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Brief History |
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"It is a
place that cherishes its past as it looks to the future."
The earliest known mention of Singapore was a 3rd century Chinese
account which described Singapore as "Pu-luo-chung" ("island at the
end of a peninsula"). Little is known about the island's history at
this time but this matter-of-fact description belies Singapore's
colourful past. By the 14th century, Singapore had become part of the
mighty Sri Vijayan empire and was known as Temasek ("Sea Town").
This was no less accurate than the 3rd century name. Located at the
natural meeting point of sea routes at the tip of the Malay Peninsula,
Singapore had long known visits from a wide variety of sea craft, from
Chinese junks, Indian vessels, Arab dhows and Portuguese battleships
to Buginese schooners.
During the 14th century, this small but strategically-placed island
had earned a new name - "Singa Pura", or "Lion City". According to
legend, a visiting Sri Vijayan prince saw an animal he mistook for a
lion and Singapore's modern day name was born. The British provided
the next notable chapter in the Singapore story. During the 18th
century, they saw the need for a strategic "halfway house" to refit,
feed and protect the fleet of their growing empire, as well as to
forestall any advances by the Dutch in the region. It was against this
political backdrop that Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as
a trading station. The policy of free trade attracted merchants from
all over Asia and from as far afield as the United States and the
Middle East. By 1824, just five years after the founding of modern
Singapore, the population had grown from a mere 150 to 10,000.
In 1832, Singapore became the centre of government for the Straits
Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore. The opening of the Suez
Canal in 1869 and the advent of telegraph and steamship increased
Singapore's importance as a centre for the expanding trade between
East and West.
Singapore had been the site of military action in the 14th century
when it became embroiled in the struggle for the Malay Peninsula
between Siam (now Thailand), and the Java-based Majapahit Empire.
Five centuries later, it was again the scene of significant fighting
during World War II. Singapore was considered an impregnable fortress,
but the Japanese overran the island in 1942. After the war, Singapore
became a Crown Colony. The growth of nationalism led to
self-government in 1959 and on 9 August 1965, Singapore became an
independent republic. |
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Singapore Today |
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"It is a
city with its head in the future and its soul in the past."
Singapore is not just one island but a main island with 63 surrounding
islets. The main island has a total land area of 682 square km.
However, its compact size belies its economic growth. In just 150
years, Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and
industry. Its former role as an entrepot has diminished, as the
Republic has increased its manufacturing base. Singapore is the
busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines sending super
tankers, container ships and passenger liners to share. |
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Climate |
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"It is a place where
the sun shines through the rain."
Singapore's climate is warm and humid, with only slight variations
between the average maximum of 31 degrees Celcius and minimum of 23
degrees Celcius. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy sunbathing,
swimming, sailing and other water sports. But for those who do not
enjoy the tropical climate, Singapore is sheltered from the worst
effects of the sun with air-conditioning in almost all of its shops,
hotels, office buildings and restaurants. Rain falls throughout the
year, with more consistent rain coming during the monsoon season from
November to January. Showers are usually sudden and heavy, but also
brief and refreshing. |
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Geographical Location |
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"It is far from
ordinary, yet comforts are always near."
Located at one of the crossroads of the world, Singapore's
strategic position has helped it grow into a major centre for trade,
communications and tourism. Its geographical location is 136.8 km
north of the equator, between latitudes 103 degrees 38' E and 104
degrees 06' E. It is linked to Malaysia by two causeway bridges and
the key islands of the Riau archipelago of Indonesia are just a quick
ferry trip away. Thailand and the Philippines are a short plane
journey away and Singapore, with an airport served by more than 69
airlines, is very much the gateway to South-East Asia. |
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 Information
provided by
Singapore Tourism Board. |
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