Origin of the name

The origin of Singapore’s name is steeped in an intriguing mix of history and legend. Before its current moniker, the island went by various names, possibly including “Pulau Ujong” in Chinese writings and “Temasek” in Malay and Javanese texts. However, sometime in the 14th century, the name Singapura, meaning “Lion City” in Sanskrit, took hold. There are two main explanations for this shift. One, documented in the Malay Annals, tells the story of Sang Nila Utama, a prince from Palembang, who spotted a mythical beast he believed to be a lion and interpreted it as an omen, leading him to found the city of Singapura. While no lions ever roamed Singapore, the legend persists as a charming origin story. The other possibility suggests the name change occurred more organically, reflecting the island’s strategic location and burgeoning reputation as a thriving port city, much like a mighty lion guarding the maritime crossroads. Regardless of the exact reason, the name Singapura stuck, forever linking the island nation with the captivating image of a powerful lion, symbolizing its strength, resilience, and enduring spirit.

Singapore Flag

The Singapore flag, adopted in 1959, is a symbol of the nation’s multicultural heritage and aspirations. Its horizontal stripes of red, white, and red evoke unity and equality, inspired by the colors of Pan-Malayanism, a political movement seeking to unite the Malay Peninsula. The white central stripe, bearing five stars, represents the nation’s ideals: democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality. These stars, originally fifteen, were reduced to five in 1965 to reflect the separation of Singapore from Malaysia and its emergence as an independent nation. In essence, the Singapore flag is a tapestry woven from the threads of unity, progress, and national identity, forever reminding its citizens of the nation’s journey and its unwavering pursuit of a brighter future.

The Capital City of Singapore

The capital city of Singapore, also known simply as Singapore, boasts a rich and multifaceted history. Early settlements date back to the 13th century, potentially founded by a prince from the Srivijaya empire. While it flourished as a trading post, it was overshadowed by Malacca in the 14th century and fell into a period of decline. In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles of the British East India Company recognized its strategic location and established Singapore as a trading post. This pivotal moment sparked rapid growth, fueled by its free port policies and strategic position along the Malacca Straits. Under British rule, Singapore became a key center for trade and colonialism, attracting immigrants from across Asia and transforming it into a bustling metropolis. Following World War II and a brief period of Japanese occupation, Singapore gained independence in 1965 and embarked on a remarkable journey to its current status as a global economic powerhouse. Today, the cityscape blends historical landmarks like Fort Canning with modern architectural marvels, reflecting the city’s dynamic evolution from a humble trading outpost to a leading financial and cultural hub.

History & Independence

Pre-Colonial Era (7th to 19th Century)

• Early settlements: Archaeological evidence suggests inhabitants as early as the 7th century. Legends depict the founding of the Kingdom of Singapura in the 13th century.
• Fluctuating fortunes: The island enjoyed prosperity as a trading outpost under empires like Srivijaya but also faced periods of decline and attacks.

Colonial Period (19^th to 20^th Century)

• 1819: Arrival of Stamford Raffles: The British East India Company saw strategic potential and established Singapore as a free port, sparking rapid growth.
• Trading hub: Free trade policies and strategic location along the Malacca Straits attracted migrants and solidified Singapore’s position as a key center for trade and colonialism.
• World War II: The Japanese occupation from 1942-1945 had a devastating impact, but post-war, Singapore saw a rise in nationalist sentiment.

Independence and Modern Singapore (20th and 21st Century)

