Difference between revisions of "Singapore" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
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{{Contracted}}
 
 
{{Infobox Country or territory
 
{{Infobox Country or territory
 
|native_name              = ''{{lang|ms|Republik Singapura}}''<br/>{{lang|zh|新加坡共和国}}<br/>{{lang|ta|சிங்கப்பூர் குடியரசு}}
 
|native_name              = ''{{lang|ms|Republik Singapura}}''<br/>{{lang|zh|新加坡共和国}}<br/>{{lang|ta|சிங்கப்பூர் குடியரசு}}
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|national_anthem          = ''[[Majulah Singapura]]''
 
|national_anthem          = ''[[Majulah Singapura]]''
 
|official_languages      = [[English language|English]], [[Malay language|Malay]], [[Standard Mandarin|Mandarin]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
 
|official_languages      = [[English language|English]], [[Malay language|Malay]], [[Standard Mandarin|Mandarin]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
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|capital                  = Singapore<sup>[[#Infobox footnotes|1]]</sup> |latd=1|latm=17|latNS=N|longd=103|longm=51|longEW=E
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|capital                  = Singapore<sup>[[#Infobox footnotes|1]]</sup>  
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|largest_city            = Singapore<sup>[[#Infobox footnotes|1]]</sup>
 
 
|government_type          = [[Parliamentary republic]]
 
|government_type          = [[Parliamentary republic]]
 
|leader_title1            = [[President of Singapore|President]]
 
|leader_title1            = [[President of Singapore|President]]
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|areami²                  = 270  <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]—>
 
|areami²                  = 270  <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]—>
 
|percent_water            = 1.444
 
|percent_water            = 1.444
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|population_estimate      = 4,483,900 <!--singstat 13 Dec 2006 : http://www.singstat.gov.sg/keystats/annual/indicators.html—>
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|population_estimate      = 4,483,900 <!--singstat 13 Dec 2006 :  
 
|population_estimate_year = Dec 2006
 
|population_estimate_year = Dec 2006
 
|population_estimate_rank = 117th
 
|population_estimate_rank = 117th
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|population_density_rank  = 4th
 
|population_density_rank  = 4th
 
|GDP_PPP_year            = 2006
 
|GDP_PPP_year            = 2006
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|GDP_PPP                  = $123.4 billion <!--IMF 2005: http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2006/01/data/dbcoutm.cfm?SD=2005&ED=2006&R1=1&R2=1&CS=3&SS=2&OS=C&DD=0&OUT=1&C=576&S=PPPWGT-PPPPC&RequestTimeout=120&CMP=0&x=10&y=16—>
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|GDP_PPP                  = $123.4 billion <!--IMF 2005:  
 
|GDP_PPP_rank            = 57th
 
|GDP_PPP_rank            = 57th
 
|GDP_PPP_per_capita      = $28,368
 
|GDP_PPP_per_capita      = $28,368
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|sovereignty_type        = [[Independence]]
 
|sovereignty_type        = [[Independence]]
 
|established_event1      = Unilateral declaration (from the [[United Kingdom|UK]])
 
|established_event1      = Unilateral declaration (from the [[United Kingdom|UK]])
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|established_event2      = Officially from UK (as a state of Malaysia)
 
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|established_event3      = from [[Malaysia]]
 
 
|established_date1        = [[August 31]] [[1963]]
 
|established_date1        = [[August 31]] [[1963]]
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|established_date2        = [[September 16]] [[1963]]
 
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|established_date3        = [[August 9]] [[1965]]
 
 
|currency                = [[Singapore dollar]]
 
|currency                = [[Singapore dollar]]
 
|currency_code            = SGD
 
|currency_code            = SGD
 
|time_zone                = [[Singapore Standard Time|SST]]
 
|time_zone                = [[Singapore Standard Time|SST]]
 
|utc_offset              = +8
 
|utc_offset              = +8
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|time_zone_DST            = ''not observed''
 
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|utc_offset_DST          = +8
 
 
|cctld                    = [[.sg]]
 
|cctld                    = [[.sg]]
 
|calling_code            = 65<sup>2</sup>
 
|calling_code            = 65<sup>2</sup>
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|footnotes                = <cite id="Infobox_footnotes"> </cite> <sup>1</sup> Singapore is a [[city-state]].<br><sup>2</sup> 02 from Malaysia.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
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'''Singapore''', officially the '''Republic of Singapore''' ({{lang-ms|''Republik Singapura''}}; [[Simplified Chinese character|Chinese]]: {{lang|zh|新加坡共和国}}, [[Pinyin]]: ''Xīnjiāpō Gònghéguó''; {{lang-ta|சிங்கப்பூர் குடியரசு}}, {{lang|ta|''Ciŋkappūr Kudiyarasu''}}), is an [[Island nation|island]] [[country]] and the smallest country in [[Southeast Asia]]. It is located on the southern tip of the [[Malay Peninsula]], south of the [[Malaysia]]n state of [[Johor]], and north of the [[Indonesia]]n [[Riau Islands]]. It lies 137 kilometres (85&nbsp;[[mile]]s) north of the [[Equator]].  
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'''Singapore''', officially the '''Republic of Singapore''', is an island nation and the smallest country in [[Southeast Asia]]. It is located on the southern tip of the [[Malay Peninsula]], south of the [[Malaysia]]n state of [[Johor]], and north of the [[Indonesia]]n [[Riau Islands]]. It lies 85 miles (137 kilometres) north of the [[Equator]].  
  
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The site of several ancient [[port]] cities and a possession of several empires in its history, Singapore was a [[Malay people|Malay]] [[fishing]] [[village]] when it was colonised by the [[United Kingdom]] in the 19th century. It was further [[Japanese Occupation of Singapore|occupied by the Japanese Empire]] in [[World War II]], and was later part of the merger which established [[Malaysia]]. When Singapore acquired independence, having few [[natural resource]]s, it was sociopolitically volatile and economically undeveloped. Foreign investment and rapid government-led [[industrialisation]] has since created an economy which relies on exports of [[electronics]] and [[manufacturing]] primarily from [[Port of Singapore|its port]].  
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The site of several ancient port cities and a possession of several empires in its history, Singapore was a Malay fishing village when it was colonised by the [[United Kingdom]] in the nineteenth century. It was further occupied by the Japanese Empire in World War II, and was later part of the merger that established [[Malaysia]]. When Singapore acquired independence, having few natural resources, it was socio-politically volatile and economically undeveloped. Foreign investment and rapid government-led industrialisation has since created an economy which relies on exports of electronics and manufacturing primarily from its port.  
  
