Singapore Country Facts
Land of futuristic skylines, hawker food culture, strict laws, and Southeast Asia’s smartest city.
Quick Country Facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country Name | Republic of Singapore |
| Capital | Singapore (city-state) |
| Continent | Asia (Southeast Asia) |
| Population | ~5.9 million (Rank: ~115th globally) |
| Official Language | English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil |
| Currency | Singapore Dollar (SGD) |
| Time Zone | GMT +8 |
| Calling Code | +65 |
Short Fact: Singapore – The Smart City-Nation with Global Prestige
Singapore is a clean, efficient, and hyper-modern city-state, known for its strict laws, green planning, and financial power.
Long Fact: Singapore – A Tiny Island with Mega Global Influence
Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is a city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Despite its small size, Singapore is a global financial hub, a smart city, and one of the most developed nations in the world.
It consists of the main island and about 64 smaller islets. Its strategic location at the crossroads of major shipping lanes made it a vital port historically, which laid the foundation for its modern prosperity.
Gaining independence from Malaysia in 1965, Singapore transformed from a developing nation into one of the world’s wealthiest and most technologically advanced societies. The government, led for decades by Lee Kuan Yew, focused on economic development, education, infrastructure, and cleanliness.
The city is renowned for its strict laws, resulting in one of the lowest crime rates globally. Chewing gum bans, cleanliness, and high fines are famous aspects of Singaporean order.
Culturally, Singapore is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western influences. Its four official languages reflect this diversity: Malay (national language), English (main working language), Mandarin, and Tamil.
Its education system, public transport, and healthcare are among the best globally. The Changi Airport and Singapore Airlines are constantly ranked world-class. Iconic sites include Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, Orchard Road, and the Merlion.
Singapore’s cuisine is also world-famous — hawker centers serve beloved dishes like chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow, and satay. It was also the first country to have a Michelin-starred hawker stall.
The city-state also leads in green architecture, urban planning, and technology innovation, aiming to be the world’s first “smart nation.”
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Singapore
Q1. Is Singapore a city or a country?
Ans: It is both a city and a sovereign country (city-state).
Q2. What is Singapore famous for?
Ans: Cleanliness, strict laws, global finance, smart city planning, and food culture.
Q3. What are the major religions in Singapore?
Ans: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Taoism.
Q4. What’s the official language of Singapore?
Ans: English is the working language; Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil are also official.
Q5. Is Singapore safe?
Ans: Yes, it’s one of the safest cities in the world with very low crime.
Q6. What is Singapore’s capital?
Ans: Singapore itself is the capital — it’s a city-state.
Q7. What is a must-try food in Singapore?
Ans: Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, and Chili Crab.
Q8. Can you chew gum in Singapore?
Ans: Import and sale are restricted; chewing gum is banned except for medical use.
Q9. What is Singapore’s economy based on?
Ans: Finance, trade, manufacturing, and technology.
Q10. Is Singapore expensive for tourists?
Ans: Yes, it’s one of Asia’s most expensive cities, but budget options exist.