• 1959-1970: Lee Kuan Yew ( Prime Minister & Yusof Ishak (president), Lee Kuan Yew, the “founding father” of Singapore, led the country through its early years of independence and rapid economic growth. Yusof Ishak served as a ceremonial president. 1963-1965:  Singapore joined Malaysia for two tumultuous years before being expelled due to political and social tensions. On 9th August 1965, Singapore declared independence.  Key achievements: Economic boom, industrialization, infrastructure development and strong leadership.
• 1970-1979 : Lee Kuan Yew (Prime Minister) & Benjamin Sheares (President), Continued economic progress and focus on social development. Sheares played a more active role in national affairs than his predecessor. Key achievements: Housing policies, education reforms, increased social mobility, national defense focus.
• 1979-1988: Lee Kuan Yew (Prime Minister ) & Devan Nair (President), Increased focus on social welfare and cultural identity. Nair promoted labour rights and social justice. Key achievements: Development of public transportation, healthcare improvements, bilingualism policy, labor unions strengthening.
• 1988-1990: Lee Kuan Yew (Prime Minister) & Wee Kim Wee (President), Wee Kim Wee, a former military officer, became president after Nair’s resignation. Continued focus on economic development and national security.   Key achievements: Financial sector reforms, science and technology advancements, regional trade agreements, global financial center development.
• 1990-1993: Goh Chok Tong (Prime Minister) & Wee Kim Wee (President), Goh Chok Tong succeeded Lee Kuan Yew as Prime Minister, ushering in a new era of leadership. Wee Kim Wee remained president. Key achievements: Decentralization policies, diversification of economy, knowledge-based economy focus, development of Singapore’s IT sector.
• 1993-1999: Goh Chok Tong (Prime Minister) & Ong Teng Cheong (President), Ong Teng Cheong, a former trade union leader, became president. Continued focus on economic development and social progress. Key achievements: Infrastructure development projects, tourism industry growth, environmental initiatives, social safety net improvements.
• 1999-2004: Goh Chok Tong (Prime Minister) & S. R. Nathan (President), S. R. Nathan, a former diplomat, became president. Focus on maintaining economic stability and social harmony in the face of the Asian financial crisis. Key achievements: Economic recovery, social cohesion initiatives, interfaith dialogue, focus on education and skills development.
• 2004-2011: Lee Hsien Loong (Prime Minister) & S. R. Nathan (President), Lee Hsien Loong, son of Lee Kuan Yew, became Prime Minister. Nathan remained president. Focus on knowledge economy, climate change, and global partnerships. Key achievements: Casino industry development, biomedical research investments, climate change mitigation strategies, and increased regional cooperation.
• 2011-2017: Lee Hsien Loong (Prime Minister) & Tony Tan Keng Yam (President), Tony Tan, a former Deputy Prime Minister, became president. Focus on social mobility, income inequality, and the aging population. Key achievements: Skills Future initiative for lifelong learning, Silver Generation programs for the elderly, affordable housing policies, and income redistribution measures.
• 2017-Present: Lee Hsien Loong (Prime Minister) & Halimah Yacob (President), Halimah Yacob, a former Speaker of Parliament, became the first female president. Continued focus on social issues, economic competitiveness, and future challenges. Key achievements: Smart Nation initiative for digital transformation, national defense modernization, social support programs for vulnerable groups, focus on sustainability, and green technologies.

Government

The government of Singapore is a complex and multifaceted entity, defined by its parliamentary democracy and the intertwined roles of the President and the Executive. Executive power rests with the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, who currently is Lee Hsien Loong. Though nominally vested in the President, executive authority is exercised on the Cabinet’s advice. This system, established in 1965 when Singapore gained independence, has been marked by a focus on economic development, social stability, and maintaining strong international relations. The government operates through 16 ministries, each tackling specific areas like foreign affairs, manpower, and health, and also utilizes a network of statutory boards for additional autonomy and efficiency. While often considered a one-party dominant system, Singapore boasts opposition parties and actively participates in regional and global affairs, shaping its unique brand of governance.

Official Language

Singapore is a linguistic melting pot, reflecting its rich multi-ethnic makeup. Officially, the country boasts four languages: English, Malay (the national language), Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil. English reigns supreme as the administrative and educational language, uniting diverse communities and fuelling international business. Malay carries symbolic weight, honoring the indigenous people’s heritage. Meanwhile, Mandarin and Tamil play vital roles in cultural identity and are actively promoted through mother-tongue language programs in schools. However, the streets pulse with Singlish, a vibrant creole blending English with influences from Chinese, Malay, and other languages. This informal, colorful dialect acts as a lingua franca for many Singaporeans, adding a unique flavor to local communication. Regardless of language, Singaporeans exhibit remarkable multilingualism, often switching effortlessly between different tongues, contributing to the country’s dynamic and fascinating linguistic landscape.

