Singapore (the Republic of Singapore) is an island and city state, the smallest country, by surface area, in Southeast Asia. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Singapore comprises a main island, three larger and 58 smaller islands.
Singapore's name is itself derived from 'Singa Pura' (which means "Lion City"). According to the Malay Annals, Sang Nila Utama, a prince from Palembang, gave this name to the island after he came ashore and saw a creature he believed to be a lion.
Singapore's nickname “The Lion City” is derived from its Sanskrit name “singa” (lion) “pura” (city). The city has a rich historical record in the name of “Pu-luo- chung” or “island at the end of a peninsula” and “Temasek” or “Sea Town” dating back to 1298.
Tourists visit Singapore for its unique blend of futuristic skyscrapers and lush nature, exceptional safety and cleanliness, diverse cultures (Chinese, Malay, Indian), world-class food (hawker centers to fine dining), efficient transport, and iconic attractions like Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and the renowned Singapore Zoo, making it a top destination for culture, food, shopping, and family fun.
Singapore is referred to in old Javanese and Malay literature as Temasek. The Nagarakretagama, a Javanese eulogy written in 1365, names a settlement on the island as Tumasik. The name appears twice in the Malay Annals before it is replaced by "Singapura" following Sang Nila Utama's arrival upon the island.
Baghdad was also known as the Round City because it was built in a circle. Important buildings like the House of Wisdom and Caliph's Palace were in the centre of the city. The House of Wisdom was a huge learning centre where people studied.
Singapore to be world's richest country by 2025, overtaking Luxembourg. Singapore's GDP per capita reached US$156,760, pushing Luxembourg from the top spot.
Once a British colony and now a member of the Commonwealth, Singapore first joined the Federation of Malaysia on its formation in 1963 but seceded to become an independent state on August 9, 1965. Singapore has experienced remarkable economic growth and diversification since the 1960s.
Maldives is the smallest country in Asia. Its land area is only 298 square kilometres (115 sq mi), but this is spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometres (35,000 sq mi) of the sea, making it one of the world's most spatially dispersed sovereign states.
In 1965, when Singapore gained independence from Malaysia, its GDP per person was US$4,000 (in today's money), only a quarter of Britain's US$16,000. Today it is US$53,000, 25% more than Britain's US$42,000.
In Singapore, a $100K salary puts you in the top 20% of earners. Yet many professionals at this level are living paycheck to paycheck, trapped by lifestyle inflation and the city's unique financial pressures. The numbers don't lie: Average monthly expenses for a middle-class family: $6,000-$8,000.
There has been a sharp rise in the growth of Singapore in terms of digital economy and finances. Even India has reached a higher level of tremendous economic, political, and social growth. Singapore overcame being a third-world country and became the Tiger of Asia, owing to the policies of its government and people.
City of Seven Islands: Mumbai is called the City of Seven Islands. The modern metropolis of Mumbai was created by joining seven separate islands through extensive land reclamation, a process that completely transformed its geography, economy, and historical importance.
With little fanfare beyond a nod to reality, after the Los Angeles Lakers captured the 1972 NBA World Championship title, then Inglewood Mayor Edward Vincent crowned his hometown “The City of Champions”.
Little India only got its current name in the 1980s from the Singapore tourist promotion board. After a bid to promote the preservation and celebration of Singapore's ethnic quarters. Temples in the area and shops selling traditional Indian food and goods not only serve the Indian community.
It was controlled by the Malacca Sultanate in the 15th century and the Johor Sultanate from the 16th century, up till its founding as a British colony in the 19th century.
The "60/90-day rule" in Singapore refers to immigration guidelines limiting short-term visitors (especially Malaysians) to a maximum stay of 60 days within any 90-day period, preventing long-term use of social visit passes (STVP) to circumvent work permit rules, though initial grants are often 30 days, extendable up to 90 days total with fees and approval from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Frequent entries and exits, or staying close to the limit, trigger scrutiny, with immigration officers assessing your history to prevent abuse, so always plan visits carefully.
International visitors by country. Where do the majority of Singapore's visitors come from? In 2022, some 68.9% of all international tourists to Singapore derived from the country's top 10 inbound markets. Indonesia was the biggest market, commanding a 16.6% share, followed by India (10.3) and Malaysia (8.9%).
UK citizens need a valid visa, typically through employment, to live in Singapore. Singapore is a safe, efficient, and modern place with a strong expat community and high living standards.
