Singapore area: | 618sq km (239 sq mi) |
population: | 4,017,733 |
capital (population): | Singapore City (2,812,000) |
government: | Multiparty republic |
ethnic groups: | Chinese 78%, Malay 14%, Indian 7% |
languages: | Chinese, Malay, Tamil and English (all official) |
religions: | Buddhism, Taoism and other traditional beliefs 54%, Islam 15%, Christianity 13%, Hinduism 4% |
currency: | Singapore dollar = 100 cents |
Island republic in
se Asia. Singapore is a small republic at the
s tip of the
Malay Peninsula. It consists of the large Singapore Island and 59 small islets, of which 20 are inhabited. Singapore Island is
c.42km (26mi) wide and 28km (14mi) across. It is linked to the peninsula by a 1056m (3465ft) -long causeway. The land is mostly low-lying; the highest point, Bukit Timah, is only 176m (577ft) above sea level. Its strategic position, at the convergence of some of the world's most vital shipping lanes, ensured its growth.
Climate
Singapore has a hot, humid equatorial climate, with temperatures averaging 301/4C (86°F). Total average annual rainfall, 2413mm (95in). Rain occurs (on average) 180 days each year.
Vegetation
Rainforest once covered Singapore, but forests now cover only 5% of the land. Today, most of Singapore is urban land. The distinction between island and city has all but disappeared. Farmland covers 4% of the land and plantations of permanent crops make up 7%.
History and Politics
According to legend, Singapore was founded in 1299. It was first called Temasak (sea town), but was renamed Singapura (city of the lion). Singapore soon became a busy trading centre within the Sumatran Srivijaya kingdom. Javanese raiders destroyed it in 1377. Subsumed into Johor, Singapore became part of the powerful
Malacca sultanate. In 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford
Raffles of the British
East India Company leased the island from Johor, and the Company founded the city of Singapore. In 1826, Singapore, Pinang, and Malacca formed the Straits Settlement. Singapore soon became the most important British trading centre in Southeast Asia, and the Straits Settlement became a Crown Colony in 1867. Despite British defensive reinforcements in the early 20th century, Japanese forces seized the island in 1942. British rule returned in 1945. In 1946, the Straits Settlement dissolved and Singapore became a separate colony. In 1959, Singapore achieved self-government. Following a referendum, Singapore merged with Malaya,
Sarawak, and
Sabah to form the Federation of
Malaysia (1963). In 1965, Singapore broke away from the Federation to become an independent republic within the Commonwealth of Nations.
The People's Action Party
(PAP) has ruled Singapore since 1959. Its leader, Lee Kuan Yew, served as prime minister from 1959 until 1990, when he resigned
Goh Chok Tong succeeded him. Under the PAP, the economy expanded rapidly. Human rights' groups claim that the PAP pursues authoritarian social policies and suppresses political dissent. Goh Chok Tong and the PAP were decisively re-elected in 1997 and 2001.
Economy
Singapore is a high-income economy (2000 GDP per capita, US$26,500). It is one of the world's fastest growing (tiger) economies. Historically, Singapore's economy has been based on transshipment, and this remains a vital component. It is one of the world's busiest ports, annually handling more than 290 million tonnes of cargo (1994). The post-1945 economy diversified. Singapore has a highly skilled and productive workforce. The service sector employs 65% of the workforce; banking and insurance provide many jobs. Manufacturing is the largest export sector. Industries include computers and electronics, telecommunications, chemicals, machinery, scientific instruments, ships, and textiles. It has a large oil refinery. Agriculture is relatively unimportant. Most farming is highly intensive, and farmers use the latest technology and scientific methods.
Political map
Physical map
Websites
http://www.gov.sg
