The word Singapore is derived from the Malay word, Singapura, meaning the Lion City! History has it that the founder of the city-state, named it so after spotting a Lion. However, there is enough evidence that Lions probably never lived there and what the founder saw was probably the tiger!
Officially, the Republic Of Singapore, this Southeastern City-State lies off the Southern tip of the MAlaysian Peninsular. this island country, made of 63 islands, is separated from Malaysia by the Strait of Johor, to its North, and from Indonesia’s Riau Islands, by the Singapore Strait, to its South.
Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate -- no distinctive seasons, uniform temperature, high humidity and abundant rainfall. April and May are its hottest month.
Singapore is a very well developed economy, and is one of the original four Asian tigers. the others being, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan.
The Singapore economy is known to be one of the freest, most innovative, most competitive, most business friendly and least corrupt in the world.
It is the 14th largest exporter and the 15th largest importer in the world. Despite its small size, Singapore has a diversified economy, a strategy that the government considers vital for growth and stability.
Buddhism is the most widely practiced religion in Singapore, with the other religions followed being, Christianity, Islam, Taoism and Hindusim.
There are several monasteries and Dharma centres from all three major traditions of Buddhism in Singapore. Most Buddhists in Singapore are Chinese and are of the Mahayana tradition.
Singapore has four official languages -- Malay, Chinese, Tamil and English. It is a very diverse and young country, with many languages, cultures and religions. Due to this, there is no single set of culturally acceptable behaviours.
That dining, along with shopping is said to Singapore’s national pastime?
That Singapore is one of the busiest ports in the world?
That people who do not obey the laws are fined or imprisoned -- and that includes spitting, littering, smoking in prohibited areas, chewing gum, jaywalking and neglecting to flush a toilet?
|