SINGAPORE

COUNTRY INFORMATION

 GEOGRAPHY

The main island of Singapore is about 49km from east to west

and 28km from north to south with a coastline of 228km. The
total land area of Singapore is approximately 734.3km² as at
end December 2022. The figures are based on 2.515m High
Water Mark cadastral survey boundaries.

Singapore is generally flat, with much of the island lying within 15m of sea level. The highest
point of the island’s surface reaches 164 m.

Singapore can be geographically divided into three major areas – the central hilly area with
heavy deposits of granite in Bukit Timah, Bukit Panjang, Bukit Mandai and Bukit Batok; the
western undulating area comprising Mount Faber Ridge and Pasir Panjang Ridge; and the eastern
coastal area consisting of alluvium and sediment stretches from Katong to Bedok and Changi.

POPULATION

 The current population of Singapore is 6,042,008 as of Wednesday, March 20, 2024,

based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data 1.
 Singapore 2023 population is estimated at 6,014,723 people at mid year.
 Singapore population is equivalent to 0.07% of the total world population.
 Singapore ranks number 114 in the list of countries (and dependencies) by population.
 The population density in Singapore is 8592 per Km2 (22,254 people per mi2).
 The total land area is 700 Km2 (270 sq. miles)
 100% of the population is urban (6,014,723 people in 2023)
 The median age in Singapore is 42.8 years

 THE PEOPLE OF SINGAPORE

The population of Singapore is diverse, the result of considerable past immigration. Chinese
predominate, making up some three-fourths of the total. Malays are the next largest ethnic group,
and Indians the third. None of those three major communities is homogeneous. Among the
Chinese, more than two-fifths originate from Fujian province and speak the Amoy (Xiamen)
dialect, about one-fourth are Teochew from the city of Shantou in Guangdong province, and a
smaller number are from other parts of Guangdong. The Chinese community as a whole,
therefore, speaks mutually incomprehensible dialects. Linguistic differences are less pronounced
among the Malays, but the group includes Indonesians speaking Javanese, Boyanese, and other
dialects. The Indian group is most diverse, consisting of Tamils (more than half), Malayalis, and
Sikhs; it also includes Pakistani and Sinhalese communities.

 ECONOMY

Singapore has a highly developed and diversified economy, characterized by free-market policies
and a strong emphasis on trade and manufacturing. The country is a major financial center, with
a robust banking and finance sector. It is also a leading global hub for shipping, logistics, and
technology. Singapore has consistently ranked high in terms of ease of doing business and
competitiveness.

ANALYSIS OF CULTURE OF SINGAPORE AND ITS IMPACT

Despite being small-sized, the local customs and cultures of Singapore are a blend of multiple
ethnic influences including Chinese, Malay, Indians and others, the reason being the country's
history as a trading hub. This diversity is also reflected in terms of spoken languages which
include English, Mandarin, Tamil and Malay. Some popular Singaporean customs and traditions
are:

 While meeting a Singaporean formally or informally, make sure to shake hands firmly
with all, even when departing. A slight bow while shaking hands is considered respectful.
 Take off the shoes before entering anyone's house. Also, remember to take them off
before visiting any temple or mosque.
 Make sure never to pinpoint someone or something with a finger, just raise your hand for
indication.
Cleanliness in Singapore, Singapore is by far one of the cleanest countries, not only in Asia but
the rest of the world. Starting right from the spick and span Changi Airport right up to the
spotless streets and by-lanes, there is absolutely no littering anywhere. To maintain the
cleanliness, chewing gum is banned in Singapore.

The Merlion, , A mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, is an iconic
symbol of Singapore's cultural identity. It represents the country's origins as a fishing village
(symbolized by the fish) and its transformation into a vibrant city (symbolized by the lion). The
Merlion has become an emblematic figure featured in tourism promotions and national imagery.

Arts and Heritage, Singapore's cultural landscape is enriched by its arts and heritage scene,
which encompasses traditional art forms like Chinese opera, Malay dance, and Indian classical
music, as well as contemporary expressions in literature, theater, film, and visual arts.
Institutions like the National Gallery Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, and Esplanade –
Theatres on the Bay showcase local and international talent, contributing to the vibrancy of
Singapore's cultural scene.

ANALYSIS OF POLITICAL SYSTEM OF SINGAPORE

Singapore is a parliamentary representative democratic republic whereby the president of

Singapore is the head of state, the prime minister of Singapore is the head of government, and of
a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the Cabinet from the parliament, and to a
lesser extent, the president. Cabinet has the general direction and control of the government and
is accountable to Parliament. There are three separate branches of government: the legislature,
executive and judiciary abiding by the Westminster system.

ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC SYSTEM

The economy of Singapore is based on a mixed economy that resembles a market economy. The
country’s economic system combines elements of a market economy and a planned economy,
individuals are free to work, produce, consume, and invest in any way they please.

Singapore boasts a highly developed free-market economy. Key sectors include manufacturing,
particularly electronics and biotechnology, and a highly efficient and growing services sector.
Known as a financial hub, it has strong banking, insurance, and asset management industries.
 In Singapore, the economy is composed of a private sector, consisting of individuals and
businesses that make autonomous decisions based on self-interest, and a public sector, where the
state determines the production and distribution of certain goods and services. No country is
purely capitalist or purely communist.

In 2022, Singapore exported a total of $379B, making it the number 21 exporter in the world.
During the last five reported years the exports of Singapore have changed by $33B from $346B
in 2017 to $379B in 2022

MTI Maintains 2024 GDP Growth Forecast at “1.0 to 3.0 Per Cent”

15 February 2024. The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) announced today that the
Singapore economy expanded by 1.1 per cent in 2023. MTI has maintained the GDP growth
forecast for 2024 at 1.0 to 3.0 per cent.
In 2022, Singapore exported a total of $379B, making it the number 21 exporter in the world.
During the last five reported years the exports of Singapore have changed by $33B from $346B
in 2017 to $379B in 2022

REFFERENCE

Environment. (n.d.). Base.

https://www.singstat.gov.sg/publications/reference/ebook/society/environment#:~:text=The
%20total%20land%20area%20of,Water%20Mark%20cadastral%20survey%20boundaries.

Ho, R. , Leinbach, . Thomas R. , Kennard, . Annajane and Winstedt, . Richard Olof (2024, March
20). Singapore. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Singapore

Holidify. (2023, June 13). The culture of Singapore - where east meets west!
https://www.holidify.com/pages/culture-of-singapore-1161.html

Montoya, J. D. (2023, August 14). The Singapore Economic System: An Analysis - Economic Activity. Economic
Activity. https://www.economicactivity.org/the-singapore-economic-system-an-analysis/

Singapore population (2024) - Worldometer. (n.d.).

https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/singapore-population/