [CHIAM See Tong]; Singapore
Democratic Party or SDP [CHEE Soon Juan]; Workers' Party or WP
[Sylvia LIM Swee Lian]
note: SDA includes Singapore Justice Party or SJP, Singapore
National Malay Organization or PKMS, Singapore People's Party or
SPP
Political pressure
groups and UNFEM [Saleeman ISMAIL]
leaders: other: investment companies; news organizations
International
organization ADB, APEC, APT, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CP, EAS, G-77, IAEA,
participation: IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM,
OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIT, UPU, WCL, WCO,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic
representation in chief of mission: Ambassador CHAN Heng Chee
the US: chancery: 3501 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 537-3100
FAX: [1] (202) 537-0876
consulate(s) general: San Francisco
consulate(s): New York
Diplomatic
representation chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia L. HERBOLD
from the US: embassy: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508
mailing address: FPO AP 96507-0001
telephone: [65] 6476-9100
FAX: [65] 6476-9340
Flag description:
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; near the hoist side
of the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent (closed portion is
toward the hoist side) partially enclosing five white five-pointed stars
arranged in a circle
Economy Singapore Top of Page
Economy -
overview: Singapore has a highly developed and successful free-market
economy. It enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free
environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP equal to that of the
four largest West European countries. The economy depends heavily
on exports, particularly in consumer electronics and information
technology products, and on a growing service sector. Real GDP
growth averaged 7% between 2004 and 2007, but dropped to 3% in
2008 as a result of the global financial crisis. The economy contracted
in the second and third quarters of 2008, and Prime Minister Lee and
other senior officials have dampened expectations for a quick rebound
in 2009. Over the longer term, the government hopes to establish a
new growth path that will be less vulnerable to global demand cycles,
especially for information technology products - it has attracted major
investments in pharmaceuticals and medical technology production -
and will continue efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast Asia's
financial and high-tech hub.
GDP (purchasing
power parity): $244 billion (2008 est.)
GDP (official
exchange rate): $192.8 billion (2008 est.)
GDP - real growth
rate: 3% (2008 est.)
GDP - per capita
(PPP): $52,900 (2008 est.)
GDP -
composition by agriculture: 0%
sector: industry: 33.8%
services: 66.2% (2007 est.)
Labor force:
2.81 million (2008 est.)
Labor force - by
occupation: manufacturing 21%, construction 5%, transportation and
communication 7%, financial, business, and other services 42%, other
25% (2006)
Unemployment
rate: 2.3% (2008 est.)
Household
income or lowest 10%: 1.9%
consumption by highest 10%: 32.8% (1998)
percentage
share:
Distribution of
family income - 52.2 (2005)
Gini index:
Investment
(gross fixed): 27% of GDP (2008 est.)
Budget:
revenues: $27.7 billion
expenditures: $26.22 billion (2008 est.)
Public debt:
92.6% of GDP (2008 est.)
Inflation rate
(consumer 6.6% (2008 est.)
prices):
Commercial bank
prime lending 5.33% (31 December 2007)
rate:
Stock of money:
$44.4 billion (31 December 2007)
Stock of quasi
money: $162.2 billion (31 December 2007)
Stock of
domestic credit: $129.2 billion (31 December 2007)
Market value of
publicly traded $353.5 billion (31 December 2007)
shares:
Industries:
electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment,
petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber products, processed
food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction, life
sciences, entrepot trade
Electricity -
production: 38.68 billion kWh (2007 est.)
Electricity -
consumption: 35.13 billion kWh (2006 est.)
Electricity -
exports: 0 kWh (2007 est.)
Electricity -
imports: 0 kWh (2007 est.)
Oil - production:
9,836 bbl/day (2007 est.)
Oil -
consumption: 834,600 bbl/day (2006 est.)
Oil - exports:
1.203 million bbl/day (2005)
Oil - imports:
2.003 million bbl/day (2005)
Oil - proved
reserves: 0 bbl (1 January 2006 est.)
Natural gas -
production: 0 cu m (2007 est.)
Natural gas -
consumption: 6.5 billion cu m (2007 est.)
Natural gas -
exports: 0 cu m (2007 est.)
Natural gas -
imports: 6.5 billion cu m
note: from Indonesia and Malaysia (2007 est.)
Natural gas -
proved reserves: 0 cu m (1 January 2006 est.)
Current account
balance: $32.12 billion (2008 est.)
Exports:
$349.5 billion f.o.b. (2008 est.)
Exports -
commodities: machinery and equipment (including electronics), consumer goods,
chemicals, mineral fuels
Exports -
partners: Malaysia 12.9%, Hong Kong 10.5%, Indonesia 9.8%, China 9.7%, US
