| Electronic Madness | |
Sim Lim
Looking to buy electronics? Sim Lim Square at 1 Rochor Canal Road is one of the best places in the world. Bargain hard, and you can't go wrong!
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| Taste Like Chicken | |
Eating
Feel like eel, frog or turtle-soup? You'll find almost anything that can fly, crawl or swim on the dinner-table in Singapore.
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| Tiger Growth | |
Hong Leong Building
Singapore's economic growth has transformed the island. Having recovered from the 2001 recession, economic growth in 2005 was more than 6.4%
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| Travel | |
Singapore Infomap
Government portal
Singapore Mirror
A-Z directory
Singapore Sights
A visual guide
Singapore Travel & Hotels Guide
Extensive site
Uniquely Singapore
Official site of the Singapore Tourism Board
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Singapore: Powerhouse
In Singapore work is not just a word, it's a way of life. In just three decades the island-state has grown to become one of the world's most prosperous countries. No wonder some Singaporeans say that size doesn't matter. Singapore is a hot-pot of Chinese, Malays, Indians and farangs (foreigners), all driving the economic locomotive ahead at full speed. Being less than 150 km north of the equator, visitors to Singapore can enjoy sun and heat all year around. |
Boat Quay: Picture Perfect Postcard
For your first day of sightseeing in Singapore head down to Boat Quay where you can get the standard postcard-photo of the Singapore skyline. Then enjoy a slow walk along the riverfront. The restaurants offer something for almost any taste. The nearby Clarke Quay also has many styles of food on offer. After sunset the scene changes, and the night crowd comes out to dance here or in one of the clubs on Mohamed Sultan Road. |
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People of Singapore
Singapore has the second highest population density of all the independent countries in the world. Looking at the population, Singapore is truly a melting-pot of Asia. Though the population is predominantly of Chinese descent (77%), you will also see many Malays (14%) and Indians (8%). This is also reflected in the language; Singapore has four official languages (Malay, Mandarin, English and Tamil). Malay is the national language, while English is the language of administration. |
Eating: Newton's Law!
Singaporeans love to eat, and eating in Singapore is all about hawker centers. They're usually made up of many, many stalls of Chinese, Malay and Indian food surrounding an eating area. Look for the letters on each stall, indicating hygiene. A is Absolutely fine, while D is Disastreous. For the best hawker center in town, head straight to Newton Circus. If you want something more international try one of the numerous shopping centers. |
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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
A potpourri of Singapore (from left to right):
-Economic virility demonstrated through the lavish architecture of an office building in Bugis.
-Say no to drugs! Singapore has some of the harshest penalties for smuggling illegal substances.
-Over 90% of Singaporeans live in public housing, usually in huge apartment buildings (up to 20 floors), all conforming to the architectural guidelines set down by the Housing and Development Board. |
Ethnic: Little India
With Tamil being one of the four official languages, it's no surprise Singapore has a Little India. It's located around Serangoon Road. If you have a craving for Indian food you won't be disappointed. There's also Hindu temples, and plenty of shopping opportunities for spices, jewelery and anything else you would expect from an Indian district. You would almost think you were in India, if it wasn't so clean. Getting there is easy. Little India is a station on the North-East MRT line. |
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| City Beach | |
East Coast Park
Need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Head out to East Coast Park and take a swim! The easiest way to get there is by taxi, or take the East-West MRT line.
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| Facts | |
Republik Singapura
Origin of Name
Singa - Lion
Pura - City
Together - Lion City
(from Malay)
Capital
Singapore
Largest city
Singapore
Population
4,492,000 (2006)
Area
692.7 km²
Official language(s)
Malay, Mandarin, English, Tamil
Government
Parliamentary republic
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| History | |
Singapore
•1819: Established as trading post and settlement by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.
•1867: Made crown colony by Britain.
•1942-5: Occupied by Japan during WWII.
•1959: Becomes self-governing state.
•1959-90: Lee Kuan Yew is priminister.
•1963: Merges with Malaysia.
•1965: Becomes independent republic.
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