Singapore
Singapore is an island city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and is the smallest nation in Southeast Asia and consists of 63 islands, including mainland Singapore. Singapore is the 5th wealthiest country in the world in terms of GDP (PPP) per capita.
Singapore stands as a premier education hub with its world class universities offering international students quality education at an affordable cost..
Singapore offers students a unique learning experience as they receive a perfect blend of social, cultural and educational mix. In addition the country offers the sophistication of modern living making Singapore truly vibrant and cosmopolitan. Jurong , Bukit timah, Central business district, Changi, Orchard, Bedok and Wooklands are the major cities.The four official languages of Singapore are Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. English is the most common language used and is the language which unites the different ethnic groups.
History of Singapore
The history of the modern state of Singapore dates back to its founding in the early nineteenth century, but evidence suggests that a significant trading settlement existed in the Island of Singapore in the 14th century. At the time, the Kingdom of Singapura was under the rule of Parameswara, who killed the previous ruler before he was expelled by the Majapahit or the Siamese. It then came under the Malacca Sultanate and then the Johor Sultanate. In 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles negotiated a treaty whereby Johor allowed the British to locate a trading port on the island, leading to the establishment of the British crown colony of Singapore in 1819.
During World War II, Singapore was conquered and occupied by the Japanese Empire from 1942 to 1945. When the war ended, Singapore reverted to British control, with increasing levels of self-government being granted, culminating in Singapore's merger with the Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia in 1963. However, social unrest and disputes between Singapore's ruling People's Action Party and Malaysia's Alliance Party resulted in Singapore's expulsion from Malaysia. Singapore became an independent republic on 9 August 1965.
Facing severe unemployment and a housing crisis, Singapore embarked on a modernisation programme beginning in the late 1960s through the 1970s that focused on establishing a manufacturing industry, developing large public housing estates, and investing heavily in public education and infrastructure.
Economy
Singapore has grown from a tiny fishing village to a thriving centre of commerce & Industry. Singapore has the busiest port in the world serving over 620 shipping lines & one of its major oil refining & distribution centres. Singapore is a vital supplier of electronic components & a leader in ship building & repairing, its strategic position has helped it to grow into a major centre for finance, communication & tourism. Singapore has an airport served by more than 69 airlines. 91% literacy.
Climate
Singapore is generally hot and humid year round, with the temperature almost never dropping below 18°C, even at night, and usually climbing to 32°C during the day. Humidity is mounting over 75% mark.
Culture
Singapore is a mixture of an ethnic Malay population with a Chinese majority, as well as Indian and Arab immigrants. There also exist significant Eurasian and Peranakan (known also as 'Straits Chinese') communities.
