Singapore
From Wikinfo
The Republic of Singapore (Chinese 新加坡共和国; Malay Republik Singapura; Tamil சிங்கப்பூர்) is an island city state in Southeast Asia, situated south of the state of Johor of Peninsular Malaysia and north of the Indonesian islands of Riau.
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| National motto: Majulah Singapura (Malay: Onward, Singapore) | ||||
| Official languages | English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil | |||
| National language | Malay | |||
| Capital | Singapore | |||
| President | SR Nathan | |||
| Prime Minister | Goh Chok Tong | |||
| Area - Total - % water | Ranked 174th 692.7 km² 1.444% | |||
| Population - Total (2002) - Density | Ranked 115th 4,452,732 6430/km² | |||
| Independence - Date | From Malaysia August 9, 1965 | |||
| Currency | Singapore Dollar (S$) | |||
| Time zone | UTC +8 | |||
| National anthem | Majulah Singapura | |||
| Internet TLD | .SG | |||
| Calling code | 65 | |||
Contents |
History
Main article: History of Singapore
Modern Singapore was founded in 1819 as a British settlement. The British surrendered Singapore to Japan during World War II, and it was returned to British administration in 1945. Self-government was granted by the British in 1959. In 1963 Singapore joined Malaysia but separated from Malaysia in 1965 and was re-instituted as an independent republic. It has subsequently become one of the world's most prosperous countries, with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest) and with per capita GDP above that of the leading nations of Western Europe. During the early years, it was led by prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, whose policies were responsible for Singapore's prosperity and authoritarianism.
Politics
Main article: Politics of Singapore
Singapore has a Westminster-style constitution. In practice, politics is dominated by the People's Action Party which has ruled since Independence. The mode of government is perhaps closer to authoritarianism than true democracy. Paradoxically (for political scientists), Singapore has a highly successful, corruption-free, and transparent market economy.
Geography
Main article: Geography of Singapore
Singapore's main territory is a diamond-shaped piece of land that would be an island, if it was not connected to the Malay Peninsula by a man-made causeway to the north. There is also a bridge to the west. Singapore also has dozens of smaller islands, of which Jurong, Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa are the largest. Since Singapore basically consists of only one city, there are no further administrative divisions. The city state of Singapore is the second most densely populated, independent country in the world.
Economy
Main article: Economy of Singapore
Singapore enjoys a highly developed and successful free-market economy, characterised by a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable prices, and one of the highest per capita GDPs in the world. The economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in electronics and manufacturing, and was hard hit in 2001 by the global recession and the slump in the technology sector. In 2001, GDP contracted by 2.2%. The economy is expected to recover in 2002 in response to improvements in the US economy, and GDP growth for 2002 is projected to be 3% to 4%. In the longer term the government hopes to establish a new growth path that will be less vulnerable to the external business cycle than the current export-led model, but is unlikely to abandon efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech hub.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Singapore
Singapore's population is diverse. Chinese people account for 3/4 of the population. Malays are the second, and Indians are the third largest ethnic group. The official languages are English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Malay is also Singapore's national language.
Miscellaneous topics
- Communications in Singapore
- Transportation in Singapore
- Military of Singapore
- Education system in Singapore
- Foreign relations of Singapore
- Tourism in Singapore
- Changi International Airport
Reference
- This article incorporates public domain text from the CIA World Factbook 2000 and the 2003 U.S. Department of State website.
External Links
- Singapore Government Online Portal
- The Singapore Infomap
- History of Singapore
- National Anthem: Majulah Singapura
Panorama of Singapore from Boat Quay (Full size)
References
- Adapted from the Wikipedia article, "Singapore" http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore August 11, 2003
