|
|
ABOUT SINGAPORE - GENERAL INFORMATION
BRIEF HISTORY
"It is a place that cherishes its past as it
looks to the future."
The earliest known
mention of Singapore was a 3rd century Chinese account which described
Singapore as
"Pu-luo-chung" ("island at the end of a peninsula"). Little is known about
the island's history at
this time but this matter-of-fact description belies Singapore's colourful
past. By the 14th century,
Singapore had become part of the mighty Sri Vijayan empire and was known as Temasek ("Sea
Town").
This was no less accurate than the 3rd century name. Located at the natural
meeting point of sea routes at the tip
of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore had long known visits from a wide variety of sea craft,
from Chinese junks, Indian vessels, Arab dhows and Portuguese battleships
to Buginese schooners.
During the 14th
century, this small but strategically-placed island had earned a new name -
"Singa Pura", or "Lion City". According to legend, a visiting Sri Vijayan
prince saw an animal he mistook for a lion and Singapore's modern day
name was born. The British provided the next notable chapter in
the Singapore story. During the 18th century, they saw the need for a
strategic "halfway house" to refit, feed and protect the fleet of
their growing empire, as well as to forestall any advances by the Dutch
in the region. It was against this political backdrop that Sir
Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a trading station. The policy of
free trade attracted
merchants from all over Asia and from as far afield as the United States
and the Middle East. By
1824, just five years after the founding of modern Singapore, the population had grown
from a mere 150 to 10,000.
In 1832, Singapore became the centre of government for the Straits
Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore.
The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the advent of telegraph and steamship increased
Singapore's importance as a centre for the expanding trade between East and West.
Singapore had been the site of military action in the 14th century when it
became embroiled in the struggle for the
Malay Peninsula between Siam (now Thailand), and the Java-based Majapahit Empire.
Five centuries later, it was again the scene of significant fighting during
World War II. Singapore was
considered an impregnable fortress, but the Japanese overran the island
in 1942. After the war,
Singapore became a Crown Colony. The growth of nationalism led to self-government in
1959 and on 9 August 1965, Singapore became an independent republic.
For more information on Singapore's history, visit the
Singapore Infomap.
SINGAPORE TODAY
"It
is a city with its head in the future and its soul in the past."
Singapore is not just one
island but a main island with 63 surrounding islets. The main island has a
total land area of 685.4 square km.
|
However, its compact size
belies its economic growth. In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a
thriving centre of commerce and industry. Its former role as an entrepot has
diminished, as the Republic has increased its manufacturing base.
Singapore is the busiest port
in the world with over 600 shipping lines sending supertankers, 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. It has
also become one of the most important financial centres of Asia, with more
than 130 banks. Business dealings are facilitated by Singapore's superb
communications network which links the Republic to the rest of the world
via satellite, 24-hour telegraph and telephone systems. Singapore's
strategic location, excellent facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and
tourist attractions contribute to its success as a leading destination for
both business and pleasure.
5
TOP
CLIMATE & LOCATION
"It is far from
ordinary, yet comforts are always near."
Located at one of the
crossroads of the world, Singapore's strategic position has helped it grow
into a major centre for trade, communications and tourism. Its
geographical location is 136.8 km north of the equator, between
latitudes 1º 09´N and 1º 29´N and longitudes 103º 36´E and 104º
25´E.
It is linked to Malaysia by two
causeway bridges and the key islands of the Riau archipelago of Indonesia
are just a quick ferry trip away. Thailand and the Philippines are a short
plane journey away and Singapore, with an airport served by more than 69
airlines, is very much the gateway to South-East Asia.
"It is a place
where the sun shines through the rain."
Average daily temperature:
25.2ºC - 32ºC
Annual rainfall:
1,749 mm with increased rainfall from Nov to Jan
Singapore's climate is warm and
humid, with only slight variations between the average maximum of 31 degrees
Celcius and minimum of 23 degrees Celcius. This makes it ideal for those who
enjoy sunbathing, swimming, sailing and other water sports. But for those
who do not enjoy the tropical climate, Singapore is sheltered from the worst
effects of the sun with air-conditioning in almost all of its shops, hotels,
office buildings and restaurants.
Rain falls throughout the year,
with more consistent rain coming during the monsoon season from November to
January. Showers are usually sudden and heavy, but also brief and
refreshing.
