Singapore

Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island country and city-state in Southeast Asia. It is made up of a large island, over 60 smaller islands, and one distant islet. Located just north of the equator, Singapore lies at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, between the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea.

In the past, Singapore was known as Temasek and was an important trading place. In 1819, a British leader named Stamford Raffles made it a trading post for the British Empire. After World War II, Singapore became independent in 1965. Despite having few natural resources, it grew quickly into a rich and modern nation.

Today, Singapore is one of the richest countries in the world. It is known for its safety, clean streets, good schools, and strong economy. Many people visit for its airports, shopping, and important business centers. Singapore is also famous for its mix of cultures, with four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. The city is very busy but also has many parks and green spaces.

Name and etymology

Main article: Names of Singapore

Singapore's name comes from old words that mean "lion city." The name started with Singapura, a Malay word. Long ago, a prince named Sang Nila Utama saw what he thought was a lion on the island. He took this as a sign and named the place Singapura, meaning "lion city." Before that, the island was known by other names like Temasek, which might mean "sea town."

During World War II, when Japan controlled the area, they called it Syonan-to, meaning "light of the south." Today, people sometimes call Singapore the "Garden City" because of its many parks and trees, or the "Little Red Dot," a nickname that came from a description of the country on a map.

History

Main article: History of Singapore

Ancient Singapore

Further information: Early history of Singapore

In 1299, according to the Malay Annals, the Kingdom of Singapura was founded on the island by Sang Nila Utama. Singapore, then known as Temasek, was a trading port under the influence of the Majapahit Empire and the Siamese kingdoms. Historical sources show that around the end of the 14th century, its ruler Parameswara was attacked, forcing him to move to Malacca where he founded the Sultanate of Malacca. Archaeological evidence suggests that the main settlement on Fort Canning Hill was abandoned around this time, though a small trading settlement continued for some time. In 1613, Portuguese raiders burned down the settlement, and the island faded into obscurity for the next two centuries. By then, Singapore was nominally part of the Johor Sultanate.

British colonisation

The British governor Stamford Raffles arrived in Singapore on 28 January 1819 and recognised the island as a natural choice for a new port. With help from local leaders, Raffles established a trading post. In 1824, a further treaty led to the entire island becoming part of the British Empire. In 1826, Singapore became part of the Straits Settlements, then under British India. By 1860, the population had grown to over 80,000, more than half being Chinese. Many early immigrants came to work on pepper and gambier plantations. Later, the rubber industry became established, and Singapore became a global centre for rubber sorting and export.

Singapore was not greatly affected by the First World War (1914–1918). After World War I, the British built the large Singapore Naval Base. Originally announced in 1921, construction proceeded slowly until the Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931. Costing $60 million and not fully completed until 1938, it was the largest dry dock in the world and had enough fuel tanks to support the entire British navy for six months.

Japanese occupation

Main article: Japanese occupation of Singapore

During the Pacific War, the Japanese invasion of Malaya culminated in the Battle of Singapore. When British forces surrendered on 15 February 1942, it was called the worst defeat in British history. Japanese newspapers celebrated the victory. Between 5,000 and 25,000 ethnic Chinese people were killed in the subsequent Sook Ching massacre.

Post-war period

Main article: Colony of Singapore

After the Japanese surrender to the Allies on 15 August 1945, Singapore faced disorder and shortages. By late 1947, the economy began to recover, aided by growing international demand for tin and rubber. In 1946, Singapore became a separate crown colony. In 1959, Singapore achieved full internal self-government. Days before, in the general election of 30 May, the PAP won a landslide victory under Lee Kuan Yew.

Within Malaysia

Main article: State of Singapore (Malaysia)

In 1963, Singapore joined with Malaya, North Borneo, and Sarawak to form the new Federation of Malaysia. However, disagreements between the Singaporean and Malaysian governments led to tensions. On 7 August 1965, after secret negotiations, a separation agreement was signed, paving the way for Singapore's independence.