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According to the quality-of-life index assembled by the [[Economist Intelligence Unit]], Singapore has the highest standard of living in Asia, and is ranked 11th in the world.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.economist.com/theworldin/international/displayStory.cfm?story_id=3372495&d=2005 Worldwide quality-of-life index | title = Singapore's position in the World in terms of Quality of Life | publisher = [[The Economist]]|accessdate = 2006-8-17}} </ref> In the [[United Nations]] [[Human Development Index]], Singapore holds the 25th place, behind only [[Japan]], [[Hong Kong]], and [[Israel]] in Asia. Measured by [[GDP per capita]], Singapore is the 22nd wealthiest country. The geographically small nation has a [[foreign exchange reserves|foreign reserve]] of S$197b (US$119b).
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According to the quality-of-life index assembled by the [[Economist Intelligence Unit]], Singapore has the highest standard of living in Asia, and is ranked 11th in the world. In the [[United Nations]] Human Development Index, Singapore holds the 25th place, behind only [[Japan]], [[Hong Kong]], and [[Israel]] in Asia. Measured by [[GDP per capita]], Singapore is the 22nd wealthiest country. The geographically small nation has foreign exchange reserves of S$197b (US$119b).
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Eighty-three percent of Singapore's population lives in housing estates constructed by the Housing and Development Board. As a result of controls on motorised traffic, the maintenance of natural greenery, strict regulations on industrial locations and emissions, Singapore has been able to control its pollution levels to within [[World Health Organization]] standards.
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==Geography==
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<div style="float: right; clear: right; font-size: 8pt; padding:5px; margin-left:20px; border:1px solid #CCC">
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{{Singapore Urban Planning Areas Labelled Map}}
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Singapore is divided into 55 urban planning areas, grouped into five regions.
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</div>
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Singapore consists of 63 islands, including the main island itself. It is slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington DC.
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Singapore has reclaimed land with earth from its hills, seabed and neighbouring countries. As a result, the land area grew from 224 square miles (581.5 square kilometers) in the 1960s to 269 square miles (697.2 square kilometers) today, and may grow by another 40 square miles (100 square kilometers) by 2030. About 23 percent of Singapore's land area consists of forest and nature reserves. Many of the smaller islands have been expanded and joined to form larger, more functional islands, such as Jurong Island.
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The extensive land reclamation means few Singaporeans know what types of rocks are found there. Igneous rocks, mostly granite, are found in Bukit Timah, Woodlands, and Pulau Ubin island. Sedimentary rocks, sandstone and mudstones, are found on the western part of Singapore. Metamorphic rocks are found in the north-eastern area.
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There are two connections from Singapore to the Malaysian state of Johor &mdash; the Johor-Singapore Causeway to the north, crossing the Tebrau Straits, and Malaysia-Singapore Second Link, a bridge from western Singapore to Johor. Jurong Island, Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa are the largest of Singapore's many smaller islands. The highest point of Singapore is Bukit Timah Hill, with a height of 538 feet (166 metres).
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[[Image:Singapore botanic garden pond.jpg|thumb|left|240px|[[Singapore Botanic Gardens]], a 166-acre) botanical garden in Singapore that includes the National Orchid Garden which has a collection of more than 3000 species of [[orchid]]s.]]
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Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with no distinct seasons. Its climate is characterised by uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity and abundant rainfall. Temperatures range from 72F to 93F (22C to 34C). On average, the relative humidity is around 90 percent in the morning and 60 percent in the afternoon. During prolonged heavy rain, relative humidity often reaches 100 percent.
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Urbanisation has eliminated many areas of primary rainforest, with the only remaining area of primary rainforest being Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. A variety of parks are maintained, such as the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Without natural freshwater rivers and lakes, rainfall, collected in reservoirs, supplies approximately 50 percent of water. The remainder is imported from Malaysia or obtained from recycled water, a product called NEWater, and desalination plants.
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The urban area used to be concentrated to the south around the mouth of the Singapore River and what is now the Downtown Core, while the rest of the land was [[tropical rainforest]] or used for agriculture. New towns built since the 1960s has resulted in an entirely built-up and urban landscape.  
  
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Eighty-three percent of Singapore's population lives in [[housing estate]]s constructed by the [[Housing and Development Board|Housing Development Board]]<ref> {{cite web | url = http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10221p.nsf/Attachment/AR0405/$file/stats.pdf | title = HDB Annual Report 2004/2005}} </ref> and nearly half use the [[public transport]] system daily.<ref name="dailyridership">{{cite web | url = http://www.lta.gov.sg/corp_info/doc/Stats%20In%20Brief%20(2005).pdf | title = Singapore Land Transport: Statistics In Brief 2005 | publisher = [[Land Transport Authority]] | accessdate = 2005-12-07}} </ref> As a result of efforts to control motorised traffic, the maintenance of natural greenery, strict regulations on industrial locations and emissions, and other pro-environmental initiatives by the government and the private sector, Singapore has been able to control its pollution levels to well within [[World Health Organization]] standards.<ref> {{cite web | url = http://www.mewr.gov.sg/sgp2012/index.html | title = Singapore Green Plan 2012 | publisher = [[Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources]]|accessdate = 2006-08-14}} </ref> The [[Constitution of Singapore|Constitution of the Republic of Singapore]] established the city-state as a [[representative democracy]].
 
 
==History==
 
==History==
  
 
{{main|History of Singapore}}
 
{{main|History of Singapore}}
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The name ''Singapore'' is derived from the [[Malay language|Malay]] words {{lang|ms|''singa''}} (lion) and {{lang|ms|''pura''}} (city), which were themselves derived from the [[Sanskrit]] words {{lang|sa|सिंह}} {{IAST|''siṃha''}} and {{lang|sa|पुर}} {{IAST|''pura''}}.<ref> {{cite web |  url = http://www.bartleby.com/61/46/S0424600.html | title = Singapore| publisher = bartleby.com|accessdate = 2006-04-14 }}</ref>  In [[Tamil language|Tamil]], one of the official languages of Singapore, ''Singam'' means Lion and ''Puram'' means City.  Hence, Singapore is also known as the ''Lion City''. The naming is attributed to a [[prince]] named [[Sang Nila Utama]], who according to folklore, was caught in a terrible storm that did not cease until he had thrown his crown into the water.  The waters calmed immediately after that, and he sailed to the closest island he could see.  The first animal he saw after he had set foot on the island was supposedly a [[lion]].  Therefore, he decided to name the island ''Singapura''.<ref> {{cite web| title = Early History | url = http://www.sg/explore/history.htm | publisher = Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, Singapore | accessdate = 2006-04-14 }}</ref>
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The name ''Singapore'' is derived from the Malay language words |''singa'' (lion) and ''pura'' (city), which were themselves derived from Sanskrit words.  Hence, Singapore is also known as the ''Lion City''. The naming is attributed to a prince named Sang Nila Utama, who according to folklore, was caught in a terrible storm that did not cease until he had thrown his crown into the water.  He sailed to the closest island.  The first animal he saw on the island was supposedly a [[lion]].  Therefore, he decided to name the island ''Singapura''.
  
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The first records of Singapore's existence are in [[China|Chinese]] texts from the 3rd century AD. The island was an outpost of the [[Sumatra]]n [[Srivijaya]] empire and originally bore the [[Javanese]] name ''[[Temasek]]'' (which means sea town).  Temasek (Tumasek) rose to become a significant trading city, but subsequently declined.  There are few remnants of old Temasek in Singapore, but [[archaeology in Singapore|archaeologists in Singapore]] have uncovered evidence of the civilization, as well as other settlements.  Between the 16th and early 19th centuries, Singapore was a part of the [[Sultanate of Johor|Sultanate of Johore]].  During the Malay-[[Portugal]] wars in 1613, Singapore was set ablaze by Portuguese troops.<ref name="uslcPrecolonial"> {{cite web | title = Singapore - Precolonial Era | url = http://countrystudies.us/singapore/3.htm | publisher = U.S. Library of Congress  | accessdate = 2006-06-18 }} </ref>
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Chinese texts from the third century C.E. contain the first records of Singapore's existence  The island was an outpost of the [[Sumatra]]n Srivijaya empire and originally bore the [[Javanese]] name ''Temasek'' (which means sea town).  Temasek became a significant trading city, but subsequently declined.  There are few remnants of old Temasek in Singapore, but archaeologists have uncovered evidence of the civilization.  Between the sixteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Singapore was a part of the Sultanate of Johore.  During the Malay-[[Portugal]] wars in 1613, Portuguese troops set fire to Singapore.
  
 
[[Image:Stamford Raffles statue.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Statue of [[Thomas Stamford Raffles]] by [[Thomas Woolner]], erected at the spot where he first landed at Singapore. He is recognised as the founder of modern Singapore.]]
 
[[Image:Stamford Raffles statue.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Statue of [[Thomas Stamford Raffles]] by [[Thomas Woolner]], erected at the spot where he first landed at Singapore. He is recognised as the founder of modern Singapore.]]
  
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In 1819, Sir [[Stamford Raffles|Thomas Stamford Raffles]], an official with the [[British East India Company]], signed a treaty with the Sultan of Johore. He also established Singapore as a trading post and settlement, which saw instant growth and immigration from various ethnic groups. Singapore was later made a [[British overseas territories|crown colony]] by Britain in 1867. After a series of colonial territorial expansions, the British Empire soon raised Singapore's status to that of an [[Entrepôt|entrepot]] town, due to its strategic location along the busy shipping routes connecting [[Europe]] to China.<ref> {{cite web| title = Founding of Modern Singapore | url = http://www.sg/explore/history_founding.htm | publisher = Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, Singapore | accessdate = 2006-04-14 }} </ref>
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In 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, an official with the [[British East India Company]], signed a treaty with the Sultan of Johore, and established Singapore as a trading post and settlement, bringing instant growth and immigration. Britain  made Singapore a crown colony in 1867. After a series of colonial territorial expansions, the British Empire soon raised Singapore's status to that of an entrepot town, due to its strategic location along the busy shipping routes connecting [[Europe]] to China.
  
