Overview of Singapore

Profile

Singapore is an island nation located at a strategic junction for transportation, finance, and logistics in Southeast Asia, consisting of 63 islands. Through foreign investment and efficient administrative management, it has rapidly developed into a world-class financial center, international conference city, and major trading hub. Of its approximately 6 million population, about 40% are foreign nationals, creating a multicultural society with excellent public safety and low corruption. Public education, healthcare, and infrastructure are world-class, with Changi International Airport and the Port of Singapore ranking among the top global hubs.

Official name: Republic of Singapore
Common name: Singapore
Numeric code: 702
Alpha-3 code: SGP
Alpha-2 code: SG
Population: Approximately 5.97 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 8,000 people/km2
Primary languages: English, Malay, Chinese (Mandarin), Tamil
Major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, Hinduism, No religion
National anthem: Majulah Singapura
Calling code: +65
Internet TLD: .sg

History

Became a British East India Company trading post in 1819 and gained independence as a republic after separating from Malaysia in 1965.

Although historically under the control of surrounding kingdoms such as Java and Malacca, the foundation for a modern city was laid in 1819 when Thomas Raffles established a trading port. Japanese forces occupied Singapore from 1942-45. After gaining autonomy in 1959, Singapore joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated in 1965 due to conflicts over ethnic and economic policies. Under the leadership of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore pursued export-oriented industrialization and human resource development, rising as one of the "Four Asian Tigers." As a founding member of ASEAN, Singapore now holds significant influence in the international community as a high-income nation.

Geography & climate

Low-lying alluvial plains and small hills, with more than half the land urbanized. Land area expanded through reclamation, with numerous reservoirs created on the island for water supply.

Tropical rainforest climate (Af)

Area: Asia / 734 km²
Capital: (No designated capital as it is a city-state)
Largest city: Singapore
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Malaysia (across the Johor Strait), Indonesia (across the Singapore Strait)

Natural resources

Maritime location, Reservoirs, Mangrove forests, Port water depth, Reclamation sand, Tropical vegetation, Solar energy, Strategic strait routes, Labor capital, Advanced ICT infrastructure

Politics

Government: Constitutional republic (parliamentary cabinet system, unicameral legislature)

Economy

Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)

GDP (nominal): 466.8 billion US Dollar (2023)

GDP (PPP): 720.4 billion International Dollar (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Malay, Chinese (Mandarin), Tamil

Time zone: Singapore Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Chinese 74%, Malay 14%, Indian 9%, Others 3%

Life expectancy

83.5 years

Literacy rate

97.6%

National sports

Soccer, Badminton, Table Tennis, Swimming, Basketball