Singapore

Liberalization

Government R&D

Internet activity

Hardware manufacturing

Software development

General Information

Statistics:

Name - Republic of Singapore
Area - 646 sq km
Population - 3.1 million (growth rate 1.3%)
Capital - Singapore
People - 78% Chinese, 14% Malay, 7% Indian
Language - Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English
Religion - 31% Taoist, 28% Buddhist, 18% Muslim, 10% Christian, 4% Hindu
Government - Parliamentary democracy
President - Mr Ong Teng Cheong

Environment

The island Republic of Singapore lies almost at the Equator in South East Asia.

Singapore lacks of natural resources. There is a little agriculture, with the cultivation of plants and vegetables, and some fishing; however, most foodstuffs and raw materials have to be imported. Singapore's principal natural resource is the superb natural harbor that with the exception of Rotterdam's, is the busiest in the world.

The Republic of Singapore includes some 64 islets. It is a mainly flat country with low hills, the highest being Bukit Timah at 163m (545ft). In the northeast of the island large areas have been reclaimed, and much of the original jungle and swamp covering the low-lying areas has been cleared. [2]

History of the country

According to Malay legend, a Sumatran prince encountered a lion - considered a good omen - on Temasek, prompting him to found Singapura, or Lion City. It mattered little that lions had never inhabited Singapore (more likely the prince had seen a tiger); what did matter was the establishment of the region as a minor trading post for the powerful Sumatran Srivijaya empire and as a subsequent vassal state of the Javanese Majapahit empire in the mid-13th century. [3]

The British had first established a presence in the Straits of Malacca (now called Melaka) in the 18th century when the East India Company set out to secure and protect its line of trade from China to the colonies in India. Fearing another resurgence of Dutch expansionism - which had been the dominant European trading power in the region for nearly 200 years – the British increased their presence. which he was promptly given. Under British rule, Singapore's reputation as a disease-ridden colony was soon forgotten. Migrants, attracted by a tariff-free port, poured in by the thousands and a flourishing colony with a military and naval base was established.

Singapore's growth continued into the 20th century. However, the outbreak of WWII brutally exposed the fallacy of British might: they suffered a great defeat when Japan invaded the colony in 1941. The British were welcomed back after Japan's surrender in 1945, but their right to rule was no longer assured.

By the 1950s, the growth of nationalism had led to the formation of a number of political parties as Singapore moved slowly towards self-government. The People's Action Party, with the Cambridge-educated Lee Kuan Yew as leader, was elected in 1959. Lee became prime minister, a position he was to hold for the next 31 years. In 1963, Singapore formed a union with Malaya (now Malaysia) but by 1965, the federation was in tatters. Singapore became independent soon after and was once again the economic success story of the region. Lee fashioned a government based on modernization and the suppression of political opposition. Lee Kuan Yew resigned as Prime Minister in 1990 and Goh Chok Tong - a leader more inclined towards consultation and liberalism - took over. [4]

Economic profile

GDP: US$84 billion
GDP per head: US$21,500
Annual growth: 7%
Inflation: 2%
Major industries: Shipping, banking, tourism, electrical & electronics, oil refining
Major trading partners: US, Malaysia, Japan [5]

Culture of the people

Despite rapid industrialization, the majority of Singaporeans celebrate the major festivals associated with their respective religions. The variety of religions found in Singapore is a direct reflection of the diversity of races living there. The four official languages of Singapore are Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. [6] English is widespread and is the language, which unites the various ethnic groups. The use of Malay is mostly restricted to the Malay community. The government is trying to promote Mandarin, the main non-dialectal Chinese language, and has been very successful and increasing numbers of Chinese now speak Mandarin at home. Tamil is the main Indian language, though Malayalam and Hindi are also spoken.

The convergence of rich and diverse cultural influences has endowed Singapore with both a traditional and contemporary outlook in the arts. Chinese, Malay, Indian, and British influences are apparent in Singapore's art, architecture, and fine arts. Both private and public institutions promote and preserve the nation's multi-cultural heritage, and at the same time break new grounds in the arts and cultural scenes. Chinese, Hindu, and Muslim architecture are represented in the ornate Shuang Lin Temple, the Sri Mariamman Temple, and the Sultan Mosque, respectively. Singapore's National Museum complex consists of one museum devoted to the contemporary art of Southeast Asia, one to Asian cultures, and the third to the history of Singapore.

The arts are presently in a state of rapid growth, with new groups and companies coming to the forefront and established ones attempting new art forms. Singapore aims to be a global city of the arts, hosting the best of the East and the West. Coupled with a range of cultural activities, Singaporeans are encouraged to lead healthy lives through recreational activities and sports. Comprehensive facilities are developed to support a wide variety of activities. The customs and festivals of the different ethnic groups in Singapore highlight the nation's rich cultural heritage. Singapore's people are largely descendants of immigrants from the Malay Peninsula, China, the Indian sub-continent and Sri Lanka.

References