Here's where I tell you about my beloved country, Singapore. Some info for you for those not familiar with this tiny country. I've also included some trivias about Singapore which I'm pretty sure you'll find it interesting.

HEY, SINGAPORE !!

Singapore, Republic of

Independent city-state in South-East Asia, comprising one major island and 59 small islets off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Singapore Island, with the city of Singapore at its south-eastern end, is the major island. The total area of the republic is 640 sq km (247 sq mi).

Land and Resources
Singapore is low-lying with a central area of hills. Most of the land has been developed, but a small portion of the hills retains its natural jungle cover. The country has a wet tropical climate. Clay and sand are the only mineral resources.

Population
The ethnically diverse population is 3,000,000 (1998 estimate) and consists principally of Chinese (about 78 per cent), Malays (14 per cent), and Indians (7 per cent). English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil are the official languages. State primary education is free. Adult literacy is about 91 per cent.

Economy
Singapore has one of the highest standards of living in Asia. Agriculture is relatively unimportant, but industry produces goods such as electronic items, plastics, and processed foods, while shipbuilding and oil refining are also important. Singapore is a major world port, with extensive dock facilities on the southern coast and many trading partners. Tourism and international banking are important economic sectors. The unit of currency is the Singapore dollar.

Government
Singapore?s president, popularly elected to a six-year term, is head of state, and the prime minister is head of government. Legislative power is vested in the Parliament, with 83 members popularly elected.

History
Prior to European colonization in the 1800s, Singapore belonged to various empires, kingdoms, and sultanates. The modern city of Singapore was founded in 1819 by the British and, because of its advantageous location and free-port status, it soon became a major commercial centre. During World War II, Singapore was captured by Japanese forces. Resistance by Singaporeans was met with stern repression. The city was liberated in September 1945 by British troops. The following year Singapore was made a separate crown colony from Malaya. Singapore stayed under British control until 1959, when it became a self-governing state in the Commonwealth of Nations. In 1965 it was proclaimed a republic. Singapore became a staunch supporter of United States policies in South-East Asia, but beginning in the 1970s it pursued a more balanced approach and was more conciliatory to the Communist regimes in the area. In the 1997 election the ruling People?s Action Party (PAP) won 81 out of the 83 seats. The flight of the opposition Workers? Party candidate, citing death threats, to Malaysia after the election led to a worsening of relations between the two countries.


Related weblink: The Singapore Government

Related weblink: Singapore History Museum

Should you wanna know anything else about this great country of mine, feel free to send in your queires via e-mail.

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