GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF SINGAPORE

The Republic of Singapore situated at the southernmost tip of the Peninsular Malaysia lies to the north of the equator. The entire territory of Singapore consists of the island of Singapore and fifty-eight islets of which people inhabit some of the islands. Singapore Strait separates Singapore from Indonesia and Straits of Johor separates it from Malaysia. The diamond-shaped island is blessed with a vast coastline of 193 kilometers. 50% of the land comprises of the urban areas while 40% of it is covered with parklands, reservoirs, plantations and open military areas. The main city area of Singapore is nestled along the shores of the Singapore River and the entire nation is filled with high-density areas. Singapore covers an area of 699 sq. Km and is considered to be one of the most beautiful nations of the world. Singapore lies between the nations Malaysia and Indonesia. The colonial district lies to the north of the Singapore River and is considered to be a wonderful location that offers glimpses of the British rule. A few miles ahead in the north lies Little India and Central Business District (CBD) at the southern shore of the Singapore River. Jurong lies to the west of the island and is a popular industrial area. The place is dotted with a number of tourist attractions. Some of the older residential areas, a wonderful beach park and the international airport are situated in the eastern coast of the city. Huge and flourishing housing developments can be seen in the northeastern part of Singapore. The central north portion of the island is mainly filled with the undeveloped land and remaining forests of Singapore. 2% of the land in Singapore consists of agricultural lands.

ntroduction

Singapore

Background:Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and became independent. It subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe. Geography Singapore Location:Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia Geographic1 22 N, 103 48 E coordinates: Map references:Southeast Asia Area:total: 692.7 sq km land: 682.7 sq km water: 10 sq km Area -slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC comparative: Land boundaries:0 km Coastline:193 km

Maritime claims:territorial sea: 3 nm exclusive fishing zone: within and beyond territorial sea, as defined in treaties and practice Climate:tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons - Northeastern monsoon from December to March and Southwestern monsoon from June to September; inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms Terrain:lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water catchment area and nature preserve Elevationlowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m extremes:highest point: Bukit Timah 166 m Natural resources:fish, deepwater ports Land use:arable land: 1.64% permanent crops: 0% other: 98.36% (2001) Irrigated land:NA sq km Natural hazards:NA Environment -industrial pollution; limited natural fresh water resources; limited land current issues:availability presents waste disposal problems; seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia Environment -party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered internationalSpecies, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship agreements:Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note:focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes People Singapore Population:4,425,720 (July 2005 est.) Age structure:0-14 years: 16% (male 366,971/female 342,295) 15-64 years: 75.9% (male 1,639,842/female 1,719,829) 65 years and over: 8.1% (male 157,636/female 199,147) (2005 est.) Median age:total: 36.76 years male: 36.4 years female: 37.07 years (2005 est.) Population growth1.56% (2005 est.) rate: Birth rate:9.49 births/1,000 population (2005 est.) Death rate:4.16 deaths/1,000 population (2005 est.) Net migration rate:10.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2005 est.) Sex ratio:at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.) Infant mortalitytotal: 2.29 deaths/1,000 live births rate:male: 2.5 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.06 deaths/1,000 live births (2005 est.) Life expectancy attotal population: 81.62 years birth:male: 79.05 years female: 84.39 years (2005 est.) Total fertility rate:1.05 children born/woman (2005 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult0.2% (2003 est.) prevalence rate: HIV/AIDS -4,100 (2003 est.) people living with HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS -less than 200 (2003 est.) deaths: Nationality:noun: Singaporean(s) adjective: Singapore Ethnic groups:Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4% (2000 census) Religions:Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%, Hindu 4%, Catholic 4.8%, other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none 14.8% (2000 census) Languages:Mandarin 35%, English 23%, Malay 14.1%, Hokkien 11.4%, Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew 4.9%, Tamil 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 1.8%, other 0.9% (2000 census) Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 92.5% male: 96.6% female: 88.6% (2002) Government Singapore Country name:conventional long form: Republic of Singapore conventional short form: Singapore Government type:parliamentary republic Capital:Singapore Administrativenone divisions: Independence:9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation) National holiday:National Day, 9 August (1965) Constitution:3 June 1959; amended 1965 (based on preindependence State of Singapore Constitution) Legal system:based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage:21 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch:chief of state: President Sellapan Rama (S. R.) NATHAN (since 1 September 1999) head of government: Prime Minister LEE Hsien Loong (since 12 August 2004); Senior Minister GOH Chok Tong (since 12 August 2004); Minister Mentor LEE Kuan Yew (since 12 August 2004); Deputy Prime Ministers Shunmugan JAYAKUMAR (since 12 August 2004) and Tony TAN Keng Yam (since 1 August 1995) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president, responsible to Parliament elections: president elected by popular vote for six-year term; last appointed 17 August 2005 (next election to be held by August 2011); following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by president; deputy prime ministers appointed by president election results: Sellapan Rama (S. R.) NATHAN appointed president in August 2005 after Presidential Elections Committee disqualified three other would-be candidates Legislativeunicameral Parliament (84 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve

