Singapore
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Name: The Republic of Singapore History: It is said that the city was founded by a Malaysian Prince in 1299 who gave the name Singapore (sing - lion and pura - city) which is derived from Sanskrit words Simha (lion) and Pura (city). Many Chinese also settled there but the modern Singapore was founded by Sir Stafford Raffles who was a trader in British East India Company in 1819. It was under British rule from 1858 to 1959, later it became the part of federation of Malaysia. In 1965 it withdrew from the federation and became a seperate state of Singapore. Location: It is an island city state in South East Asia, on the Southern tip of Malaya peninsula and is just above the Equator. Border Countries: It is linked by road across the Johar straight to Malaysia which is in the north of Singapore and in the south are the Rian Islands of Indonesia. Terrain: Singapore has low land with hills and plateau and consists of 63 islands. Almost all its rainforests had been cut to make city and so the agricultural land is very less. Climate: Tropical rainforest climate. The average annual temperature is 80 degree F, and average rainfall is the primary source of water supply as there is no natural fresh water river in Singapore, rest of the water supply is piped from Malaysia. Area: 699 sq km Coastline: 193 km Capital: Singapore city Largest city: Singapore Population: 4,492,150 (July 2006 est) Population Grouth Rate: 1.42% (2006 est), it is the second most densely populated country in the world Life Expectency: 72 years Adult Literacy: Almost 95%, male literacy - 96.6% and female literacy - 88.6% Currency: Singaporian Dollar (S $) Language: Malay is the national language, other languages are English, Tamil and Mandarin. Ethnic Groups: Chinese - 76.8%, Malay - 13.9%, Indians - 7.9% and others - 1.4%. Religions: It is a multy religious state with Buddhism, Confuciaism, Hinduism, Taoism, Islam and Christianism. Government: Parliamentary Republic Executive Branch: President is the elected head and has powers in internal matters and he appoints the key judiciary positions. Prime Minister is the head of the Government. Legislative Branch: It consists of the Parliament with President as its head. Judiciary Branch: It is independent of the Legislature and executive. The Supreme Court is the highest court whose Judges are appointed by the President with the advice of Chief Justice. Law is very strict and the crime rate is very low in Singapore, here people can practice any religion but gambling and even chewing gum is not allowed. Constitution: On 3 June 1959 and later was amended in 1965. Flag: The National flag of Singapore was first unvield on 3 December 1959 when Britain government gave independence to Singapore. It consists of 2 horizontal halves red and white. On the red half which is above a white crescent and 5 stars form a circle on the left corner. These five stars represents the ideas of Democracy, Progress, Justice, Peace and Equality. Coat of Arms: It consists of a shield with a crescent and 5 stars. A lion on the left and a tiger on the right support the shield. Below it is a banner in blue on which the National Motto is written in yellow colour. National Motto: Majulah Singapura (Onward Singapore) National Anthem: Majulah Singapura in Malay language National Flower: Vanda Miss Joaquim National Symbol: The Lion head symbol National Holiday: National Day - 9 August (1965) Festivals: Thaipusam - in February, Singapore food festival - in April, Singapore great sale - in June, and Dragon boat festival. Economy: Its economy is highly developed and is based on shipping, banking, oil refineries and international trade. It has highest (GDP) per capita gross domestic products in the world. Singapore has also become a center of modern architecture and is a leading port, a big financial centre and is the richest country in Southeast Asia. It is the busiest port in the world and almost all is people live in urban areas. Agriculture: Singapore is a country which does not produce much and very few people are involved in agriculture. They produce rubber, fruit, vegetables, copra, poultry, eggs and fish. Main Export: Machinery, electronic goods, vehicles, petroleum products, rubber, chemicals, food and clothes. |