History

Singapore sits at a geographical crossroads, with two major sea routes converging here at the tip of the Malay Peninsula. Originally it was named Temasek, or ‘sea town’, but then a visiting 14th-century prince mistakenly thought he saw a lion and dubbed the island Singa Pura or ‘Lion City’. In 1819, Singapore was established as a trading station by Sir Stamford Raffles, and by 1832 it had become the centre of government for the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore.

Just 423 square miles in area, with 63 surrounding islets, Singapore’s strategic position as a port made it an important centre during WWII. In 1942, as Allied forces kept their vigil for a seaborne attack, Japanese soldiers came overland from Malaysia and took the city. After the war, Singapore became a Crown Colony, before achieving self-government in 1959. On 9th August 1965, Singapore became an independent republic.

Politics

Cambridge-educated Lee Kuan Yew, the former ruler, is still influential in his role as minister mentor now that his son, Brigadier General Lee Hsien Loong, is the prime minister. Lee Senior was instrumental in Singapore’s 1965 independence from (then) Malaya, and in putting the city-state firmly on the map both regionally and internationally. Singapore has a Westminster-style constitution. There is an appointed figurehead president, but the true executive power rests with the prime minister, who leads the majority party in the elected parliament. In practice, politics is dominated by the People’s Action Party, which has ruled since independence. Singapore is officially known as a socialist democracy.

Religion

With its mixture of people, Singapore is also a mixture of religions. The city’s skyline boasts the minarets of mosques, spires of gothic cathedrals, figurines of Hindu gods and distinctive roofs of Chinese temples. The main religions are Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Zoroastrianism.

Economy

In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Its former role as a trading port 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. In addition it has become one of the most important financial centres of Asia, with more than 130 banks. Business dealings are facilitated by Singapore’s communications network, which links the country to the rest of the world via satellite, 24-hour telegraph and telephone systems.

Population

Singapore’s resident population of almost three and a half million comprises 77% Chinese, 14% Malays, 8% Indians and 1% Eurasians and people of other descent. There are also many non-residents, making up about 17% of the city’s inhabitants. 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, Sri Lanka and the Middle East. Although inter-marriages have taken place over the years, each racial group has retained its own cultural identity while developing as an integral part of the Singapore community.

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.