| Brief
History |
The
earliest known mention of Singapore was a 3rd century
Chinese account which described Singapore as "Pu-luo-chung"
("island at the end of a peninsula"). Little is known about
the island's history at this time but this matter-of-fact description
belies Singapore's colourful past. By the 14th century, Singapore
had become part of the mighty Sri Vijayan empire and was known as Temasek
("Sea Town").
This was no less accurate than the 3rd century name. Located at the natural
meeting point of sea routes at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore
had long known visits from a wide variety of sea craft, from Chinese junks,
Indian vessels, Arab dhows and Portuguese battleships to Buginese schooners.
During the 14th century, this small but strategically-placed island had
earned a new name "Singa Pura", or "Lion City". According
to legend, a visiting Sri Vijayan prince saw an animal he mistook for
a lion and Singapore's modern day name was born. The British provided
the next notable chapter in the Singapore story. During
the 18th century, they saw the need for a strategic "halfway house"
to refit, feed and protect the fleet of their growing empire, as well
as to forestall any advances by the Dutch in the region. It was against
this political backdrop that Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore
as a trading station. The policy of free trade attracted merchants from
all over Asia and from as far afield as the United States and the Middle
East. By 1824, just five years after the founding of modern Singapore,
the population had grown from a mere 150 to 10,000.
In 1832, Singapore became the centre of government for
the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore.
The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the advent of telegraph and
steamship increased Singapore's importance as a centre for the expanding
trade between East and West.
Singapore had been the site of military action in the
14th century when it became embroiled in the struggle for the Malay Peninsula
between Siam (now Thailand), and the Java-based Majapahit Empire.
Five centuries later, it was again the scene of significant fighting during
World War II. Singapore was considered an impregnable
fortress, but the Japanese overran the island in 1942. After the war,
Singapore became a Crown Colony. The growth of nationalism led to self-government
in 1959 and on 9 August 1965, Singapore became an independent republic.
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| Singapore
Today |
Singapore
is not just one island but a main island with over 60 surrounding islets.
The main island has a total land area of about 640 square km.
However, its compact size belies its economic growth. In just 150 years,
Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce
and industry. Its former role as an entrepot has diminished, as the Republic
has increased its manufacturing base.
Singapore is the busiest port in the world with over
600 shipping lines sending super tankers, container ships and passenger
liners to share the busy waters with coastal fishing vessels and wooden
lighters.
One of the world's major oil refining and distribution centres,
Singapore is also a major supplier of electronic components and
a leader in shipbuilding and repairing. It has also become one of the
most important financial centres of Asia, with more than 130 banks. Business
dealings are facilitated by Singapore's superb communications network
which links the Republic to the rest of the world via satellite, 24-hour
telegraph and telephone systems. Singapore's strategic location, excellent
facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist attractions contribute
to its success as a leading destination for both business and pleasure.
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| Geographical
Location |
Located
at one of the crossroads of the world, Singapore's strategic position
has helped it grow into a major centre for trade, communications and tourism.
Its geographical location is 136.8 km north of the equator, between latitudes
103 degrees 38' E and 104 degrees 06' E.
It is linked to Malaysia by two causeway bridges and the key islands of
the Riau archipelago of Indonesia are just a quick ferry trip away. Thailand
and the Philippines are a short plane journey away and Singapore, with
an airport served by more than 69 airlines, is very much the gateway to
South-East Asia. |
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| Weather |
Singapore's
climate is warm and humid, with only slight variations between the average
maximum of 31 degrees Celcius and minimum of 23 degrees Celcius. This
makes it ideal for those who enjoy sunbathing, swimming, sailing and other
water sports. But for those who do not enjoy the tropical climate, Singapore
is sheltered from the worst effects of the sun with air-conditioning in
almost all of its shops, hotels, office buildings and restaurants.
Rain falls throughout the year, with more consistent rain coming during
the monsoon season from November to January. Showers are usually sudden
and heavy, but also brief and refreshing. |
| People |
Although
geography has played a part in the success of Singapore,
its mainstay is its people. Lacking natural resources, Singapore's strength
is its hardworking, adaptable and resilient population.
Singapore's population of almost four million comprises 76.9% Chinese,
14% Malays, 7.7% Indians and 1.4% Eurasians and people of other descent.
The original inhabitants were Malay fishermen, but after the arrival of
Sir Stamford Raffles and the establishment of a British
trading post, Singapore became a magnet that drew hundreds
of thousands of migrants and merchants. Seeking a better life for themselves
and their families, they came from the southern provinces of China, Indonesia,
India, Pakistan, Ceylon and the Middle East. Though inter-marriages have
taken place over the years, each racial group within Singapore
has retained its own cultural identity while developing as an integral
part of Singapore community. |
| Language |
| There
are four official languages in Singapore: Malay, Mandarin,
Tamil and English. English is the language of business and administration,
and is widely spoken and understood. Most Singaporeans are bilingual,
and speak their mother tongue as well as English. Malay is the national
language. |
| Religion |
| With
this mixture of people, Singapore is also a mixture of
religions. Singapore's skyline boasts the distinctive minarets of mosques,
spires of gothic cathedrals, intricate figurines of Hindu temple gods
and distinctive roof architecture of Chinese temples. The main religions
are Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Zoroastrainism. |
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