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During [[World War II]], the [[Imperial Japanese Army]] invaded [[Malaya]] and the surrounding region in the [[Battle of Malaya]], which culminated in the [[Battle of Singapore]]. The British were ill-prepared and swiftly defeated, despite having more troops. They surrendered to the Japanese on [[15 February]] [[1942]]. The Japanese renamed Singapore to ''Shōnan'' (昭南), compounded from Japanese word ''Shō'' ([[Shōwa period|Shōwa]]) and ''nan'' (South), and occupied it until the British arrived a month after [[Surrender of Japan|the Japanese surrender]] to repossess the island on 12 September 1945.<ref> {{cite web | author = Ron Taylor | title = Fall of Malaya and Singapore | url = http://www.britain-at-war.org.uk/Malaya_and_Singapore/body_index.htm | accessdate = 2006-04-14 }} </ref>
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During [[World War II]], the Imperial Japanese Army invaded [[Malaya]] and the surrounding region in the Battle of Malaya, which culminated in the Battle of Singapore. The British were ill-prepared and swiftly defeated, despite having more troops. They surrendered to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. The Japanese renamed Singapore to ''Shōnan'' and occupied it until the British arrived a month after the Japanese surrender to repossess the island on 12 September 1945.
  
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Singapore became a self-governing state in 1959 with [[Yusof bin Ishak]] as its first ''[[Yang di-Pertuan Negara]]'' (literally means "head of state" in [[Malay language|Malay]]) and [[Lee Kuan Yew]] from the [[People's Action Party]] (PAP) as its first [[Prime Minister of Singapore|Prime Minister]], after the 1959 elections. Following the [[1962 Merger Referendum of Singapore]], Singapore joined [[Malaysia]] along with [[Malaya]], [[Sabah]] and [[Sarawak]] as a state with [[Autonomous entity|autonomous]] powers in September 1963. [[16 September]], coincidentally, is also [[Lee Kuan Yew]]'s birthday. Singapore was expelled from the federation after [[PAP-UMNO relations|heated ideological conflict]] developed between the state government formed by PAP and the federal government in [[Kuala Lumpur]]. It gained official sovereignty on [[9 August]] [[1965]], which later became Singapore's National Day. Malaysia was the first country to recognise it as an independent nation.<ref> {{cite web| title = Road to Independence | url = http://countrystudies.us/singapore/10.htm | publisher = U.S. Library of Congress|accessdate = 2006-04-14 }} </ref> [[Yusof bin Ishak]] was sworn in as the first [[President of Singapore]] and [[Lee Kuan Yew]] remained as prime minister.
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Singapore became a self-governing state in 1959 with Yusof bin Ishak as its first head of state and [[Lee Kuan Yew]] from the People's Action Party as its first prime minister. Following the 1962 Merger Referendum of Singapore, Singapore joined [[Malaysia]] along with [[Malaya]], [[Sabah]] and [[Sarawak]] as a state with autonomous powers in September 1963. Singapore was expelled from the federation after heated ideological conflict developed between the state government formed by PAP and the federal government in [[Kuala Lumpur]]. It gained official sovereignty on 9 August 1965, which later became Singapore's National Day. Malaysia was the first country to recognise it as an independent nation. Yusof bin Ishak was sworn in as the first president and Lee Kuan Yew remained as prime minister.
  
 
[[Image:Singapore.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The [[Downtown Core]] of Singapore at dusk]]
 
[[Image:Singapore.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The [[Downtown Core]] of Singapore at dusk]]
  
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The fledgling nation had to become self-sufficient, and faced problems including mass [[unemployment]], housing shortages and lack of land and natural resources such as [[petroleum]]. During Lee Kuan Yew's term as prime minister from 1959 to 1990, his administration curbed unemployment, raised the [[standard of living]] and implemented a large-scale public housing programme. The country's [[economic]] infrastructure was developed, the threat of racial tension was eliminated and an independent national defence system was created. Singapore evolved from a [[Developing country|developing nation]] to a [[global city]] with [[developed country|first world status]] towards the end of the 20th century.<ref> {{cite web| title = Country Groups | url = http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/DATASTATISTICS/0,,contentMDK:20421402~menuPK:64133156~pagePK:64133150~piPK:64133175~theSitePK:239419,00.html|publisher = [[The World Bank]] | accessdate = 2006-05-02 }} </ref>
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The fledgling nation faced problems including mass unemployment, housing shortages and lack of land and natural resources such as petroleum. Lee Kuan Yew, during his term as prime minister from 1959 to 1990, curbed unemployment, raised the standard of living and implemented a large-scale public housing programme. The country's economic infrastructure was developed, the threat of racial tension was eliminated and an independent national defence system was created. Singapore evolved from a developing nation to a global city with first-world status towards the end of the twentieth century.
  
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In 1990, [[Goh Chok Tong]] succeeded Lee as Prime Minister. During his tenure, the country tackled the economic impacts of the 1997 [[East Asian financial crisis|Asian financial crisis]] and the 2003 [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome|SARS]] outbreak, as well as [[War on Terrorism|terrorist threats]] posed by the [[Jemaah Islamiyah|Jemaah Islamiah]] (JI) [[September 11 attacks|post-September 11]] and the [[Bali bombings]]. In 2004 [[Lee Hsien Loong]], the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, became the third prime minister.<ref> {{cite web| title =  Country profile: Singapore | publisher = BBC News | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1143240.stm | accessdate = 2006-04-14}} </ref>
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In 1990, Goh Chok Tong succeeded Lee as prime minister. During his tenure, the country tackled the economic impacts of the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the 2003 Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, as well as terrorist threats posed by the Jemaah Islamiah post-September 11 attacks and the Bali bombings. In 2004 Lee Hsien Loong, the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, became the third prime minister.  
  
 
==Politics and government==
 
==Politics and government==
  
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<!--Please add new information into relevant articles of the series—>
 
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{{main|Politics of Singapore}}
 
 
[[Image:Singapore_Parliament_House.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Parliament House, Singapore|Parliament House]].]]
 
[[Image:Singapore_Parliament_House.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Parliament House, Singapore|Parliament House]].]]
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Singapore is a [[republic]] with a [[Westminster system]] of a [[Unicameralism|unicameral]] [[Parliament|parliamentary government]] representing different [[constituencies of Singapore]]. The bulk of the executive powers rests in the hands of the [[Cabinet of Singapore]], which consists of ministers led by the [[Prime Minister of Singapore]]. The office of the [[President of Singapore]] was, historically, a ceremonial one as [[head of state]], but the [[Constitution of Singapore]] was amended in 1991 to create the position of a popularly elected President and also to grant the President [[veto]] powers in a few key decisions such as the use of the national reserves and the appointment of key [[judiciary]] positions.<ref>{{cite web | title=The Presidency in Singapore | work=Istana website | url=http://www.istana.gov.sg/pro.html| accessdate=2005-01-30 }} </ref> The [[Legislature|legislative]] branch of government is the Parliament. [[Parliamentary elections in Singapore]] are [[plurality voting system|plurality-based]] for group representation constituencies since the [[Parliamentary Elections Act]] was modified in 1991.<ref> {{cite web|title=Parliamentary Elections Act|publisher=Singapore Statutes Online|url=http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_getdata.pl?actno=2001-REVED-218&doctitle=PARLIAMENTARY%20ELECTIONS%20ACT%0A&segid=946439076-000003|accessdate=2006-05-08}}</ref>
 
