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History | Singapore Today | Geographical
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| Language | Religion
| Brief
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"). Little is known about the island's
history at this time but this matter-of-fact description belies
Singapore's colourful past. By the 14th century, Singapore had become
part of the mighty Sri Vijayan empire and was known as Temasek ("Sea
Town").
This was no less accurate than the 3rd century name. 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", or "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.
The British provided the next notable chapter in the Singapore story.
During the 18th century, they 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
afield as the United States and the Middle East. By 1824, just five
years after the founding of modern Singapore, the population had
grown from a mere 150 to 10,000.
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.
Singapore had been the site of military action in the 14th century
when it became embroiled in the struggle for the Malay Peninsula
between Siam (now Thailand), and the Java-based Majapahit Empire.
Five centuries later, it was again the scene of significant fighting
during World War II. Singapore was considered an impregnable fortress,
but the Japanese overran the island in 1942. After the 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.
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| Singapore
Today |
Singapore
is not just one island but a main island with over 60 surrounding
islets. The main island has a total land area of about 640 square
km.
However, its compact size 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
Republic 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 also 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 Republic to the rest of the world via satellite,
24-hour telegraph and telephone systems. Singapore's strategic location,
excellent facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist
attractions contribute to its success as a leading destination for
both business and pleasure. |
| Geographical
Location |
Located
at one of the crossroads of the world, Singapore's strategic position
has helped it grow into a major centre for trade, communications
and tourism. Its geographical location is 136.8 km north of the
equator, between latitudes 103 degrees 38' E and 104 degrees 06'
E.
It is linked to Malaysia by two causeway bridges and the key islands
of the Riau archipelago of Indonesia are just a quick ferry trip
away. Thailand and the Philippines are a short plane journey away
and Singapore, with an airport served by more than 69 airlines,
is very much the gateway to South-East Asia. |
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| Weather |
Singapore's
climate is warm and humid, with only slight variations between the
average maximum of 31 degrees Celcius and minimum of 23 degrees
Celcius. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy sunbathing, swimming,
sailing and other water sports. But for those who do not enjoy the
tropical climate, Singapore is sheltered from the worst effects
of the sun with air-conditioning in almost all of its shops, hotels,
office buildings and restaurants.
Rain falls throughout the year, with more consistent rain coming
during the monsoon season from November to January. Showers are
usually sudden and heavy, but also brief and refreshing. |
| People |
Although
geography has played a part in the success of Singapore, its mainstay
is its people. Lacking natural resources, Singapore's strength is
its hardworking, adaptable and resilient population.
Singapore's population of almost four million comprises 76.9% Chinese,
14% Malays, 7.7% Indians and 1.4% Eurasians and people of other
descent. The original inhabitants were Malay fishermen, but after
the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles and the establishment of a British
trading post, Singapore became a magnet that drew hundreds of thousands
of migrants and merchants. Seeking a better life for themselves
and their families, they came from the southern provinces of China,
Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Ceylon and the Middle East. Though inter-marriages
have taken place over the years, each racial group within Singapore
has retained its own cultural identity while developing as an integral
part of Singapore community. |
| Language |
| There
are four official languages in Singapore: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
and English. English is the language of business and administration,
and is widely spoken and understood. Most Singaporeans are bilingual,
and speak their mother tongue as well as English. Malay is the national
language. |
| Religion |
| With
this mixture of people, Singapore is also a mixture of religions.
Singapore's skyline boasts the distinctive minarets of mosques,
spires of gothic cathedrals, intricate figurines of Hindu temple
gods and distinctive roof architecture of Chinese temples. The main
religions are Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism,
Judaism and Zoroastrainism. |
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