English (official) 48.3%, Mandarin (official) 29.9%, other Chinese dialects (includes Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, Hakka) 8.7%, Malay (official) 9.2%, Tamil (official) 2.5%, other 1.4%; note – data represent language most frequently spoken at home (2020 est.)

Business Culture

Navigating the business landscape in Singapore requires more than just a sharp suit and a winning pitch. Understanding the unique cultural nuances is key to success. At its core, Singapore’s business culture is a blend of respect and relationships. Hierarchies are important, with seniority commanding deference. Building trust is paramount, often requiring multiple meetings and patient negotiations before deals are sealed. Expect a competitive atmosphere driven by a strong work ethic. While Westerners may find the pace slower than they’re used to, patience and adaptability are essential. Remember, it’s about creating lasting partnerships, not just closing quick deals. By respecting these cultural pillars, you can unlock the immense potential that Singapore’s business world has to offer.

Singapore Demographics

Singapore boasts a diverse and dynamic population of 5.45 million, characterized by its multi-ethnicity and cultural richness. The CMIO system categorizes them into Chinese (75.9%), Malays (15.0%), Indians (7.5%), and Others (including Eurasians). Notably, the “Others” category, despite long-term residence, constitutes nearly 29% who wouldn’t be counted as residents in official statistics. While Malays are recognized as indigenous, the Chinese hold a significant majority. Religion also plays a significant role, with Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, and Hinduism being prominent. Although Singapore faces an aging population and low fertility rate (1.1 children per woman), its high life expectancy (83.74 years) and skilled workforce remain valuable assets. Understanding its complex demographic makeup is crucial for comprehending the social fabric and future trajectory of this vibrant island nation.

Time Zone

Singapore resides in a single time zone known as Singapore Standard Time (SST), which is GMT+8. This means that Singapore is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and shares the same time zone as several other countries in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei. So, when it’s noon in London (GMT), it’s already 8 PM in Singapore. This convenient time zone alignment makes it easy for Singapore to conduct business and maintain close relationships with its regional neighbors. Furthermore, Singapore doesn’t observe daylight saving time (DST), so the time remains consistent throughout the year. This simplifies scheduling and avoids any confusion about potential time changes. Overall, Singapore’s time zone of GMT+8 places it firmly in the heart of Southeast Asia and facilitates smooth communication and collaboration within the region.

Climate

Singapore boasts a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by warm and humid weather year-round, with minimal seasonal variations. High temperatures average around 31°C (88°F), while lows dip to around 25°C (77°F). The constant sunshine and proximity to the equator keep things toasty, making it a great destination for those seeking a warm escape.

Rainfall is abundant, with an average annual precipitation of 2,340 millimetres (92 inches). The wettest months are November to February, coinciding with the Northeast Monsoon, which brings heavy showers and thunderstorms. However, brief downpours can occur throughout the year, offering a refreshing respite from the humidity.

Humidity is consistently high, hovering around 70% to 80%. This can feel muggy and uncomfortable, especially for those not accustomed to tropical climates. However, air conditioning is widely available in buildings and public transportation, providing much-needed relief.

Two distinct monsoon seasons influence Singapore’s climate:

• Northeast Monsoon (December to February): Cooler temperatures, heavier rainfall, and strong winds.
• Southwest Monsoon (June to September): Warmer temperatures, slightly less rainfall, and occasional haze from forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia.

Here are some additional facts about Singapore’s climate:

• April is the warmest month, with an average temperature of 31.4°C (88.5°F).
• January is the coolest month, with an average temperature of 25.5°C (77.9°F).
• November is the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 233 millimetres (9.2 inches).
• Thunderstorms occur on approximately 40% of all days.

Overall, Singapore’s climate is warm, humid, and rainy, with two distinct monsoon seasons. While the constant heat and humidity can be challenging for some, the abundant sunshine and vibrant tropical atmosphere make it a truly unique and exciting place to visit.