branch:five-year terms); note - in addition, there are up to nine nominated members; the losing opposition candidate who came closest to winning a seat may be appointed as a "nonconstituency" member elections: last held 3 November 2001 (next to be held not later than 25 June 2007) election results: percent of vote by party - PAP 75.3% (in contested constituencies), other 24.7%; seats by party - PAP 82, WP 1, SPP 1 Judicial branch:Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president with the advice of the prime minister, other judges are appointed by the president with the advice of the chief justice); Court of Appeals Political partiesgoverning party: People's Action Party or PAP [LEE Hsien Loong]; and leaders:opposition parties: Democratic Progressive Party or DPP [LING How Dong]; National Solidarity Party or NSP [vacant] (SDA group); Singapore Democratic Alliance or SDA [CHIAM See Tong] (includes SPP, PKMS, NSP, SJP); Singapore Democratic Party or SDP [CHEE Soon Juan]; Singapore Justice Party or SJP [Desmond LIM] (SDA group); Singapore National Malay Organization or PKMS [Malik ISMAIL] (SDA group); Singapore People's Party or SPP [CHIAM See Tong] (SDA group); Workers' Party or WP [Sylvia Lim Swee LIAN] Political pressureNA groups and leaders: InternationalAPEC, APT, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, BIS, C, CP, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, organizationICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, participation:Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomaticchief of mission: Ambassador CHAN Heng Chee representation inchancery: 3501 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 the US:telephone: [1] (202) 537-3100 FAX: [1] (202) 537-0876 consulate(s) general: San Francisco consulate(s): New York Diplomaticchief of mission: Ambassador Franklin L. LAVIN representationembassy: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508 from the US:mailing address: FPO AP 96507-0001 telephone: [65] 6476-9100 FAX: [65] 6476-9340 Flag description:two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; near the hoist side of the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent (closed portion is toward the hoist side) partially enclosing five white five-pointed stars arranged in a circle Economy Singapore Economy -Singapore, a highly developed and successful free market economy, enjoys overview:a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP equal to that of the Big 4 West European countries. The economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in electronics and manufacturing. It was hard hit in 2001-03 by the global recession, by the slump in the technology sector, and by an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in 2003, which curbed tourism and consumer spending. The government hopes to establish a new growth path that will be

