Singapore

Singapore or the Republic of Singapore is an island country situated at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula. It is one of the few existing city-states in the world and the smallest country in Southeast Asia.

At the time of colonization in 1819 by the British East India Company, Singapore was basically a fishing village thinly populated by native Orang Lauts and Malays. The main reason behind the British occupation of Singapore was its location along the spice route. It eventually turned out to be one of the most crucial business and military outposts of the British Empire. The independent Republic of Singapore was born on 9 August in the year 1965, and was affiliated to the UN on 21 September.

Lifestyle, business, technological advancements and tourism have contributed a great deal towards the making of Singapore not just as one of the best cities in Asia, but as one of the best world cities. Since independence, foreign investments have been playing a major role in the overall growth of economy and standard of living. The economy is basically fed by electronics and financial trading. As far as per capita GDP is concerned, Singapore enjoys a status of being the 17th richest country in the world.

Singapore's political identity assumes that of a parliamentary republic after the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore was founded.

Singapore is comprised of 63 islands, including the main island. Most of the major islands are interconnected with the Johor-Singapore Causeway in the north and Tuas Second Link in the west. Bukit Timah Hill (166 m) happens to be the highest natural point of Singapore.

Seasonal changes are very subtle in Singapore due to the prevailing tropical rainforest climatic conditions. The country's climate is marked by an abundance of rainfall, high humidity and regular air temperature.

Approximately 23 percent of the land region in Singapore incorporate forestry and natural reserves. Prior to urbanization this percentage was considerably higher. The only existing natural rainforest in Singapore is located at the foothills of the Bukit Timah Hill.

Singapore is a multi-religious country with half the population belonging to Taoism and Buddhism. Christianity is practiced among 15 percent of the inhabitants, mostly Indians and Chinese. Muslims form 14 percent, of which the indigenous Malays occupy the bulk along with Indian Muslims.