Officially called the Republic of Singapore, the country represents harmonious blend of cultures, cuisine, arts and architecture. Singapore is a city-state consisting of one main island and 63 other small islands, mostly uninhabited. It is the smallest country of South-eastern Asia. It is located on a strategic point, north of the Riau islands of Indonesia, linked to Malaysia by two causeway bridges, and also the Philippines and Thailand are relatively close. This makes Singapore a communication, trade and tourism centre - a gateway to South-eastern Asia. The land has a flat character, with its highest hill Bukit Timah Hill, which rises only to 164 metres above sea level. Forests and nature reserves cover about 23% of the land area. Many areas of former rainforest were eliminated by urbanization. The only remaining area is the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. However, there are many parks in Singapore, such as the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Singapore is a country without natural freshwater lakes and rivers, so rainfall is the primary source of water supply. The climate of Singapore has a tropical rainforest nature, characteristic of rainfalls, high humidity, uniform temperature and pressure. Due to the location near equator, Singapore has nearly constant length of the day round year. The country has no distinct seasons, does not observe summer time zone change or daylight saving time.

People in Singapore

With population of 4,55 million inhabitants, of which 77% are Chinese, 14% are Malays, 8% are Indians and 1% Eurasians, Singapore is on of the world’s most densly popullated countries (on average there are 6 430 people per square kilometre). The national language is Malay. There are three other official languages, Mandarin, Tamil and also English - the language of business and administration.

Culture of Singapore

The national flag of Singapore is full of symbols. The red and white colours symbolise equality of man and virtue and purity. Ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality are represented by five stars, and the crescent moon symbolizes Singapore as a young nation on the rise. The culture of Singapore emerges from the harmonious blend of different influences. Diversity is demonstrated for example in Singapore’s religion and architecture. Islam, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism are the country’s main religions. Beautiful minarets of mosques, gothic cathedrals, figurines of Hindu temple gods and roof architecture of Chinese temples, are examples of Singapore’s ethnic mix.

What to do in Singapore

Singapore is a place where the traditional and the urban exist side by side. It is a modern and cosmopolitan city with distinct local flavour. From modern 21st century high tech infrastructure with skyscrapers, to theatres, boutiques, and ethnic districts such as Chinatown or Little India, living their own colourful life, Singapore has much to offer. Worth to mention are Singapore’s art events, among them cheeky cabaret acts or boisterous festivals, and last but not least its vibrant night life. Singapore hosts the first night ZOO in the world, The Night Safari. So, when you visit the unique Singapore, you’ll have a wonderful time and take home many great memories.