How Much Do You Know About Singapore?

Merlion Park, Singapore

If you have trouble keeping track of all the countries in the world, you're not alone. For some reason it seems like not that many years ago there were 212 countries, though as of 2023 there are only 195. This number includes 193 member states of the United Nations and 2 non-member observer states: the Holy See and the State of Palestine. This number has changed over time. For example, in 1945, there were only 51 countries in the world. The number of countries has increased since then, however, due to decolonization, the breakup of the Soviet Union, and the reunification of Germany.

There are many countries most people are familiar with by name, but know little about. This is especially so in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. One of these countries is Singapore, so today I would like to make an introduction.

Is Singapore an island?
Yes, Singapore is an island. It is a city-state located in Southeast Asia, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It is made up of one main island, 63 satellite islands and islets, and one outlying islet; the combined area of these has increased by 25% since the country's independence as a result of extensive land reclamation projects.

What is the population of Singapore?

As of 2023, Singapore has a population of 5.7 million people. It is the most densely populated country in Asia and, after Monaco, is the second most densely populated country in the world with over 20,000 people per square mile, slightly more than San Francisco.

By way of contrast, the rural township that I live in (Solway) is 36 square miles in size with only 1100 people. Therefore the population density here is approximately 30 per square mile. Duluth, our nearest major city, covers 80 square miles with a population of just over 86,000 and a population density of approximately 1209.  

How much land does Singapore occupy?

The country is 280.2 square miles  

What people groups live in Singapore?

Singapore is made up of a diverse mix of people, primarily Chinese, Malays, Indians, and Eurasians. 

How many Americans live in Singapore?
There are approximately 26,000 Americans living in Singapore. 

What language or languages are spoken in Singapore?

The official language is English, but Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil are also official languages. English is used in government, business, and education. Malay, the national language, is used in official ceremonies and in the media. If the media is broadcasting in Malay, that should tell you something about what the general public speaks though Mandarin is the most spoken native language, the language of the majority of Chinese Singaporeans. Tamil is the language of the majority of Singaporeans from India.

What is the economy like there?

Marina Bay Financial District

Singapore is a developed country with a high standard of living. The economy is based on trade, manufacturing, and finance. Singapore is also a major global financial center, a hub for a hub for technology and innovation. It is home to the headquarters of many multinational corporations. It's also a tourist destination, known for its clean streets, efficient public transportation, and diverse cultural attractions.

How old is Singapore?

Archaeological evidence suggests that people first arrived in the region of modern-day Singapore around 3,000 years ago. The earliest known historical reference to Singapore comes from the third century Chinese historical text, the Records of the Three Kingdoms, which mentioned a place called "Pu-luo-chung" or "Pú Luó Zhōng" in Chinese. This is believed to refer to Singapore or its vicinity.

What can you tell us about the history of Singapore?

The country was originally part of the Srivijaya Empire, a Buddhist empire based in Sumatra which is modern-day Indonesia. Later it became part of the Majapahit Empire, a Hindu-Buddhist empire based in Java. The island was known as Temasek and served as a trading port.

In the early 19th century, Singapore became a strategic port for the British East India Company when Sir Stamford Raffles arrived in 1819 and established a British settlement. Singapore grew rapidly as a trading hub, attracting immigrants from various ethnic backgrounds. It eventually became a British colony in 1867. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 further boosted Singapore's importance as a global maritime hub.

During World War II, Singapore was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 to 1945. The Battle of Singapore in 1942 resulted in the fall of the British stronghold and marked a significant turning point in the war in the Pacific.

In 1959 Singapore gained self-governance and obtained complete independence from Malaysia in 1965. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore embarked on a path of rapid economic development, focusing on education, infrastructure, and attracting foreign investments.

Today Singapore has been transformed into a modern and prosperous city-state. By prioritizing economic diversification, trade, and investment, it has become a global financial center and a major port. Policies attracting foreign companies and promoting innovation have helped develop a skilled workforce.

Singapore is also known for its multiculturalism and ethnic diversity. The government adopted policies to promote racial harmony, multiculturalism, and religious tolerance. Singapore's population comprises various ethnic groups, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities.

Political stability and strict laws and regulations help ensure social order, economic growth, and a high standard of living. Its economic success, urban development, and harmonious multicultural society have made it a unique and influential player in the global arena.

Why am I writing about Singapore today?

While reviewing my blog analytics, I noticed an influx of readers from Singapore. Thank you for visiting and sharing. Feel free to leave a comment. 

Photo Credits

Merlion Park: Photo by Joshua Ang on Unsplash

Marina Bay: Ray in Manila, Creative Commons 2.0 license