  
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Singaporean politics have been dominated by the [[People's Action Party]] (PAP) since self-government in 1959.<ref> {{cite book | author=Worthington, Ross | title=Governance in Singapore | publisher=Routledge/Curzon | year=2002|id=ISBN 0-7007-1474-X}}</ref> Foreign political analysts and several opposition parties including the [[Workers' Party of Singapore]], the [[Singapore Democratic Party]] (SDP) and the [[Singapore Democratic Alliance]] (SDA) have argued that Singapore is a ''[[de facto]]'' [[Single-party state|one-party state]]. Many consider the form of government in Singapore to be closer to [[authoritarianism]] such as [[illiberal democracy]] or [[procedural democracy]] rather than true [[democracy]]. [[Reporters Without Borders]] ranked Singapore 146th out of 168 countries in its 2006 Worldwide Press Freedom Index. The ''Economist'' Intelligence Unit listed Singapore as a country with a "hybrid" system with democratic and authoritarian elements. [[Freedom House]] ranks the country as "partly free". Though general elections are free from irregularities and vote rigging, the PAP has been criticised for manipulating the political system. It has been alleged that the PAP employs [[censorship]], [[gerrymandering]] by the [[Elections Department]] and civil [[Slander and libel|libel]] suits against opposition politicians to impede their success. Several political opponents, including [[Francis Seow]], [[J.B. Jeyaretnam]] and [[Chee Soon Juan]] perceive the Singaporean courts as favourable towards the government and the PAP due to a lack of [[separation of powers]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=554
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The politics of Singapore takes place in a framework of a parliamentary system republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Singapore is the head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system.
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| title=Worldwide Press Freedom Index | accessdate=2006-04-13}} </ref>
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The president had largely a ceremonial role until 1991, when constitutional changes mean the president is now directly elected, by popular vote, for a six-year term. As of early 2007, an no election had ever taken place. The president has veto powers in a few key decisions such as the use of the national reserves and the appointment of key judiciary positions.
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The cabinet forms the executive, or the government, and it is answerable to parliament. It consists of 84 sitting members of parliament and is headed by a prime minister, the head of government. The prime minister is Lee Hsien Loong. The president appoints the prime minister, and cabinet ministers, on the advice of the prime minister.
  
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Although no PAP member has ever lost a defamation case in court, there are three cases in which opposition leader [[Chiam See Tong]] sued PAP members for defamation and successfully obtained an out-of-court settlement.<ref> {{cite news| title= Resolution: Singapore Case N SIN/01 - Joshua Jeyaretnam | publisher = Inter-Parliamentary Union | date = 23 March 2002 | url  = http://www.ipu.org/hr-e/170/Sin01.htm }} </ref>
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The unicameral parliament is the legislature in Singapore with the president as its head. The 84 members of parliament (MPs) are elected for a maximum five-year term, and represent either single-member constituencies or group representation constituencies. In group constituencies, political parties field a team of between three to six candidates. At least one candidate in the team must belong to a minority race. In the general election in 2006, the incumbent People's Action Party (PAP) won 82 of the 84 seats.
  
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Singapore has what its government considers to be a highly successful and transparent [[market economy]]. The PAP's policies contain some aspects of [[socialism]]. The [[Housing Development Board]] oversees a large-scale public housing programme and [[education in Singapore]] is a rigorous [[compulsory education|compulsory]] [[public education]] system. [[Government-linked companies]] are dominant in various sectors of the local economy, such as the areas of [[media of Singapore|media]], [[Public Utilities Board|utilities]], and [[public transport in Singapore|public transport]]. Singapore has consistently been rated as the least-corrupt country in [[Asia]] and amongst the top ten cleanest from corruption in the world by [[Transparency International]].<ref> {{cite web | url = http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi | title = Transparency International - Corruption Perceptions Index 2005 | accessdate = 2006-04-13 }} </ref>
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Voting has been compulsory in Singapore since 1959. Paper ballots are still used.
  
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Although Singapore's laws are inherited from British and [[British India]]n laws, including many elements of [[English common law]], the PAP has also consistently rejected [[liberal democracy|liberal democratic values]], which it typifies as [[Western world|Western]] and states that there should not be a 'one-size-fits-all' solution to a democracy. Laws restricting the [[freedom of speech]] are justified by claims that they are intended to prohibit speech that may breed ill will or cause disharmony within Singapore's multiracial, multi-religious society. For example, in September 2005, three [[blog]]gers were convicted of [[sedition]] for posting [[Racism|racist]] remarks targeting minorities.<ref> {{cite news| title= Third racist blogger sentenced to 24 months supervised probation | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/180127/1/.html | publisher=Channel NewsAsia | date=23 November 2005}} </ref> Some offences can lead to heavy fines or [[caning]] and there are laws which allow [[capital punishment in Singapore]] for [[Murder|first-degree murder]] and [[Illegal drug trade|drug trafficking]]. [[Amnesty International]] has criticised Singapore for having "possibly the highest execution rate in the world" [[per capita]].<ref> {{cite web | title = Amnesty International | work = The death penalty: A hidden toll of executions | url = http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA360012004?open&of=ENG-SGP | accessdate =7 June | accessyear = 2005}} </ref> The Singapore government argued that there is no international consensus on the appropriateness of the death penalty and that Singapore has the [[Sovereignty|sovereign right]] to determine its own judicial system and impose capital punishment for the most serious crimes.<ref>{{cite web|title = The Singapore Government's Response To Amnesty International's Report "Singapore - The Death Penalty: A Hidden Toll Of Executions" | publisher = Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore | url = http://www2.mha.gov.sg/mha/detailed.jsp?artid=1770&type=3&root=0&parent=0&cat=65|date = 2004-01-30 }} </ref> However, despite restrictions on public gatherings in Singapore, a small group of activists has organised events in 2005 and 2006 protesting against the country's use of the death penalty.<ref>{{cite web|title = Singapore forum against death penalty | publisher = Asia Death Penalty blog | url = http://asiadeathpenalty.blogspot.com/2006/08/singapore-forum-against-death-penalty.html|date = 2006-08-21}} </ref>
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The People's Action Party has dominated Singaporean politics since 1959. Some foreign analysts and several opposition parties, including the Workers' Party of Singapore, the Singapore Democratic Party and the Singapore Democratic Alliance, have argued that Singapore is a ''de facto'' one-party state. The ''Economist'' Intelligence Unit listed Singapore as a country with a "hybrid" system with democratic and authoritarian elements. Though general elections are free from irregularities and vote rigging, the PAP has been criticised for manipulating the political system.
  
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More recently the PAP government has relaxed some of its [[social conservatism|socially conservative]] policies and created a "Feedback Unit"<ref>[http://www.reach.gov.sg Feedback Unit, Singapore]</ref> to encourage citizens to share their views on policies and public services.
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The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. The Supreme Court consists of the Court of Appeal and the High Court. The Court of Appeal exercises appellate criminal and civil jurisdiction, while the High Court exercises both original and appellate criminal and civil jurisdiction. The president appoints the chief justice, judges of appeal, judicial commissioners and High Court judges from candidates recommended by the prime minister. The prime minister must consult the chief justice before recommending the judges. The chief justice is Chan Sek Keong.
  
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{{See also|Law of Singapore}}
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The constitution is the supreme law of Singapore. It cannot be amended without the support of more than two-thirds of the members of parliament. The president may seek opinion on constitutional issues from a tribunal consisting of not less than three judges of the Supreme Court. Singaporean courts, like the courts in Australia, cannot offer advisory opinion on the constitutionality of laws.
  
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==Geography==
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Part XII of the constitution allows the Parliament of Singapore to enact legislation designed to stop or prevent subversion. Such legislation is valid even if it is inconsistent with Part IV of the constitution. The Internal Security Act is a law under such provision. In 1966, Chia Thye Poh was detained under the ISA and was imprisoned for 23 years without trial.
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Singapore's laws are inherited from British and British Indian laws, and include many elements of English common law. The PAP has liberal democratic values, which it typifies as Western, but also says that there should not be a “one-size-fits-all” solution to a democracy. Laws restricting the freedom of speech are justified by claims that they are intended to prohibit speech that may breed ill will or cause disharmony within Singapore's multiracial, multi-religious society. For example, in September 2005, three bloggers were convicted of sedition for posting racist remarks targeting minorities.
  
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{{main|Geography and climate of Singapore}}
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Some offences can lead to heavy fines or caning. First-degree murder and drug trafficking attract the death penalty. Amnesty International has alleged Singapore has possibly the highest execution rate in the world per capita. The Singapore government argues that there is no international consensus on the appropriateness of the death penalty and that Singapore has the sovereign right to impose capital punishment.
  
