Singapore History About Singapore

Singapore is like nowhere else on earth. Famed as the "Lion City", Singapore lies at the focal point of age-old trading routes, where people of different cultures and traditions have come together for almost 200 years, creating both a multicultural and multifaceted destination. It is an inspiring city of contrasts, where the flavor and spirituality of the East meet the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the West.

In fact, Singapore has often been described as a convenient yet vivid collage of what the region has to offer. Despite the western influences, you will realize that Singapore is still unmistakably Asian in its character. Tour through our website and discover the treasures that Singapore has to offer.

History

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 that 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"). 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 11th century, this small but strategically-placed island had earned a new name - "Singa Pura" ("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 US 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

Reference : www.Visitsingapore.com

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 263 square miles (about the size of Rhode Island).

Singapore has no significant natural resources other than its deep water harbor, but it does have a good geographical location with a developed infrastructure, an excellent communications system, political stability and a disciplined work force.

The government is committed to free trade and will remain committed to a free international trading system. In fact, Singapore's economic survival is very much dependent on an open and predictable international environment that ensures stable conditions of market access.

In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a thriving center of commerce and industry. Singapore is currently the world's busiest port, with over 600 shipping lines. In addition, Singapore is the major shipbuilding, ship-repair and oil-rig building center in South East Asia. It is also one of the world's major oil refining and distribution centers, a major supplier of electronic components and one of the most important financial focal points of Asia.

International banks, insurance companies, shipping companies, traders and services firms are an integral part of Singapore's business environment and business transactions 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.

Facts on Singapore

:: National Flag
The national flag of Singapore is a symbol of statehood. It replaced the Union Jack, which had flown over Singapore for 140 years (1819-1959). Our national flag consists of two equal horizontal sections, red above white. Red symbolizes universal brotherhood and equality of man; white signifies pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. In the upper left red section is a white crescent moon beside a circle of five white stars. The crescent moon represents a young nation on the ascendant and the five stars stand for the nation's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

:: Geographical Location
Located at one of the crossroads of the world, Singapore's strategic position has helped it grow into a major center for trade, communications and tourism. It is located 90 miles north of the equator in the heart of Southeast Asia. By virtue of its tropical location, Singapore tends to be sunny and humid with temperatures ranging between 82.4 - 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit. For those who are not accustomed to this tropical climate, you will be glad to know that Singapore has 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.

Singapore 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. Bali, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia are a short flight away. Singapore, with a world-class airport served by more than 69 airlines, is very much the gateway to Southeast Asia.

:: People

"Its cultures are diverse but united."
What makes Singapore such a special destination is its multicultural mix of people. Singapore's population of almost 4 million is comprised of 76.8% Chinese, 13.9% Malays, 7.9% Indians and 1.4% Eurasians (inter-marriage of Europeans and Asians), and people of other descent who have chosen to make Singapore their home.

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, 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

Singaporeans speak a variety of languages and dialects among family and friends, but English unites everyone. Due to the strong British legacy, English is the language of business and administration, and is also the common language spoken and understood by all, which makes it easy for visitors to get around.

There are four official languages in Singapore: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. Most Singaporeans are bilingual, and speak their mother tongue as well as English.

:: 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 Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, and Zoroastrianism.

(c) Provided by Tourism Authority of Singapore