Republic of Singapore

See also: Independence of Singapore Agreement 1965

After its independence on 9 August 1965, Singapore faced many challenges but focused on economic growth and development. The country co-founded the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1967. Singapore's policies emphasized rapid economic growth, racial integration, and business development. The PAP has remained in power since 1959, introducing several political changes over the years. In 1990, Goh Chok Tong became the second prime minister, followed by Lee Hsien Loong in 2004. In 2024, Lawrence Wong became Singapore's fourth prime minister.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Singapore

See also: Land reclamation in Singapore

Singapore is made up of over 60 islands, with the biggest one called the main island, also known as Pulau Ujong. It is close to Malaysia, connected by two man-made links: the Johor–Singapore Causeway in the north and the Tuas Second Link in the west. Some of the larger smaller islands include Jurong Island, Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin, and Sentosa Island. The highest natural point in Singapore is Bukit Timah Hill, standing at 163.63 metres tall.

The country has grown its land through land reclamation projects. Since the 1960s, Singapore has expanded from about 580 square kilometres to around 770 square kilometres, and it plans to grow even more by the 2030s. These projects sometimes combine smaller islands into larger ones. Singapore also faces challenges with sand supplies for reclamation, so it uses other methods like polders to create new land.

Nature

Main article: Wildlife of Singapore

Because Singapore is very urbanized, most of its natural forests have disappeared. Today, much of the remaining fauna and flora live in small nature reserves, like the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. To help nature, the government started making Singapore a “garden city” in 1967. Now, about 10% of the land is parks or nature reserves. One famous garden is the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Climate

See also: Climate change in Singapore

Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with warm temperatures and lots of rain all year. Temperatures usually stay between 23 and 32 degrees Celsius. There is a wetter time from November to February, called the monsoon season. Sometimes, from July to October, smoke from bush fires in nearby Indonesia can make the air hazy.

Singapore is preparing for future challenges like rising sea levels. The government is investing money to protect its coastline and has started using more solar power, including a big floating solar farm at Tengeh Reservoir.

Government and politics

Main articles: Government of Singapore, Politics of Singapore, and Administrative divisions of Singapore

Singapore is a parliamentary republic based on the Westminster system. The President is the head of state. Governance is separated into three branches: the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.

The Executive consists of the Cabinet, led by the prime minister. The Legislature is made up of the Singapore Parliament, where members are elected to create laws. The Judiciary ensures justice is served independently.

The President is elected by popular vote for a six-year term. Members of Parliament are elected at least every five years. The main political party is the PAP, which has been in power since 1959. Singapore's government focuses on economic growth and stability.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Singapore

Singapore has a very developed and free market economy. It is known for its business-friendly environment, low taxes, and strong infrastructure. The country is one of the "Four Asian Tigers" and has a very high standard of living. Singapore's economy is also supported by foreign investment and a skilled workforce.

The currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar, managed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The country is also known for its low tax rates, which has made it a popular place for wealthy individuals to live and invest. Singapore provides many benefits to its citizens, including financial aid, free medical care, and help with education costs.

Demographics

See also: Race in Singapore

As of mid-2025, Singapore's population was about 6.1 million. Around 60% are citizens, while the rest are permanent residents or foreign workers and students. Most people are of Chinese, Malay, or Indian descent, with small numbers from other backgrounds.

Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. English is widely used in business, government, and schools. Many people also speak their mother tongue at home, such as Mandarin or Malay.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Singapore

Religion

Main article: Religion in Singapore

Education

Main article: Education in Singapore

See also: List of primary schools in Singapore, List of secondary schools in Singapore, and List of universities in Singapore

Education in Singapore is strongly supported by the government. Children attend six years of primary school followed by four to five years of secondary school. English is the main language of instruction. Students take exams at different stages to move to the next level of schooling. Singapore’s students often perform very well in international studies comparing math, science, and reading skills.

Health

Main article: Health in Singapore

See also: Healthcare in Singapore

Singapore has a high-quality healthcare system that keeps costs manageable. The country has one of the longest average lifespans in the world. The government helps people afford healthcare through special savings accounts and insurance programs. Public hospitals are well-run and offer good care.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Singapore

Singapore is a small country with a rich mix of cultures. People there speak many languages and follow different religions, making it a special place where many traditions come together. Some people speak English and might feel connected to Western ways, while others speak Chinese, Malay, or Tamil and follow their own cultural traditions. The government works hard to keep everyone getting along, no matter what their background.

The country has many famous places for art, like the National Gallery Singapore and the ArtScience Museum. Singapore also enjoys music, from classical orchestras to popular singers. The national flower is a special orchid, and the city is known as the Lion City. Major holidays from different religions are celebrated as public holidays, bringing everyone together.