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<div style="float: right; clear: right; font-size: 8pt; padding:5px; margin-left:20px; border:1px solid #CCC">
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Singapore has what its government considers to be a highly successful and transparent market economy. The PAP's policies contain some aspects of socialism. The Housing Development Board oversees a large-scale public housing programme and education in Singapore is a rigorous compulsory public education system. Government-linked companies dominate the media, utilities, and public transport. Singapore has consistently been rated as the least-corrupt country in [[Asia]] and amongst the top ten cleanest from corruption in the world by Transparency International.
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{{Singapore Urban Planning Areas Labelled Map}}
 
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Singapore is divided into 55 [[urban planning areas of Singapore|urban planning areas]], grouped into 5 [[Regions of Singapore|regions]].
 
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</div>
 
  
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Singapore consists of 63 islands, including the main island itself. There are two connections from Singapore to the Malaysian state of Johor &mdash; a man-made [[causeway]] known as the [[Johor-Singapore Causeway]] to the north, crossing the [[Tebrau Straits]], and [[Malaysia-Singapore Second Link|Tuas Second Link]], a bridge in the western part of Singapore that connects to Johor. [[Jurong Island]], [[Pulau Tekong]], [[Pulau Ubin]] and [[Sentosa]] are the largest of Singapore's many smaller islands. The highest point of Singapore is [[Bukit Timah|Bukit Timah Hill]], with a height of 166 metres (538 [[foot (unit of length)|ft]]).
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[[Image:Singapore Gurkha 01.jpg|thumb|250px|The [[Gurkha Contingent]] of the [[Singapore Police Force]], with its members recruited from [[Nepal]], is a [[counter-terrorism]] unit. Here, the officers join other members of the local constabulary in the annual Police Day Parade.]]
  
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The urban area used to be only concentrated on the southern part of Singapore around the mouth of the [[Singapore River]] and what is now the [[Downtown Core]], while the rest of the land was [[tropical rainforest]] or used for [[agriculture]]. Since the 1960s, the government has constructed new towns in outlying areas, resulting in an entirely built-up and urban landscape, although the [[Central Area]], the [[central business district]], remains the densest. The [[Urban Redevelopment Authority]] is a government agency responsible for the [[urban planning in Singapore|urban planning of Singapore]] that concentrates on efficient land use and distribution, as well as transport flow. It has released a [[Development Guide Plan]] which details specific land use for each the 55 [[urban planning areas of Singapore]].  
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The military of Singapore serves to deter potential invaders. Singapore has mutual defence pacts with several countries, most notably the Five Power Defence Arrangements. Singapore subscribes to a philosophy of Total Defence, in which five aspects of a c national defence are identified: Civil defence; economic defence, which stresses the need for a robust economy; psychological defence, which calls for a patriotic citizenry; and “social defence,” in which stresses the need for a population at harmony with itself.
  
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Singapore has [[land reclamation|reclaimed land]] with earth obtained from its own hills, the seabed and neighbouring countries. As a result, Singapore's land area grew from 581.5 square kilometres (224.5&nbsp;[[square mile|sq&nbsp;mi]]) in the 1960s to 697.2 square kilometres (269.1&nbsp;sq&nbsp;mi) today, and may grow by another 100 square kilometres (38.6&nbsp;sq&nbsp;mi) by 2030.<ref> {{cite web| title = Towards Environmental Sustainability, State of the Environment 2005 Report (PDF)| publisher = Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Singapore  | accessdate = 2006-04-14| url = http://app.nea.gov.sg/counter/nea_soecover.asp }}</ref> About 23% of Singapore's land area consists of forest and nature reserves. Many of the smaller islands have been expanded and joined together through land reclamation in order to form larger, more functional islands, such as in the case of [[Jurong Island]].
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The Singapore Armed Forces, which includes the army, navy, and air force, is one of the most modern in Asia, with advanced equipment and high level of training reflecting the fact that military expenditure dominates the annual government budget.
  
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[[Image:Singapore botanic garden pond.jpg|thumb|left|240px|[[Singapore Botanic Gardens]], a 67.3-hectare (166&nbsp;[[acre]]) botanical garden in Singapore that includes the National Orchid Garden which has a collection of more than 3,000 species of [[orchid]]s.]]
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The recent rise in unconventional warfare and terrorism has cast increasing emphasis upon the non-military aspects of Total Defence. The [[Gurkha Contingent]], which is part of the Singapore Police Force, is also a counter-terrorist force. Singapore's defence resources have been used in United Nations peacekeeping assignments in [[Kosovo]], [[Kuwait]] and [[East Timor]].  
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Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with no distinct seasons, under the [[Köppen climate classification]]. Its climate is characterised by uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity and abundant rainfall. Temperatures range from 22°[[Celsius|C]] to 34 °C (72°&ndash;93°[[Fahrenheit|F]]). On average, the [[relative humidity]] is around 90% in the morning and 60% in the afternoon. During prolonged heavy rain, relative humidity often reaches 100%.<ref> {{cite web| title = Climate of Singapore | url = http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/article.asp?pid=1088 | publisher = National Environment Agency, Singapore | accessdate = 2006-04-14}}</ref> The lowest and highest temperatures recorded in its maritime history are 18.4 °C (65.1 °F) and 37.8 °C (100.0 °F) respectively. The highest wind speed recorded is 120km/h on [[July 27]], 2001 {{citation needed}}.
 
  
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Urbanisation has eliminated many areas of primary rainforest that once existed, with the only remaining area of primary rainforest being [[Bukit Timah Nature Reserve]]. A variety of parks, however, are maintained with human intervention, such as the [[Singapore Botanic Gardens]]. Without natural [[Fresh water|freshwater]] rivers and lakes, the primary domestic source of [[water supply]] in Singapore is [[Precipitation (meteorology)|rainfall]], collected in reservoirs or catchment areas. Rainfall supplies approximately 50% of Singapore's water; the remainder is imported from Malaysia or obtained from [[Reclaimed water|recycled water]] facilities, a product called [[NEWater]] and [[desalination]] plants. More NEWater and desalination plants are being built or proposed to reduce reliance on foreign supply.<ref>{{cite web| title = Clean Water | publisher = Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Singapore | accessdate = 2006-04-14| url = http://app.mewr.gov.sg/home.asp?cid=167&nid=167&id=SAS763 }} </ref>
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One notable terrorist attack was the bombing of MacDonald House during the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation in the early 1960s. The Shell Oil refinery on [[Pulau Bukom]] was attacked by members of the Japanese Red Army and the PFLP in the Laju Incident of 1974; and in 1991, the hijacking of Singapore Airlines Flight 117 ended in the storming of the aircraft and the subsequent deaths of all four hijackers.  A concern in 2007 was [[Jemaah Islamiyah]], a militant Islamic group operating in South East Asia known to be responsible for several bombings around the region, as well as planning in 2001 an ultimately foiled attack on American interests in Singapore.
  
 
==Economy==
 
==Economy==
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[[Image:Orchard Road light up Xmas 2005.JPG|250px|thumb|right|Orchard Road is a popular tourist attraction in Singapore. Every year, Orchard Road is brightly lit during Christmas, so that tourists can enjoy the night scene of the streets every night during this period of time.]]
 
[[Image:Orchard Road light up Xmas 2005.JPG|250px|thumb|right|Orchard Road is a popular tourist attraction in Singapore. Every year, Orchard Road is brightly lit during Christmas, so that tourists can enjoy the night scene of the streets every night during this period of time.]]
 
[[Image:Singapore river panorama2.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Panoramic view of the [[Singapore River]]. Once centre of trade and commerce as the [[port of Singapore]] during its colonial times, it is now a tourist spot with numerous bars, pubs, and seafood along the river.]]
 