less vulnerable to the external business cycle and will continue efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech hub. Fiscal stimulus, low interest rates, a surge in exports, and internal flexibility led to vigorous growth in 2004, with real GDP rising by 8 percent, by far the economy's best performance since 2000. GDP (purchasing$120.9 billion (2004 est.) power parity): GDP - real growth8.1% (2004 est.) rate: GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $27,800 (2004 est.) GDP -agriculture: 0% negligible composition byindustry: 32.6% sector:services: 67.4% (2004 est.) Labor force:2.18 million (2004 est.) Labor force - bymanufacturing 18%, construction 6%, transportation and communication occupation:11%, financial, business, and other services 49%, other 16% (2003) Unemployment3.4% (2004 est.) rate: Population belowNA poverty line: Household incomelowest 10%: NA or consumption byhighest 10%: NA percentage share: Inflation rate1.7% (2004 est.) (consumer prices): Investment (gross27.4% of GDP (2004 est.) fixed): Budget:revenues: $17.05 billion expenditures: $18.45 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.8 billion (2004 est.) Public debt:102.5% of GDP (2004 est.) Agriculture -rubber, copra, fruit, orchids, vegetables, poultry, eggs, fish, ornamental fish products: Industries:electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction, life sciences, entrepot trade Industrial11.1% (2004 est.) production growth rate: Electricity -35.33 billion kWh (2003) production: Electricity -fossil fuel: 100% production byhydro: 0% source:nuclear: 0% other: 0% (2001) Electricity -32 billion kWh (2003) consumption: Electricity -0 kWh (2003) exports: Electricity -0 kWh (2003)

imports: Oil - production:0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption:700,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports:NA Oil - imports:NA Natural gas -0 cu m (2001 est.) production: Natural gas -2.5 billion cu m (2001 est.) consumption: Natural gas -0 cu m (2001 est.) exports: Natural gas -2.5 billion cu m imports:note: from Indonesia and Malaysia (2001 est.) Current account$8.8 billion (2004 est.) balance: Exports:$174 billion f.o.b. (2004 est.) Exports -machinery and equipment (including electronics), consumer goods, commodities:chemicals, mineral fuels Exports - partners:Malaysia 15.2%, US 13%, Hong Kong 9.8%, China 8.6%, Japan 6.4%, Taiwan 4.6%, Thailand 4.3%, South Korea 4.1% (2004) Imports:$155.2 billion (2004 est.) Imports -machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs commodities: Imports - partners:Malaysia 15.3%, US 12.7%, Japan 11.7%, China 9.9%, Taiwan 5.7%, South Korea 4.3%, Thailand 4.1% (2004) Reserves of$112.8 billion (2004 est.) foreign exchange and gold: Debt - external:$19.4 billion (2004 est.) Economic aid -NA recipient: Currency (code):Singapore dollar (SGD) Currency code:SGD Exchange rates:Singapore dollars per US dollar - 1.6902 (2004), 1.7422 (2003), 1.7906 (2002), 1.7917 (2001), 1.724 (2000) Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March Communications Singapore Telephones - main1,896,100 (2004) lines in use: Telephones -3,521,800 (2004) mobile cellular: Telephone system:general assessment: excellent service domestic: excellent domestic facilities international: country code - 65; submarine cables to Malaysia (Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia), Indonesia, and the Philippines; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean), and 1 Inmarsat (Pacific Ocean region) Radio broadcastAM 0, FM 17, shortwave 2 (2003) stations: Radios:2.6 million (2000)

Television7 (2003) broadcast stations: Televisions:1.33 million (1997) Internet country.sg code: Internet hosts:484,825 (2003) Internet Service9 (2000) Providers (ISPs): Internet users:2.31 million (2002) Transportation Singapore Highways:total: 3,130 km paved: 3,130 km (including 150 km of expressways) unpaved: 0 km (2002) Pipelines:gas 139 km (2004) Ports and harbors:Singapore Merchant marine:total: 923 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 23,065,290 GRT/36,393,317 DWT by type: bulk carrier 138, cargo 86, chemical tanker 115, combination ore/oil 5, container 180, liquefied gas 42, livestock carrier 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 316, refrigerated cargo 3, vehicle carrier 36 foreign-owned: 487 (Australia 5, Bangladesh 1, Belgium 10, China 15, Denmark 34, Germany 7, Greece 5, Hong Kong 43, India 3, Indonesia 54, Japan 83, Malaysia 31, Norway 83, Philippines 3, Russia 1, Slovenia 1, South Korea 12, Sweden 12, Taiwan 44, Thailand 17, UAE 6, United Kingdom 12, United States 5) registered in other countries: 276 (2005) Airports:10 (2004 est.) Airports - withtotal: 10 paved runways:over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.) Military Singapore Military branches:Singapore Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense (2005) Military service18 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age for age andvolunteers; conscript service obligation reduced to 24 months beginning obligation:December 2004 (December 2004) Manpowermales age 18-49: 1,215,568 (2005 est.) available for military service: Manpower fit formales age 18-49: 982,368 (2005 est.) military service: Military$4.47 billion (FY01 est.) expenditures dollar figure: Military4.9% (FY01) expenditures percent of GDP:

