Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore , is an island country located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and consists of 63 islands. It is one of three true city-states in this part of the world, meaning that it is governed exclusively by itself alone. Singapore is the smallest nation in Southeast Asia . Singapore settlements have been recorded as early as 2 nd Century AD. Singapore was once the site of a Malay fishing village located at the mouth of the Singapore River . In 1819 the British East India Company established a trading post on the island and Singapore became a significant trading post along the spice route. It was occupied by the Japanese during World War II then reverted to British rule immediately after the war. However on August 9, 1965 Singapore proudly became an independent republic and it joined the United Nations that same year. Singapore 's population is approximately 4.59 million. It is a highly cosmopolitan city with significant cultural diversity with the majority of its populace being Chinese. The administrative language of the country is English.
Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with no distinctive seasons. Its climate is characterized by uniform temperature, high humidity and abundant rainfalls. The relative humidity is around 90% in the morning and 60% in the afternoon. June and July are the hottest months while November and December typically experience monsoons. The length of the day is constant year round due to Singapore 's close location to the equator.
Singapore is a multi-religious country. Approximately 51% of Singapore residents practice Buddhism and Taoism. 15% practice Christianity, Muslims constitute 14% of the population while the rest of the populace practices Hinduism, Sikhism, and the Bahai Faith or declares no religious faith. Some religious practices however are banned in Singapore , including the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Since the 1990s Singapore government has worked towards establishing the country as a center for arts and culture. Tourists frequent the Esplanade, a magnificent center for the performing arts that opened on October 12, 2002. Singaporeans also participate in a wide variety of sports including football, swimming, cricket and badminton among others.
Bars, brew pubs, sports bars and restaurants are typical tourist haunts. Nature lovers should visit the gorgeous Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Zoological Gardens . Night owls will enjoy the impressive Night Safari specifically designed for viewing at night. For a glimpse into Singapore historical culture, try visiting the Changhai Chapel and Museum. The Sri Mariamman Temple and Sultan Mosque are breathtaking religious temples open to the public. The Escape Theme Park is Singapore 's largest outdoor theme park. It boasts wet and dry rides for the whole family including the Kite Flyer, the only Asian ride that suspends riders solely by a shoulder harness! The highly impressive Singapore Johore Battery Chanqi is a war memorial site dating back to the early 1940s. And the Sir Stamford Raffles Statue is a commemoration to the Lieutenant-Governor of Java and Bencoolen and founder on Singapore . Singapore offers a plethora of gorgeous sites, exquisite cuisine and exciting tourist attractions certain to accommodate every tourist's interests.
Singapore (the Lion city) is one of the more popular tourist destinations in the East due to its position The standard of living is high and English is the formal language of the country which has over 4 million residents, mostly of Chinese origin.
Orientation
Singapore is an island nation at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula that was used by the British as a strategic trading post in the early 19 th century. It currently consists of 63 islands. Jurong Island , Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa Island are some of the larger islands. Neighboring countries are Indonesia and Malaysia .
How to get there and get around
Singapore Airlines is a very popular international airline which has flights to Singapore from almost every hub in the world. Since it is a small country, taxis are the best mode of transport. Also, to move from island to island, boats are used.
What to see
For such a tiny country, Singapore has a lot of tourist attractions packed into it. One can start with a visit to Sentosa island where one can take the family to Imbiah mount, Butterfly Park and insect kingdom, Luge and skyride, sky tower, cable car, the Merlion lookout, 4D magix, Sentosa Cineblast or to the many retail outlets to enjoy shopping.
Next in the list is the Jurong Bird park and the Botanical garden full of rare orchid collections. The city of Singapore has an amazing Zoo with a fantastic night safari that will thrill people of all ages. Other attractions include the Thian Hock Keng Temple, Culinary Academy and Spice garden, Asian Civilizations Museum, National Orchid garden, Little India with its quaint temples and bazaars, Suntec City mall, China Town, National Museum of Singapore, etc. Also add cruises and beach activities for the family.
Weather
Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate and the temperature ranges from 22 degrees C to 34 degrees C. High humidity is present most of the year. The hottest months are June and July with the monsoons visiting in November and December. The length of each day is constant throughout the year due to its proximity to the equator.
Precautions
Singapore is very strict about certain items – for example, chewing gum is banned and graffiti is punishable by lashings. Tourist with drugs in possession may be arrested immediately. Most people including tourists who break any of their laws may be punished severely.
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