[[Image:Singapore river panorama2.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Panoramic view of the [[Singapore River]]. Once centre of trade and commerce as the [[port of Singapore]] during its colonial times, it is now a tourist spot with numerous bars, pubs, and seafood along the river.]]
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{{main|Economy of Singapore}}
 
{{main|Economy of Singapore}}
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Singapore has a highly developed [[Market economy|market-based economy]], and is a [[developed nation]]. It ranks 25th on the [[Human Development Index]]<ref> [http://hdr.undp.org/reports/global/2005/pdf/HDR05_HDI.pdf 2005 UN Human Development Index Report (PDF)]</ref> which measures [[standard of living|standards of living]], and second in the [[Index of Economic Freedom]]. Singapore's [[gross domestic product]] (GDP), per capita, is equal to that of the major European countries.<ref> [https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sn.html Singapore's GDP report by ICA - The World Factbook]</ref> Singapore is also the fourth largest foreign exchange trading centre in the world after [[London]], [[New York City]] and [[Tokyo]].<ref> [http://www.mas.gov.sg/annual_report/annual20052006/Index_A/A17_OA&WIP.htm MAS Annual Report 2005/2006]</ref>
 
  
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Singapore has been rated as the most business-friendly economy in the world. According to a World Bank-IFC report, Singapore beat previous winner [[New Zealand]] for the top spot in the 2005/2006 rankings, while the United States came in third. Within Asia, Hong Kong was Singapore's closest competitor, in fifth place. The economies were evaluated on 10 key parameters that included the ease of starting a business, getting licences, sourcing staff, and enforcing contracts.<ref> [http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/228852/1/.html Singapore is ranked first in the Doing Business Report 2006 by World Bank]</ref>
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Singapore has a highly developed market-based economy, and is a developed nation. It ranks 25th on the Human Development Index which measures standards of living, and second in the Index of Economic Freedom. Singapore's gross domestic product (GDP), per capita, is equal to that of the major European countries. Singapore is also the fourth largest foreign exchange trading centre in the world after [[London]], [[New York City]] and [[Tokyo]].
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Singapore has been rated as the most business-friendly economy in the world. The economies were evaluated on 10 key parameters that included the ease of starting a business, getting licences, sourcing staff, and enforcing contracts.  
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The city-state employs thousands of foreign workers — [[India]]ns, [[Malaysian]]s and [[Filipino]]s. It requires talent from outside to fill the various jobs the economy is generating, most of which are in the IT and financial sectors. The government offers easier processing time for permanent residency or citizenship.
  
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The city-state also employs thousands of foreign workers from around the world. It requires talent from outside to fill the various jobs the economy is generating, most of which are in the IT and financial sectors. The variety of workers predominantly hired are local Singaporeans, [[India]]ns, [[Malaysian]]s and [[Filipino]]s. The government is aggressively pushing for the permanent assimilation of these foreign workers by offering easier processing time for permanent residency or citizenship.  
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The economy depends heavily on exports produced from refining imported goods. Manufacturing, which contributes around 28 percent of GDP, includes electronics, chemicals, mechanical engineering and biomedical sciences. Along with [[Hong Kong]], [[South Korea]] and [[Republic of China|Taiwan]], Singapore's fast-paced industrialization earned it a place as one of the four original “East Asian Tigers.”
  
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The economy depends heavily on exports produced from refining imported goods in a form of extended [[entrepot]] trade, especially in manufacturing. Manufacturing contributes around 28% to GDP in 2005. The manufacturing industry is today well-diversified with electronics, chemicals, mechanical engineering and biomedical sciences manufacturing. Along with [[Hong Kong]], [[South Korea]] and [[Republic of China|Taiwan]], Singapore's fast-paced industrialization earned it a place as one of the four original '[[East Asian Tigers]]'.
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In 2001, a global recession and slump in the technology sector caused the GDP to contract by 2.2 percent. The Economic Review Committee set up in December 2001, recommended policy changes to revitalise the economy. Improvements in the world economy meant the Singaporean economy grew by 8.3 percent in 2004 and 6.4 percent in 2005, and 7.7 percent in 2006.  
  
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In 2001, a [[Early 2000s recession|global recession]] and slump in the technology sector caused the GDP to contract by 2.2%. The Economic Review Committee (ERC), set up in December 2001, recommended several policy changes with a view to revitalising the economy. Singapore has since recovered from the recession, largely due to improvements in the world economy; the Singaporean economy itself grew by 8.3% in 2004 and 6.4% in 2005.<ref> {{cite web | url = http://app.mti.gov.sg/data/article/1962/doc/ESS_2005Ann_%20PR.pdf | title = Performance of the Singapore Economy in 2005 (PDF), Ministry of Trade and Industry | accessdate = 2006-04-14}}  </ref> In the long term, the government hopes to establish a new growth path which will be less vulnerable to the external business cycle, as compared to the current export-led model. However, the government is unlikely to abandon efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech hub. The per capita GDP in 2005 was US$26,833<ref> {{cite web| title =  Per Capita GDP at Current Market Prices | url = http://www.singstat.gov.sg/keystats/hist/gdp.html | publisher = Singapore Department of Statistics| date = 2006-02-16 }} </ref> and the unemployment rate was 2.7% in 2006, with<ref> {{cite news | title =  Singapore's employment hits all-time high of 2.3 m in 2005  | author= May Wong | publisher = Channel NewsAsia | date = 1 February 2006 | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/191175/1/.html }}</ref> 124,000 new jobs being created in the first three quarters of 2006, a record high. The economy grew by 7.7% in Year 2006, higher than originally expected. <ref> {{cite news | title =  Singapore's economy grows by 7.7% in 2006  | author= Dominique Loh | publisher = Channel NewsAsia | date = 31 December 2006 | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/250028/1/.html}}</ref> Initially, Lee Hsien Loong, who is the current Finance and Prime Minister, had only expected growth to be between 3-5% for Year 2006. Economic growth is positive this year, as the Prime Minister expects growth to be between 4-6%.
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The per capita GDP in 2005 was US$26,833 and the unemployment rate was 2.7 percent in 2006, with 124,000 new jobs being created in the first three quarters of 2006, a record high.  
  
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On [[5 October]] 2006, the government announced that Singapore has recorded its highest employment rate in 15 years with improvements, particularly, in the hiring of older workers. The Manpower Ministry's Research and Statistics Department said that in June this year, 76 percent of its resident population, aged 25 to 64, were employed. This was up from 73 percent last year and 72 percent in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/234038/1/.html|title=Singapore's emloyment rate the highest in 15 years|accessdate=2006-10-06|year=[[October 6]], [[2006]]}}</ref>
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Exports totalled US$204.8-billion in 2005. Export commodities were machinery and equipment (including electronics), consumer goods, chemicals, and mineral fuels. Export partners were Malaysia 14.7 percent, US 11.5 percent, Indonesia 10.7 percent, Hong Kong 10.4 percent, China 9.5 percent, Japan 6 percent, Thailand 4.5 percent, Australia 4.1 percent.
  
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Singapore introduced a [[Goods and Services Tax]] (GST) with an initial rate of 3% on [[1 April]] [[1994]]. This has substantially increased government revenue by $1.6 billion, stabilising the government's finances.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mof.gov.sg/budget_1996/revenue.html|title=FY 1996 Budget, Revenue And Tax Changes|accessdate=2006-05-01}}</ref> The government has used revenue from the GST to reorient the economy around services and [[value added]]-goods to reduce dependence on electronics manufacturing. The taxable GST was increased to 4% in 2003 and to 5% in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.feedback.gov.sg/asp/pol/pol01d1.asp?id=172|title=Policy Digest: Phased GST increase|accessdate=2006-04-26|year=[[December 21]], [[2002]]}}</ref> The GST could be increased to 7% in 2007.
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Imports totalled US$188.3-billion in 2005. Import commodities were machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals, and foodstuffs. Import partners were Malaysia 14.4 percent, US 12.4 percent, China 10.8 percent, Japan 10.1 percent, Indonesia 5.5 percent, Saudi Arabia 4.7 percent, and South Korea 4.5 percent.
  
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Singapore is a popular travel destination, making [[Tourism in Singapore|tourism]] one of its largest industries. 8.9 million and 9.5 million tourists visited Singapore in Year 2005 and Year 2006 respectively. Singapore received its nine millionth visitor in 2006 on [[6 December]] [[2006]], a new record for Singapore's tourism industry.<ref> {{cite web|title= Channel NewsAsia 2006-12-06 |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/245628/1/.html}}</ref>. By 2015, Singapore hopes to achieve about 17 million visitor arrivals {{citation needed}}. In July 2006, a record high of a total of 913,000 visitors arrived in Singapore, mostly due to the [[Great Singapore Sale]] {{citation needed}}. Singapore was also the first country in the world to receive its one millionth visitor from [[China]] itself.
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Singapore introduced a goods and services tax (GST) with an initial rate of 3 percent on 1 April, 1994. This has substantially increased government revenue by $1.6-billion, stabilising the government's finances. The government has used revenue from this tax to reorient the economy around services and value added-goods to reduce dependence on electronics manufacturing. The taxable GST was increased to 4 percent in 2003 and to 5 percent in 2004.
  