Borders of Singapore

Singapore is an island nation. The country has two international borders: one maritime and one land. The maritime border, primarily with Malaysia, runs through the Straits of Johor to the north and the Straits of Singapore to the south. It’s defined by straight lines between geographical coordinates, following the deepest channel for smooth navigation. Crossings happen across the iconic Johor-Singapore Causeway and the Second Link, bustling with vehicles and travelers. The land border lies solely with Malaysia at the northern tip of the island, marked by a physical causeway and checkpoints that manage immigration and customs. Both borders are crucial for Singapore’s trade, tourism, and overall connectivity to the region. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) vigilantly protects these borders against the entry of undesirable persons and goods, ensuring Singapore’s security and economic well-being.

Size of Singapore

Singapore, though a powerhouse in Southeast Asia, is surprisingly compact. Its total land area clocks in at 734.3 square kilometers, making it roughly the size of Rhode Island in the US. This figure encompasses the main island, a bunch of surrounding islets, and one little outlier. To paint a clearer picture, imagine an island stretching 50 kilometres east to west and 27 kilometres north to south, all hugged by a 193-kilometer coastline. It’s worth noting that this tiny nation is a master of land reclamation, steadily growing its size by about 25% since independence thanks to these ambitious projects. While small, Singapore packs a big punch with its densely packed urban landscape, housing over five million people, and making it the second most densely populated country globally. Despite the hustle and bustle, people will still find countless green spaces and recreational areas sprinkled throughout, a testament to Singapore’s dedication to thoughtful urban planning. So, while Singapore may not be geographically vast, its impact and vibrancy extend far beyond its neat borders.

Religion

Singapore boasts a vibrant tapestry of religions, reflecting its diverse population. Freedom of religion is enshrined in the constitution, and this fosters a harmonious coexistence of faiths. Buddhism, with its focus on mindfulness and compassion, holds the largest following, accounting for around 34% of the population. Islam comes in second with roughly 15%, followed by Christianity at 18%. Hinduism, Sikhism, and various other faiths also add to the rich religious landscape, each contributing unique traditions and customs. This diversity is evident in the numerous temples, mosques, churches, and gurdwaras dotting the cityscape, each offering a sanctuary for spiritual practice and community gatherings. Interfaith dialogue and understanding are actively encouraged, promoting tolerance and respect for all beliefs. Singapore’s religious landscape is truly a testament to its multicultural identity, where different faiths flourish side-by-side, enriching the lives of its citizens.

Singaporean Currency

The Singaporean currency, the Singapore dollar (SGD), is a strong and stable monetary unit that plays a significant role in the global economy. Its symbol is S$, often used to differentiate it from other dollar-denominated currencies. Issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the SGD is divided into 100 cents and boasts colorful banknotes featuring iconic landmarks and local personalities. With a consistently high ranking among the world’s most-traded currencies, the Singapore dollar enjoys a reputation for stability due to the MAS’s careful management of monetary policy. This stability has contributed to Singapore’s thriving financial sector and economic success. Interestingly, the Singapore dollar is not pegged to any other currency, allowing it to float freely against other major currencies like the US dollar and Euro. This flexibility provides Singapore with greater control over its own monetary policy and helps to maintain a competitive export sector. If you’re visiting Singapore, you’ll encounter a variety of denominations in circulation, ranging from $2 to $1,000 bills. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, and $1. Numerous money changers and ATMs are readily available throughout the country to exchange your currency for SGD and vice versa.

Exchange Rate Dynamics

Singapore’s exchange rate against major currencies experiences fluctuations. As of today (27/12/23), 1 GBP is equivalent to approximately $ 1,69.

https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=GBP&To=SGD

Practical Tips for Using Singapore Dollar

• Credit cards are widely accepted in Singapore, and using them can help you avoid carrying cash and earn reward points. However, be mindful of any foreign transaction fees your bank may charge.
• Unlike some other countries, tipping is not expected in Singapore. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small tip is always appreciated.
• Bargain when shopping at traditional markets.
• Small bills will come in handy for taxis, buses, and small purchases.