8.9%, Japan 4.8%, Thailand 4.1% (2007)
Imports:
$307.6 billion (2008 est.)
Imports -
commodities: machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs
Imports -
partners: Malaysia 13.1%, US 12.5%, China 12.1%, Japan 8.2%, Taiwan 5.9%,
Indonesia 5.6%, South Korea 4.9% (2007)
Reserves of
foreign exchange $170.1 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
and gold:
Debt - external:
$25.54 billion (31 December 2008 est.)
Stock of direct
foreign $225.7 billion (2008 est.)
investment - at
home:
Stock of direct
foreign $111.2 billion (2005)
investment -
abroad:
Exchange rates:
Singapore dollars (SGD) per US dollar - 1.415 (2008 est.), 1.507
(2007), 1.5889 (2006), 1.6644 (2005), 1.6902 (2004)
Communicatio
Singapore Top of Page
ns
Telephones -
main lines in use: 1.859 million (2007)
Telephones -
mobile cellular: 5.619 million (2007)
Telephone
system: general assessment: excellent service
domestic: excellent domestic facilities; launched 3G wireless service
in February 2005; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity
is about 165 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 65; numerous submarine cables provide
links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US;
satellite earth stations -4; supplemented by VSAT coverage (2007)
Radio broadcast
stations: AM 0, FM 17, shortwave 2 (2003)
Television
broadcast 1 (broadcasting on six channels); additional reception of numerous
stations: UHF and VHF signals originating in Malaysia and Indonesia (2006)
Internet country
code: .sg
Internet hosts:
837,559 (2008)
Internet users:
3.105 million (2007)
Transportation Singapore Top of Page
Airports:
8 (2007)
Airports - with
paved runways: total: 8
over 3,047 m: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2007)
Pipelines:
gas 139 km; refined products 8 km (2007)
Roadways:
total: 3,262 km
paved: 3,262 km (includes 150 km of expressways) (2006)
Merchant marine:
total: 1,292
by type: bulk carrier 167, cargo 87, carrier 5, chemical tanker 209,
container 273, liquefied gas 96, petroleum tanker 386, refrigerated
cargo 5, roll on/roll off 4, specialized tanker 7, vehicle carrier 53
foreign-owned: 774 (Australia 12, Bangladesh 2, Belgium 8, Chile 6,
China 14, Cyprus 1, Denmark 87, France 1, Germany 24, Greece 15,
Hong Kong 47, India 13, Indonesia 66, Italy 5, Japan 131, South Korea
3, Malaysia 27, Norway 143, Slovenia 1, Sweden 20, Switzerland 2,
Taiwan 72, Thailand 23, UAE 12, UK 17, US 22)
registered in other countries: 331 (Australia 1, Bahamas 17, Belize 2,
Bolivia 1, Cambodia 4, Cayman Islands 10, Comoros 1, Cyprus 3,
Dominica 7, France 2, Honduras 12, Hong Kong 18, Indonesia 27, Isle
of Man 1, Kiribati 4, Liberia 32, Malaysia 16, Marshall Islands 18,
Mongolia 9, Norway 1, Panama 100, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and
Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4, Thailand 2, Tuvalu 23,
US 12, unknown 2) (2008)
Ports and
terminals: Singapore
Transportation -
note: the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore
waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed
robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been
attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked
vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia;
crews have been murdered or cast adrift
Military Singapore Top of Page
Military
branches: Singapore Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (includes Air
Defense) (2008)
Military service
age and 18-21 years of age for male compulsory military service; 16 years of
obligation: age for volunteers; 2-year conscript service obligation, with a reserve
obligation to age 40 (enlisted) or age 50 (officers) (2008)
Manpower
available for males age 16-49: 1,277,862 (2008 est.)
military service:
Manpower fit for
military service: males age 16-49: 1,038,603 (2008 est.)
Manpower
reaching male: 27,742
militarily female: 26,325 (2008 est.)
significant age
annually:
Military
expenditures: 4.9% of GDP (2005 est.)
Transnational
Singapore Top of Page
Issues
Disputes -
international: disputes persist with Malaysia over deliveries of fresh water to
Singapore, Singapore's extensive land reclamation works, bridge
construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore
Straits; in November 2007, the ICJ will hold public hearings as a
consequence of the Memorials and Countermemorials filed by the
parties in 2003 and 2005 over sovereignty of Pedra Branca
Island/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge; Indonesia
and Singapore continue to work on finalization of their 1973 maritime
boundary agreement by defining unresolved areas north of Indonesia's
Batam Island; piracy remains a problem in the Malacca Strait
Illicit drugs:
drug abuse limited because of aggressive law enforcement efforts; as a
transportation and financial services hub, Singapore is vulnerable,
despite strict laws and enforcement, as a venue for money laundering
This page was last updated on 10 February 2009

