Singapore has a recent but fascinating history in interaction with all neigbouring countries and strong British colonial roots. This page will give you the highlights of Singapore's growth and hopefully inspire you to learn more and come and visit!

'Ancient Times'

Although "Pulau Ujong" - or "the Island at the end" in Malay - was known by the rulers of peninsular Malaysia for centuries, the first records of "Singapore" reach back to the 13th century when Seri Teri Buana, a prince of Sumatra landed on this small & wild plot of land and founded a settlement he named "Singapura"; the "Lion City" (after spotting a Lion on the island!)

From then onwards, Singapore existed as a small settlement in which traders would stop on their way to much bigger trading ports such as Melacca, and altough a community of settlers did live on the island for a few centuries, it did not have much significance on the map.

'Sir Thomas Raffles'

Singapore was officially placed on the world map on the 6th of February 1819 by Sir Thomas Raffles, a British Governor based in Sumatra.

This was achieved when Raffles, (after having managed to put Hussein, an exiled sultan, back onto his throne of Johor) made an agreement with the re-instated Sultan to recognize him as sole ruler of Johor in exchange for annual payment and for the right to establish a British trading post in Singapore.

This was a strategic move for Raffles, who operated wihtout any support from the British East India Company, and who, by this daring move, managed to kick-start the shift of colonial power in the region, originally mostly under Dutch and Portugese rule.

'British Rule'

Sir Raffles claimed definitive rights on Singapore for the British crown when the Anglo-Dutch treaty was signed in 1824. From then on, the Malay archipelago was shared between the two colonial powers, and established itself as one of the most prolific maritime trading routes hub, especially after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869.

During these times, Singapore kept growing and gaining significance in the region. The many conflicts which afflicted countries in Asia (Opium Wars, famina, droughts) contributed to make the population of the tiny island swell with refugees, coolies, or simply immigrants in search for opportunities. Singapore's population gew from a mear 1,000 at the time of Raffles arrival (1819) to more than 100,000 fifty years later!

As for many countries, it is the arrival of the 2nd World War that permanently damaged the influence of the British on the island, especially when the Japanese troops occupied Singapore in February 1942. By the time of the Japanese surrender in 1945, Singapore had been looted and many infrastructures had been destroyed.

In 1947, the British withdrew from Singapore and organised a civil administration headed by a Governor, to be later-on elected in Singapore.

'Independance'

The after-war period saw a lot of political activity in Singapore, with parties forming up, including the PAP (People's Action Party) which won the election by courting mostly the Chinese community of Singapore. At the head of the party came Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, a Cambridge educated lawyer with great charisma who eventually became Prime Minister.

Because of the lack of natural resources, Singapore's leaders strongly believed in a merger with Malaysia. Eventough this merger was not accepted by the growing Communist community of Singapore, it did occur in 1963, when Singapore, Malaya, Sarawak and North Borneo united to establish the Federation of Malaysia.

However, the larger Chinese Community of Singapore was in direct conflict with the Pro-Malay policies established by the Federation of Malaysia. Violent racial conflicts and riots emerged, with a population turning more and more to communism. As such, Malaysia leaders decided to remove troubled Singapore from the Federation and keep Malaysia a Muslim & Malay country.

On the 9th of August, 1965, Singapore became an independent and sovereign Republic, with Lee Kuan Yew as Prime Minister. Understanding the importance of having strong allies, Lee Kuan Yew cracked down on communist parties, and made all efforts to join the United Nations & the Commonwealth.

Since then, Singapore has thrived through tough political & economical strategies to become a world-renown country.

On the 9th of August, 1965, Singapore became an independent and sovereign Republic, with Lee Kuan Yew as Prime Minister. Understanding the importance of having strong allies, Lee Kuan Yew cracked down on communist parties, and made all efforts to join the United Nations & the Commonwealth.

Since then, Singapore has thrived through tough political & economical strategies to become a world-renown city-state.

Singapore has a surface area of 720 square kilometers, spanning 25km in the north-south direction, and 45km in the east-west direction. On this page, you will find a summary of the main areas of Singapore to visit if you are looking for a good feel of the city's vibes, or if you want to have a break and take refuse in one of Singapore's many parks.

'City Center'

Historically, the center of all activity was located in the south of Singapore, where the large ships could anchor. Today, although this is where the CBD has been constructed, many heritage quarters have been salvaged. The map below identifies a few districts which should be on any must-go list! They are: Marina Bay, China Town, Little India, Bras Basah, Kampong Glam, Katong, For more information on what to do in these areas you can visit:

www.yoursingapore.com

'Singapore's Parks'

Singapore is nicknamed the Garden City, and this is due to the fact that nature preservation has been a priority in Singapore's Urban planning. Singapore counts 4 nature reserves and many parks and gardens throughout the island. In the north, a fragile mangrove ecosystem is preserved and in the center of the island, the lush jungle and calm reservoirs host plenty of wildlife. In the south, the coast was re-habilitated to house pleasant parks and beaches. For more info, visit:

www.nparks.gov.sg

It is very easy to commute in Singapore. The public transport system covers a large area of the island and all stations have good maps allowing quick orientation. Visitors should get an "EZ-Link" card on which money can be charged in order to enjoy the convenient & air-conditioned public transport system to the fullest. Don't forget to tap in AND out of the bus as the system makes you pay only the distance which you cover!

Singapore 'Switzerland of Asia', Singapore 'Fine City', Singapore 'Crowded & Modern city'. That's a good start for stereotypes! But here are a few less well known fact about the city state:

'Singapore Island'

=> a tiny island famous for its tall skyscapers, however;

"More than 50% of Singapore's surface is covered by nature!"

=> a tiny island (the 19th smallest country in the world by Surface Area!) however;

"Singapore's Surface has grown by 25% in 50 years, just by reclaiming land!"

=> a young Island, Singapore is only half a century old, however;

"Singapore's Airport tops world rankings with more than 55 million travellers transiting every year! Thats more than a hundred travellers every minute..."

=> an island just a few meters above sealevel, however;

"The Lion City is home to the world’s highest rooftop bar (1-Altitude) and the world's highest brewery (Level33)!"

'Singapor...eans'

Singapore is a fantastic melting pot;

"75% of Singaporeans have Chinese origins, 13 % Malay origins and 9% Indian origins."

To accomodate everyone, Singapore has four official languages:

"They are: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English."

Singapore has a population of 5.4 Million Residents.

"With a density of 7,697 habitant per kmsq, Singapore is the 3rd most densly populated country in the world"

Surrounded by large world powers and in a relatively young and un-stable part of the world;

"All Singaporean males have to complete a 2-year long national service!"

'Singapore Climate'

Singapore is 150km north of the equator so its hot, ... very hot!

"Temperature is constant, there are no seasons, and the sun sets at the same time all year round! >link< The lowest temperature ever recorded was 19.4C!"

A Tropical climate means rain, and lots of rain!

"The average humidity is 84.2%, and the average rainfall of Singapore is 2,340 mm. That's 2.5 times more than the UK!"

A Tropical climate also means storms, hurricanes ...

"Singapore does not get typhoons, hurricanes, earthquakes or tsunamis. It's biggest climate threat is the Haze, which is due to forest fires in nearby Sumatra or Borneo."