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The [[Orchard Road]] district, which is dominated by multi-storey shopping centres and hotels, is the centre of tourism in Singapore. Other popular tourist attractions include the [[Singapore Zoo]] and its [[Night Safari]] along with the tourist island of [[Sentosa]]. To attract more tourists, the government decided in 2005 to legalise [[gambling]] and to allow two [[Integrated Resort]]s to be developed at [[Marina South]] and Sentosa.<ref> {{cite web| title = Proposal to develop Integrated Resorts - Ministerial Statement by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 18 April 2005| url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/casino/text_pmlee.htm }} </ref> Other than the Integrated Resort, many other new developments are coming up that includes the [[Singapore Flyer]] and [[Gardens by the Bay]].  
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Singapore is a popular travel destination, making tourism one of its largest industries. 8.9 million and 9.5 million tourists visited Singapore in 2005 and 2006 respectively. The Orchard Road district, which is dominated by multi-storey shopping centres and hotels, is the centre of tourism in Singapore. Other popular tourist attractions include the Singapore Zoo and its Night Safari along with the tourist island of Sentosa. To attract more tourists, the government decided in 2005 to legalise gambling and to allow two Integrated Resorts to be developed at Marina South and Sentosa.  
  
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Cuisine has been heavily promoted as an attraction for [[tourist]]s, and is usually promoted by various initiatives undertaken by the [[Singapore Tourism Board]] or the associations it deals with as one of Singapore's best attractions alongside [[shopping]]. The government organises the [[Singapore Food Festival]] in July annually to celebrate Singapore's cuisine. The multiculturalism of local food, the ready availability of international cuisine, and their wide range in prices to fit all budgets at all times of the day and year helps create a "food paradise" to rival other contenders claiming the same [[moniker]].  
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Cuisine has been heavily promoted as an attraction for tourists, alongside shopping. The government organises the Singapore Food Festival in July annually to celebrate Singapore's cuisine. The multiculturalism of local food, the ready availability of international cuisine, and their wide range in prices to fit all budgets at all times of the day and year helps create a "food paradise" to rival other contenders claiming the same moniker.  
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{{seealso|Tourism in Singapore}}
 
  
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==Military==
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[[Image:NS_logo.jpg|thumb|Logo of the '''PTC- Public Transport System''']]
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[[Image:Singapore Changi Airport, Control Tower 2, Dec 05.JPG|thumb|251px|right|Singapore's [[Singapore Changi Airport|Changi International Airport]] is one of the largest aviation facilities in Asia, serving 179 cities in 57 countries.]]
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Singapore is a major Asian transportation hub, strategically lying on sea and air trade routes. Its history has been closely tied to the growth of its transportation industry since the establishment of its port. The transportation industry comprises over 10 percent of Singaporean GDP. The Port of Singapore was the world's busiest port in 2005 with 1.15 billion gross tons handled.
  
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[[Image:Singapore Gurkha 01.jpg|thumb|250px|The [[Gurkha Contingent]] of the [[Singapore Police Force]], with its members recruited from [[Nepal]], is a [[counter-terrorism]] unit. Here, the officers join other members of the local constabulary in the annual Police Day Parade.]]
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Singapore is an aviation hub, acting as a stopover point for the “Kangaroo route” between [[Australasia]] and [[Europe]]. Singapore’s Changi Airport has a network of 81 airlines connecting Singapore to 179 cities in 57 countries in 2005. It is one of the top five airports in Asia in terms of passengers handled, with 30 million passengers passing through in 2004.  
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{{main|Military of Singapore|Total Defence}}
 
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The military of Singapore serves primarily as a deterrent to potential invaders of the island. Singapore has mutual defence pacts with several countries, most notably the [[Five Power Defence Arrangements]]. Singapore subscribes to a philosophy of [[Total Defence]], in which five aspects of a holistic national defence are identified. Non-military aspects of total defence include [[Civil defense|civil defence]], which is carried out by the [[Singapore Civil Defence Force]]; 'economic defence', which stresses the need for a robust economy in order to maintain a viable society; 'psychological defence', which calls for a patriotic citizenry willing to do all in the name of its country; and 'social defence', in which the need for a population at harmony with itself and strongly identified with each other is emphasised.
 
  
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The military of Singapore includes the [[Singapore Army]], the [[Republic of Singapore Navy]], and the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]], collectively known as the [[Singapore Armed Forces]] (SAF). Various agencies of the [[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)|Ministry of Defence]] (MINDEF) and some private companies also play a supporting role. The military of Singapore is one of the most modern in Asia, with its advanced equipment and high level of training reflecting the continued emphasis of the government on military defence &mdash; military expenditures dominate the annual government budget.
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[[Image:Kawasaki c751 eunos.jpg|thumb|250px|left|A [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries & Nippon Sharyo C751B Cars|C751B train]] at [[Eunos MRT Station]] on the [[Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)|Mass Rapid Transit]] (MRT) system, one of three heavy rail passenger transport lines in Singapore.]]
  
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The recent rise in [[unconventional warfare]] and [[terrorism]] has cast increasing emphasis upon the non-military aspects of Total Defence. The [[Gurkha Contingent]], which is part of the [[Singapore Police Force]], is also a [[counter-terrorism|counter-terrorist]] force. Singapore's defence resources have been used in international [[humanitarianism|humanitarian]] aid missions, including [[peacekeeping|United Nations peacekeeping]] assignments in [[Kosovo]], [[Kuwait]] and [[East Timor]],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/peacekeepers/peacekeepers.htm | title=Peacekeepers :: In the Service of Peace | accessdate=2006-05-01}}</ref> and participating in the [[multinational force in Iraq]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Singapore to send 192 military personnel to Iraq  | url = http://www.singapore-window.org/sw03/031027af.htm  | date = [[October 27]], [[2003]]|publisher = Agence France Presse}}</ref> One notable incident of terrorism in Singapore prior to its independence was the [[MacDonald House bombing|bombing of MacDonald House]] during the [[Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation|Confrontation]] that took place between Malaysia and Indonesia in the early 1960s. More recently, the Shell Oil refinery on [[Pulau Bukom]] was attacked by members of the [[Japanese Red Army]] and the [[PFLP]] in the [[Laju incident|Laju Incident]] of 1974; and in 1991, the hijacking of [[Singapore Airlines Flight 117]] ended in the storming of the aircraft and the subsequent deaths of all four hijackers. A current concern is [[Jemaah Islamiyah]], a militant Islamic group operating in South East Asia known to be responsible for several bombings around the region, as well as planning in 2001 an ultimately foiled [[Singapore embassies attack plot|attack]] on American interests in Singapore.
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The backbone of domestic transport infrastructure is the road transport system that includes a network of expressways that form the arteries between towns and regional centres. Following a government study which foresaw problems of traffic congestion and air pollution, the Land Transport Authority began to develop the use of public transport by improving the nation's bus service and liberalising the hired vehicle market to allow for more taxi operators. Since 1987, the heavy rail passenger Mass Rapid Transit metro system has been in operation, later augmented by and linked to the Light Rapid Transit, which provides service to several expanses of housing estates. The EZ-Link system allows contactless smartcards to serve as stored value tickets for use in the public transport systems. More than 2.8 million people use the bus network daily, while more than 1.3 million people use either the LRT or MRT as part of their daily routine. Approximately 900,000 people use the taxi services daily. Private vehicle use in the Central Area is discouraged by tolls implemented through an Electronic Road Pricing system that operates during hours of heavy road traffic.
  
