Singapore

Government

Parliamentary republic.

Geography

The Republic of Singapore consists of the main island of Singapore, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, and 58 nearby islands.

Historical Background

Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and became independent. Singapore subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.

Name

Singapore

Capital

Singapore

Language

English,Malay,Chinese,Tami

Area

Total 710.2 km2  274.2 sq mi  - Water (%) 1.444

Population

2009 estimate 4,987,600 (36% foreigners)-2010 census 5,076,700-Density 7,022/km2 (3rd) 17,275.7/sq mi

Currency

Singapore dollar (SGD)