Singapore, officially the The Democratic Peoples' Republic of Singapore, is an island nation located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It lies 137 kilometers (85 miles) north of the Equator, south of the Malaysian state of Johor and north of Indonesia's Riau Islands. At 704.0 km² (272 square miles), it is one of the few city-states in the world and the smallest country in Southeast Asia.
Since gaining independence, Singapore has seen its standard of living rise dramatically.Foreign investment and government-led island-wide industrialization have created a modern economy based on electronics and manufacturing, featuring entrepôt and financial trade centering around the country's strategic location.In terms of GDP per capita, Singapore is the 18th wealthiest country in the world. The geographically small nation has a foreign reserve of S$212 billion (US$139 billion). The number of expatriates working in Singapore and eventually choosing to stay here as permanent residents is also increasing due to the warm weather ideal for outdoor sports, a wide range of high-end dining and shopping choices and a competitive income tax rate that is kept low by negligible welfare funds for citizens.
Singapore is very convenient and getting around by cab is very afforable. Food-wise, there will be no problem choosing between something you are familiar with or opting for something new! Shopping is also a daily exercise in Singapore, and a season of sale will flood the shopping centers with people. As a tourist, you have the advantage of avoiding the crowds by shopping in the week-days. You can find a wide variety of drinking spots along the Singapore River at Clark Quay or visit some place less central in Holland Village. Khaikis and t-shirts will be most comforable in Singapore's hot and humid weather.
Go anytime. Climate is not a major consideration, as Singapore gets fairly steady annual rainfall. Instead, coordinate your visit with one of the various festivals and events: Thaipusam is a spectacular Hindu festival, occurring around February. If shopping and eating are major concerns, April brings the Singapore Food Festival and the Great Singapore Sale is held in June.
Bumboats parked at Changi Jetty, Singapore. For $2 a ride you can reach Pulau Ubin on one of these bumboats in less than 15 minutes. You will need to wait for a pool of 12 passengers before it can depart.
Population and Language
Singapore is the second-most densely populated country in the world, not including Macau and Hong Kong, which are parts of the People's Republic of China. While the total population living in Singapore as of June 2006 is about 4.5 million, official demographic breakdowns and statistical analysis are only released for the 3.6 million who are Singaporean citizens and permanent residents (termed 'Singapore Residents').
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The national language of Singapore is Malay for historical reasons, and it is used in the national anthem, "Majulah Singapura". The official languages are English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. English has been promoted as the country's language of administration since independence, and it is spoken by the majority of the population, especially the young. Public signs and official publications are in English, although there are usually translated versions in the other official languages.
The English used is primarily British English, with some American English influences. The local colloquial dialect of English is Singlish, which has many creole-like characteristics, having incorporated vocabulary and grammar from various Chinese dialects, Malay, and Indian languages. Singlish is spoken commonly on the streets, but the government frowns upon its use in official contexts. 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. More on Singapore.