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Singapore

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Flag Coat of Arms

Downtown Core of Singapore viewed at night

Singapore City (Downtown

Government Parliamentary republic

- President S.R. Nathan

- Speaker of Parliament Abdullah Tarmugi

- Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong

- Founding 29 January 1819[1]

- Merger with Malaysia 16 September 1963

- Total $228.303 billion[3] (44th)

- Per capita $49,754[3] (5th)

GDP (nominal) 2007 estimate

- Total $161.349 billion[3] (45th)

- Per capita $35,162[3] (21st)

Time zone SST (UTC+8)

Drives on the left

Internet TLD .sg

Calling code +652

Singapore (Chinese: 新加坡; pinyin: Xīnjiāpō; Malay: Singapura; Tamil: சிங்கப்பூர்,

The population of Singapore is approximately 4.84 million.[2] Singapore is highly

[edit] First settlement

Main article: Early history of Singapore

[edit] Colonial rule

Main article: Founding of modern Singapore

[edit] World War II

Main article: Japanese occupation of Singapore

The Japanese Army marching in downtown Singapore

Main article: History of the Republic of Singapore

[edit] Government and politics

Singapore is a parliamentary democracy with a Westminster system of unicameral

Parliamentary elections in Singapore are plurality-based for group representation

The Members of Parliament (MPs) consist of either elected, non-constituency or

 Elected Members, In Group Representation Constituencies, political parties field

Singapore has a successful and transparent market economy. Government-linked

[edit] Geography and climate

Singapore Downtown as seen from the DHL Balloon.

Singapore Botanic Gardens, a 67.3-hectare (166 acre) Botanic Gardens in Singapore that

Singapore has a highly developed market-based economy, which historically revolves

Singapore's Central Business District (CBD)

Orchard Road is decorated for Christmas, 2005.

[edit] Free Trade Agreements

See also: International trade agreements of Singapore

Singapore has 14 bilateral and multilateral trade agreements worldwide:[54]

 Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)

Main article: Tourism in Singapore

Under the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), Wireless@SG is a

Main article: Singapore Dollar

[edit] Foreign relations

 Water deliveries to Singapore[64][65]

RSS Formidable during Exercise Malabar 2007.

[edit] Singapore Armed Forces

Main article: Singapore Armed Forces

[edit] Singapore Police Force

Main article: Singapore Police Force

[edit] Singapore Civil Defence Force

An SCDF Combined Platform Ladder (CPL) Vehicle

[edit] National Service

Main article: National Service in Singapore

According to government statistics, the population of Singapore as of 2008 was 4.84

Main article: Religion in Singapore