Singapore Facts & Information - Amazing Facts About Singapore

Here is a collection of some interesting facts about Singapore . We have tried our best to include everything you need to know about Singapore in one place. Singapore is ranked first in the world as the city with the best investment potential. According to an annual report by the World Bank, Singapore remains the best country in which to run a business. So, let us take a quick look at the facts and figures that make up Singapore.

Singapore Facts and Figures

• Singapore is commonly known as 'Singapura' ('Lion City') or Temasek ('Sea Town').
• The Merlion (half-fish and half-lion beast) is a fitting symbol of Singapore. The "Singa" or lion represents the animal that a Sumatran prince saw which resembled a lion, and the fish is a tribute to Singapore's history as "Temasek", the ancient sea town.
• Total land area of Singapore is 682 Square Kilometers (main island with 63 surrounding islets).
• Singapore became an independent republic on 9 August 1965. Independence Day of Singapore is celebrated on 9 August.
• The island is warm and humid all year round, with only slight variations between the average maximum of 31°Celsius and minimum of 23°Celsius.
• The Population of Singapore is almost four million. It comprises of about 77% Chinese, 14% Malays, 8% Indians and 1% Eurasians and people of other descent.
• There are 4 official languages in Singapore. They are Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English.
• The main religions in singapore are Islam, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism.
• National anthem: The 'Majulah Singapura' is actually sung in Malay, though English is the official working language and the most widely used language in Singapore.
• Symbolism of the National Flag: Red symbolises universal brotherhood and equality of man while white signifies purity and virtue. The crescent moon represents a young nation on the rise and the five stars signify the ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.
• The National flower of Singapore is Vanda Miss Joaquim (was first discovered in 1893 by Agnes Joaquim, an Armenian).
• The Currency of Singapore is dollars.
• Singapore is a republic with a Parliamentary system of government based on the Westminster model.
• Smoking is not permitted in public service vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, hair salons, supermarkets, department stores and government offices. Offenders can be fined up to SGD 1,000. While it is an offence to smoke in air-conditioned eating places, smoking is permitted in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots.
• Singapore Economy: The island state though small in size and population (4 million people) has become a reputable financial centre, a key regional trading centre, the world's busiest port, and a top location for investment. Often cited as a model for transparency, efficiency and political stability, Singapore has earned recognition from around the world.
• The people of Singapore are largely descendants of immigrants from the Malay Peninsula, China and the Indian subcontinent.
• The standard of living in Singapore is amongst the highest in Asia. Compared to countries in western continents, the cost of living here is relatively low, and basic items like food and clothing are very reasonably priced.
• Infrastructure and Accessibility: Singapore is well connected via sea, air and telecommunications to all parts of the world. Singapore Changi Airport serves more than 60 airlines which fly to over 145 cities and has for many consecutive years been nominated as the best airport in the world.
• Geographical Location: It is 136.8 km north of the equator, between longitudes 103 degrees 38' E and 104 degrees 06' E. Located at one of the crossroads of the world, Singapore's strategic position has helped it grow into a major centre for trade, communications and tourism.
• Traveling in Singapore is both easy and economical. There is an efficient public transportation network, which offers taxis, buses, and the modern Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system. With its excellent public transport system, Singapore is, without a doubt, the easiest city in Asia to get around.
• The electrical current in Singapore is 240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. Singapore uses the square-shaped three-pin plug. You may need an adapter or transformer for foreign appliances, which are available at most hardware stores.

Special Laws in Singapore

The followings are special laws which you may abide in Singapore.

• Littering: Singapore has very strict laws against littering with heavy fines and corrective work for repeat offenders. Failure to flush a public toilet after use may attract very hefty fines. It is illegal to pee in an elevator.
• Chewing Gum: As an extension of the "no littering" mantra, the import, sale and possession of chewing gum is banned. You are also not allowed to bring in chewing gum for your own consumption. In short, no chewing gum whatsoever.
• Smoking: It is an offence for a teenager to smoke if he is under 18 years old. If the offender is caught, he/she will be charge in court and fined up to Singaporean $300.
• Pornography: Pornography is illegal. You should never walk around your home nude as it is considered pornographic.
• Theft & Shoplifting: Shoplifting and theft are considered serious offenses in Singapore.
• Murder, abduction and weapons offenses: More serious crimes such as a murder, an abduction and weapons offences may also attract a death penalty.
• Drugs: A drug offence in Singapore can attract severe penalties including a death penalty. a drug offence in singapore can attract severe penalties including a death penalty. >
• Alcohol/Drunkenness: Purchase and consummation of alcohol is not permitted for those below 18 years of age. Persons drunk in a public place may be fined, or can be imprisoned up to three months.
• Driving/Car Theft: Legal driving age is 18 and it is illegal to drive a vehicle without the owner's permission. Car theft has a mandatory imprisonment of at least one year.
• Piracy: The importation of pirated copyright material is prohibited. Offenders may be fined and/or jailed.
• Racism: Crimes that break up racial or ethnic harmony, such as racial insults, may attract severe penalties.
• Employment: Student's Pass holders are strictly not allowed to engage in any form of employment, whether paid or unpaid, or in any business, profession or occupation in Singapore. Violators will be prosecuted by law.