For timely weather
updates, check out this
link.
CULTURE LANGUAGE AND RELIGION
"Its
cultures are diverse but united."
Singapore's
multicultural society of just over four million is reflected in its major
ethnic groups: the Chinese (76.8%), Malays (13.9%), Indians (7.9%), and
Eurasians and smaller minority groups (1.4%). Despite rapid
industrialisation, the majority of Singaporeans celebrate the major
festivals associated with their respective religions.
The variety of religions is a direct reflection of the diversity of races
living here. Singapore's principal religions are Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism,
and Christianity. The majority of Chinese Singaporeans follow Buddhism,
although Daoism (Taoism), and more recently Christianity, are also popular.
Malay Singaporeans are predominantly Muslim, while more than half the Indian
Singaporeans profess Hinduism.
The official
languages in Singapore are Malay, Chinese (Mandarin), Tamil and English.
Chinese dialects such as Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hakka, Hainanese and
Foochow are widely used. Freedom of worship is enshrined in the constitution.
TOP
COST OF
LIVING
Living conditions in Singapore are amongst the best in Asia with
state-of-the art facilities for education, shopping, sports and recreation.
The inflation rate is also comparatively lower than most other countries.
Mercer's Cost of Living Survey 2003 listed Tokyo, Moscow, Osaka, Hong Kong
and Beijing as the most expensive cities. Singapore was placed 32nd. The
survey measures the comparative cost of more than 200 items in each
location, including housing, food, clothing and household goods, transport
and entertainment. The benchmark of 100 points is set by New York City,
which is in 10th place. The index does not reflect the cost of living for
locals.
Useful Links
One very useful indicator of how much Singapore salary you would need to
equate to your previous job is found here:
www.homefair.com/homefair/calc/salcalc.html
Simply input the annual salary of your present job and the city where you
work, and the program will display the equivalent in Singapore dollars,
based on current exchange rates.
Check out the rates in shopping malls below:
www.coldstorage.com.sg/mall/
www.e-mart.com.sg/
Check out the cost of owning your own vehicle in Singapore
www.onemotoring.com.sg/vehBuy/buy_carcost.asp
LOCAL FESTIVE HOLIDAYS
|
New
Year's Day |
1 January
2004 |
|
Chinese New Year |
22 & 23 January 2004 |
|
Hari Raya Haji |
1 February
2004* |
|
Good Friday |
9 April 2004 |
|
Labour Day |
1 May 2004 |
|
Vesak Day |
2 June 2004 |
|
National Day |
9 August
2004 |
|
Deepavali |
11 November
2004 |
|
Hari Raya Puasa |
14 November
2004* |
|
Christmas Day |
25 December
2004 |
*The
following Monday will be a public holiday.
FACTS
AT A GLANCE
|
Full Country Name |
Republic of Singapore |
|
Area |
685.4 sq km Comprises one main island (604.2 sq km) and a number of
islets scattered off its north-east and south. |
|
Resident Population |
3.38 million (growth rate 1.8%) |
|
People |
76.8% Chinese, 13.9% Malay, 7.9% Indian, Others 1.4% |
|
Singapore Residents by age |
Below 15
(21.2%); 15-64 (71.3%); 65 and over (7.5%) |
|
Language |
English (language of administration), Chinese (Mandarin), Malay
(National language) & Tamil |
|
Religion |
Buddhism (42.5%); Taoism (8.5%); Islam (14.9%); Christianity (14.6%);
Hinduism (4.0%); Other religions (0.6%); No religion (14.8%) |
|
Government |
Parliamentary Democracy |
|
President |
SR Nathan |
|
Prime Minister |
Goh Chok Tong |
|
GDP |
US$85 billion |
|
GDP Per Head |
US$21,800 |
|
Annual Growth |
5% |
|
Inflation |
1.1% |
|
Major Industries |
Shipping, banking, tourism, electrical & electronics, chemicals, oil
refining |
|
Major Trading Partners |
US, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan |
5
TOP
©
Copyright 2003 - 2008 Singapore Property Consultants Pte Ltd.
All rights reserved.
Best view on
Internet Explorer 1024 x 768 pixels.
Disclaimer
Privacy Statement
|