 
==Demographics==
 
==Demographics==
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After two decades of a successful [[family planning]] policy, Singapore is now facing the threat of an [[aging population]] with declining [[birth rate]]s. The government is encouraging Singaporeans to have more children through the provision of financial incentives for the first to fourth child of each family.<ref> {{cite web| title = Baby Bonus | url = http://www.babybonus.gov.sg/bbss/html/menu/bb1.html#ac_parent02 | publisher =  Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports | accessdate = 2006-04-14 }} </ref>
 
After two decades of a successful [[family planning]] policy, Singapore is now facing the threat of an [[aging population]] with declining [[birth rate]]s. The government is encouraging Singaporeans to have more children through the provision of financial incentives for the first to fourth child of each family.<ref> {{cite web| title = Baby Bonus | url = http://www.babybonus.gov.sg/bbss/html/menu/bb1.html#ac_parent02 | publisher =  Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports | accessdate = 2006-04-14 }} </ref>
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==Culture==
  
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==Architecture==
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Architecture
  
 
[[Image:Singapore_Skyline.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Skyline of the Central Business District]]
 
[[Image:Singapore_Skyline.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Skyline of the Central Business District]]
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A few signs of Singapore's colonial past remain in the form of "Black and White Houses". These large houses are situated further away from the CBD and were built in the early to mid 19th century. These homes were built to house the British generals and governors when Britain occupied the country. Later, they became home to many Japanese generals after the fall of Singapore during [[World War II]].
 
A few signs of Singapore's colonial past remain in the form of "Black and White Houses". These large houses are situated further away from the CBD and were built in the early to mid 19th century. These homes were built to house the British generals and governors when Britain occupied the country. Later, they became home to many Japanese generals after the fall of Singapore during [[World War II]].
  
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==Culture==
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{{main|Culture of Singapore}}
 
{{main|Culture of Singapore}}
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{{seealso|Sport in Singapore|Cuisine of Singapore}}
 
{{seealso|Sport in Singapore|Cuisine of Singapore}}
  
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==Education==
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Education
  
 
{{main|Education in Singapore}}
 
{{main|Education in Singapore}}
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Singapore students took first place in the 1995, 1999 and 2003 [[TIMSS]] Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. They used Singapore Math Primary Mathematics series. The national textbooks have been adapted into a series which has been successfully marketed in North America as a rival to [[Saxon math]] and an alternative to controversial [[standards-based mathematics]] curricula which many parents complained moved too far away from the sort of traditional basic skills instruction exemplified by Singapore's national curriculum.
 
Singapore students took first place in the 1995, 1999 and 2003 [[TIMSS]] Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. They used Singapore Math Primary Mathematics series. The national textbooks have been adapted into a series which has been successfully marketed in North America as a rival to [[Saxon math]] and an alternative to controversial [[standards-based mathematics]] curricula which many parents complained moved too far away from the sort of traditional basic skills instruction exemplified by Singapore's national curriculum.
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==Transport==
 
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{{main|Transport in Singapore}}
 
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[[Image:NS_logo.jpg|thumb|Logo of the '''PTC- Public Transport System''']]
 
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[[Image:Singapore Changi Airport, Control Tower 2, Dec 05.JPG|thumb|251px|right|Singapore's [[Singapore Changi Airport|Changi International Airport]] is one of the largest aviation facilities in Asia, serving 179 cities in 57 countries.]]
 
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Singapore is a major Asian transportation hub, strategically lying on sea and air trade routes. Its history has been closely tied to the growth of its transportation industry since the establishment of its port. The transportation industry comprises over 10% of Singaporean GDP despite an increasingly diversified economy. The [[Port of Singapore]], managed by port operators [[PSA International]] and [[Jurong Port]], was the world's busiest port in 2005 in terms of shipping tonnage handled with 1.15 billion [[gross ton]]s handled, and in terms of [[container (cargo)|container]]ised traffic, with 23.2 million [[Twenty-foot equivalent unit]]s (TEUs) handled. It was also the world's second busiest in terms of cargo tonnage, coming behind [[Shanghai]] with 423 million tons handled. In addition, Singapore is the world's busiest hub for transhipment traffic and the world's biggest ship refuelling hub.<ref> {{cite news | title = Singapore remains world's busiest port | url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-01/12/content_4045562.htm | date = 12 January 2006 | publisher = Xinhuanet }} </ref>
 
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Singapore is an aviation hub, acting as a stopover point for the '[[Kangaroo route]]' between [[Australasia]] and [[Europe]]. [[Singapore Changi Airport]] has a network of 81 airlines connecting Singapore to 179 cities in 57 countries (2005). It is one of the top five airports in Asia in terms of passengers handled, with 30 million passengers passing through in 2004. It has been consistently rated as one of the best international airports by numerous international travel magazines. It was also rated as the world's best airport in 2006 by [[Skytrax]], defeating its long time rival, [[Hong Kong International Airport]].<ref> {{cite web | title =2006 Airport of the Year result | accessdate=2006-06-01 | url = http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards-2006/AirportYear-2006.htm }} </ref> A low-cost terminal, the Budget Terminal, which started operation in March 2006<ref> {{cite news | title =  Singapore opens budget air terminal  | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific_business/view/199976/1/.html | date = 26 March 2006|publisher = Channel NewsAsia }} </ref> and a third passenger terminal now under construction will increase the airport's total annual capacity to 66.7 million passengers by 2008. The national carrier [[Singapore Airlines]] (SIA) is internationally renowned for its service and will be the first airline in the world to fly the new [[Airbus A380]] commercially. 
 
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[[Image:Kawasaki c751 eunos.jpg|thumb|250px|left|A [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries & Nippon Sharyo C751B Cars|C751B train]] at [[Eunos MRT Station]] on the [[Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)|Mass Rapid Transit]] (MRT) system, one of three heavy rail passenger transport lines in Singapore.]]
 
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The backbone of domestic transport infrastructure is the [[road transport in Singapore|road transport system]] which includes a [[expressways of Singapore|network of expressways]] that form the arteries between distinct towns and [[regional centre (Singapore)|regional centres]] as laid out in [[urban planning in Singapore|Singapore's urban planning]]. Following a government study assisted by the [[United Nations Development Programme]] which foresaw problems with private transport such as [[traffic congestion]] and [[air pollution]] as the city grew,<ref> {{cite paper | url = http://csur.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ws2004/papers/B2-Fwa.pdf | author = Tien Fang Fwa | title = Sustainable Urban Transportation Planning and Development &mdash; Issues and Challenges for Singapore | date = [[September 4|4 September]] [[2004]]|accessdate= 2006-05-01 |publisher = [[University of Tokyo]] }} </ref> the Land Transport Authority began a series of measures to develop the use of the [[public transport in Singapore|public transport system]] such as improving the [[Bus transport in Singapore|nation's bus service]] and liberalising the hired vehicle market to allow for more taxi operators. Since 1987, the heavy rail passenger [[Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)|Mass Rapid Transit]] (MRT) [[metro]] system has been in operation. MRT was later augmented by and linked to the [[Light Rapid Transit (Singapore)|Light Rapid Transit]] (LRT) [[light rail]] system, which provides service to several expanses of housing estates. The [[EZ-Link]] system allows contactless [[Smart card|smartcards]] to serve as stored value tickets for use in the public transport systems. More than 2.8 million people use the bus network daily, while more than 1.3 million people use either the LRT or MRT as part of their daily routine.<ref name="dailyridership"/> Approximately 900,000 people use the taxi services daily. Private vehicle use in the Central Area is discouraged by tolls implemented through an [[Electronic Road Pricing]] system which operates during hours of heavy road traffic.
 
  
 
==International rankings==
 
==International rankings==
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[[Category:1965 establishments]]
 
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[[Category:Chinese-speaking countries and territories]]
 
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Revision as of 19:52, 16 January 2007

{{Infobox Country or territory |native_name = Republik Singapura
新加坡共和国
சிங்கப்பூர் குடியரசு |conventional_long_name = Republic of Singapore |common_name = Singapore |image_flag = Flag of Singapore.svg |image_coat = Singapore coa.png |symbol_type = Coat of arms |image_map = LocationSingapore.png |national_motto = Majulah Singapura
(Malay: "Onward, Singapore") |national_anthem = Majulah Singapura |official_languages = English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil |capital = Singapore1 |government_type = Parliamentary republic |leader_title1 = President |leader_title2 = Prime Minister |leader_name1 = Sellapan Ramanathan |leader_name2 = Lee Hsien Loong |area_rank = 188th |area_magnitude = 1_E8 |area = 699.4 |areami² = 270 |percent_water = 1.444 |population_estimate = 4,483,900 |population_density_rank = 4th |GDP_PPP_year = 2006 |GDP_PPP = $123.4 billion

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Coordinates: 01°22′N 103°48′E

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