Singapore Culture
- Location: Southern tip of the Malay Peninsula
- Area: 704 km2
- Climate: tropical climate, average temperature between 23 and 31 degrees Celsius all year
- Population: 4.68 million (as of 2005)
- People: 77 % Chinese, 14 % Malays, 8 % Indians while Eurasionas and 1 % Eurasians and people of other descent
- Language: English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil
- Currency and monetary unit: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
- Form of Government: representative democracy established by Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, parliamentary elections in Singapore
Geography:
Singapore is an island nation located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It lies 137 km north of the Equator, south of the Malaysian state of Johor and north of Indonesia's Riau Islands.
Singapore consists of 63 islands, including mainland Singapore. There are two man-made connections to Johor, Malaysia - Johor-Singapore Causeway in the north, and Tuas Second Link in the west. Jurong Island, Palau Tekong, Palau Ubin and Sentosa are the largest of Singapore's many smaller islands.
The highest natural point of Singapore is Bukit Timah Hill at 166 m.
History:
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").
By the 11th century, Singapore had become part of the mighty Sri Vijayan empire and was known as Temasek ("Sea Town"). 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" ("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.
During the 18th century, the British 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 as the US and the Middle East.
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.
After the Second World 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.
Culture
Singapore’s dynamic arts scene is richly influenced by the indigenous Malay culture, the heritage of Chinese and Indian migrants, as well as the city’s international outlook. As new contemporary forms evolve, traditional art forms are simultaneously being preserved to create an arts culture that is uniquely Singapore.
Singapore's Cuisine
Singaporeans are passionate about food and eating. Look around and the proof is everywhere! Almost in every corner of the island, you will find an endless variety of food, served hot or cold, at any hour of the day (or night)! In this cosmopolitan and multicultural city, you can expect nothing less than a melange of flavours from around the globe. It is not just East-meets-West when it comes to feasting in Singapore, it is a tasty tale about a countrys unique cultural tapestry woven in with its distinct influences to capture the essence of Singapores multicultural heritage.
Shopping in Singapore
Orchard Road supposedly got its name from the orchards and plantations that existed in the area until the turn of the 20th century.
In the 1970s, pioneering landmarks like C. K. Tangs, Plaza Singapura and the Mandarin Hotel came up and led the way for entertainment complexes. Brick by brick, and block by block, towers of glass and steel lined what used to be mud-tracks to make Orchard the premier shopping belt today.
Economy:
The compact size of Singapore 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 nation has increased its manufacturing base.
Singapore is the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines sending super tankers, 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 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 nation to the rest of the world via satellite, 24-hour telegraph and telephone systems.
Foreign Direct Investment
More information on possibilities for foreign direct investment in Singapore !
