SINGAPORE

The history of Singapore dates back to the third century where a Chinese account described it as “Pu Luo Chung,” meaning the “island at the end of a peninsula”. Fast forward to the 14th century, it was known as Temasek, a thriving trading post under the Srivijaya Empire. However, its fame increased significantly in the 14th century when it was renamed Singapura (Lion City), under the rule of Parameswara (or Sang Nila Utama), a prince from Palembang.

In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles established a British port on the island, making it a significant trading hub within the British Empire. This led to a boom in population as immigrants from China, India, and other parts of Asia were drawn to the prosperous city. The island was briefly occupied by the Japanese during World War II, an event known as the “Sook Ching” massacre, which caused significant damage and loss of life.

After the war, the island returned to British control, but movements towards self-governance began to take hold. In 1959, Singapore gained independence from Britain as part of the Federation of Malaya, but racial and political tensions led to Singapore being expelled from the Federation in 1965, making it an independent nation.

Since independence, under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew and his successors, Singapore has developed into one of the world’s most prosperous nations, with a highly developed free-market economy. It’s known for its extraordinary advancements in technology, finance, education, and is renowned as one of the “Four Asian Tigers”. Despite being a small island city-state with a lack of natural resources, Singapore’s strategic location and emphasis on human capital have helped it become a significant player on the global stage.

Country Code: +65.

Crime: Singapore is widely recognized for its low crime rate and its reputation as a safe city. This is attributed to several factors including stringent laws, strict enforcement, and a robust legal system.

The country is known for its tough stance on crime with severe penalties for both minor and serious offenses. These range from fines and caning for offenses like vandalism and illegal entry into the country, to capital punishment for offenses such as murder and drug trafficking. The use of corporal punishment and capital punishment in Singapore has been a topic of international discussion and criticism, but these strict penalties are often credited domestically for the country’s low crime rate.

Furthermore, the country’s legal system is well-regarded internationally for its efficiency and integrity. Laws are rigorously enforced, and corruption is very low compared to global standards.

However, like any other country, Singapore does experience crime. In recent years, it has seen an increase in online scams, which reflects global trends in cybercrime. Despite this, it’s important to note that the overall crime rate remains low, and Singapore continues to be considered one of the safest cities in the world.

Currency: Singapore Dollar.

Electricity: Type G (3-pin rectangular, triangular pattern).

Language: Malay.

Latitude and Longitude: 1.3521° N, 103.8198° E.

Population: 5.454 million (2021).

President: Halimah Yacob.

Singapore, known as a “City in a Garden,” has several national parks and nature reserves that offer a great deal of biodiversity despite its urbanization.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

This is one of the largest areas of primary rainforest left in Singapore. It’s also known for having the country’s highest hill, Bukit Timah Hill. This reserve is home to a wide variety of plant, insect, bird, and mammal species.

Central Catchment Nature Reserve

This is the largest nature reserve in Singapore. It includes several reservoirs that are important for the country’s water supply. The reserve also hosts the TreeTop Walk, a suspended bridge offering scenic views of the forest canopy.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

This is an important spot for migratory birds coming from as far as Siberia. It’s a great place for bird watching, especially during the migratory season. It’s also home to a diverse array of mangrove flora and fauna.

East Coast Park

Though not a nature reserve, this park is one of the most popular in Singapore, with beaches, sports facilities, restaurants, and a coastal trail for cycling or walking.

Gardens by the Bay

Not a nature reserve in the traditional sense, but this innovative urban park features huge, futuristic structures known as Supertrees, and two large, climate-controlled biodomes—the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest—displaying plants and flowers from different global ecosystems.

Labrador Nature Reserve

This coastal reserve provides a glimpse into Singapore’s military past with its preserved WWII fort, and it also offers beautiful seaside and cliff-top views.

Pulau Ubin

This island northeast of mainland Singapore is one of the last rural areas to be found in the country, with an ecosystem virtually untouched by urban development.

Singapore has a wide range of tourist attractions catering to all ages and interests. I despise zoos so accordingly, the renowned Singapore Zoo was not included.

Marina Bay Sands

An iconic resort complex in Singapore, it’s home to a luxury hotel, a mall with a canal, the ArtScience Museum, and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark, which offers 360-degree views of the city’s skyline.

Gardens by the Bay

This futuristic park located in the Marina Bay area is known for its stunning SuperTree structures, as well as two massive, climate-controlled biodomes, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest.

Sentosa Island

This man-made island is filled with fun attractions including Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, S.E.A. Aquarium, and beautiful beaches. It’s accessible by road, cable car, pedestrian boardwalk, and monorail.

Orchard Road

Singapore’s premier shopping street, it’s a 2.2-kilometer-long boulevard lined with retail, dining, and entertainment options. Malls like Ion Orchard, Paragon, Ngee Ann City, and the more historical Tangs offer a wide range of brands and goods.

Chinatown

This vibrant district is home to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the Sri Mariamman Hindu temple, and the Thian Hock Keng Taoist temple. Chinatown’s street markets and food stalls also offer a variety of local goods and culinary delights.

Little India and Arab Street

These two historic districts offer a glimpse into the rich cultural diversity of Singapore. They are famous for their unique eateries, shops, and temples such as the Sultan Mosque in Arab Street and the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Little India.

Raffles Hotel

This colonial-style hotel is one of the most famous landmarks in Singapore. Named after the founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, this hotel is known for its luxurious accommodations and the iconic Singapore Sling cocktail.

Clarke Quay

Located on the Singapore River, this area is known for its vibrant nightlife with many restaurants, bars, and clubs.

The Merlion Park

The Merlion, half lion, half fish, is the symbol of Singapore. The Merlion Park, located in Marina Bay, offers a good view of this statue against the city skyline.

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Singapore is located near the equator and has a tropical rainforest climate. This means it’s usually hot and humid, with very little variation in temperature throughout the year. Average daily temperatures typically range between 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) at night.

Rainfall in Singapore is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, but there are two monsoon seasons: the Northeast Monsoon from December to early March and the Southwest Monsoon from June to September. However, it’s important to note that even during monsoon seasons, Singapore often experiences heavy rain showers that are relatively short, followed by sunshine.

High humidity is a constant in Singapore, typically hovering around 80%. This can make the heat feel more intense.