Singapore
Official Country Name
Republic of Singapore
Singapore Overview
Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and became independent. Singapore subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.
Singapore Economy
Singapore, a highly-developed and successful free-market economy, enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP equal to that of the four largest West European countries. The economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in consumer electronics and information technology products. It was hard hit in 2001-03 by the global recession, by the slump in the technology sector, and by an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003, which curbed tourism and consumer spending. Fiscal stimulus, low interest rates, a surge in exports, and internal flexibility led to vigorous growth in 2004-06, with real GDP growth averaging 7% annually. The government hopes to establish a new growth path that will be less vulnerable to the global demand cycle for information technology products - it has attracted major investments in pharmaceuticals and medical technology production - and will continue efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech hub.
Singapore Location
Singapore is located in Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia
Region
Singapore is located in Asia
Singapore Population
Singapore has population of 4,492,150 (July 2006 est.)
Singapore Climate
Singapore has tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons - Northeastern monsoon (December to March) and Southwestern monsoon (June to September); inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms
Singapore Terrain
lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water catchment area and nature preserve
Singapore Natural Resources
fish, deepwater ports
Ethnic Groups in Singapore
Singapore has the following ethnic groups - Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4% (2000 census)
Singapore Religions
Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%, Hindu 4%, Catholic 4.8%, other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none 14.8% (2000 census)
Singapore Languages
Mandarin 35%, English 23%, Malay 14.1%, Hokkien 11.4%, Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew 4.9%, Tamil 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 1.8%, other 0.9% (2000 census)
Singapore Capital
Singapore capital is Singapore
Singapore Currency
Singapore currency is Singapore dollar
Map of Singapore