Transnational Singapore Issues Disputes -disputes persist with Malaysia over deliveries of fresh water to Singapore, international:Singapore's extensive land reclamation works, bridge construction, maritime boundaries, and Pedra Branca Island/Pulau Batu Putih - parties agree to ICJ arbitration on island dispute within three years; Indonesia and Singapore pledged in 2005 to finalize their 1973 maritime boundary agreement by defining unresolved areas north of Batam Island; piracy remains a problem in the Malacca Strait Illicit drugs:as a transportation and financial services hub, Singapore is vulnerable, despite strict laws and enforcement, to be used as a transit point for Golden Triangle heroin and as a venue for money laundering

NATURAL RESOURCES OF SINGAPORE

As Singapore is a city-state with not much land area, it is not particularly rich in natural resources. Natural resources in Singapore can be categorized into nonrenewable resources, renewable resources and water resources. The conservation and management of water resource has been a huge challenge for countries across the globe. In a country like Singapore, where land is at a premium, the use of land to conserve water has to be integrated with the use of land for socio economic growth. Water itself being a scarce resource, has to be used judiciously. Singapore has come up with an efficient water management policy, to ensure sustainability of water resources over a period of time. Singapore has very limited non renewable resources. The economy is dependent on oil and natural gas imports. Singapore took a conscious decision to move from fuel oil to natural gas in 2001.Currently natural gas accounts for 80 per cent of the electricity generation. Singapore has relied on the use of bio mass as a source of renewable energy. Biomass energy is the utilization of energy stored in organic matter. Examples of biomass include wood, leaves, animal waste, crops, bones, and scales. Put another way, biomass is stored solar energy that can be converted to electricity or fuel. This country has tremendous potential to tap solar energy, being situated in the equatorial belt. But the country has to find a solution to the problem of lack of availability of land, if it has to truly leverage on its solar energy potential. We also know that Singapore is a rich country, lets say not only on its money or republic but also on its natural resource especially in scenic and tourism spot. Here are the scenic and tourism spot of Singapore:

SCENIC PLACES
1. TANJONG BEACH, SENTOSA
A relatively hidden and unspoiled stretch of beach along Sentosa, its one of my personal favorites when it comes to tranquility and solitude. Arm yourself with a novel and settle yourself down in a spot with a gentle breeze for company. With the twinkling lights of nearby ships, this stretch of beach becomes exceptionally romantic at sunset, which explains its popularity as one of the top spots for wedding photography.

2. HENDERSON WAVES
Singapores highest pedestrian bridge, also part of the Southern Ridges, is built to connect the two hills of Mount Faber and Telok Blangah Hill and has a wave like form made up of seven adjoining curved steel structures. It has become a popular spot for photographers with a keen eye for unique details.

3. MARINA BRIDGE
Marine Barrage, Singapores 15th reservoir and first in the heart of the city makes a stunning backdrop against the city skyline. Together with 2 other new reservoirs, this will increase Singapores catchment area to two-thirds of Singapores land area. It has become one of Singapores latest photography spots for dating couples and families. Take a ride atop the Singapore Flyer for a wheeling good time!

4. KEPPEL BAY
A recreation enclave near the city and Sentosa, boosting an urban waterfront, Keppel Bay is the ideal spot for or premier waterfront activities such as yachting and perfect for an idyllic day sipping your coffee or cocktails by the sea.

5. FULLERTON
Fullerton perfectly captures the gorgeous Singapore skyscraper skyline, with the symphony of the iconic durian, Esplanade and the historically rich colonial Fullerton Hotel merging seamlessly in one of Singapores most stunning views at night. The pulsating vibrancy of this place in the smack of the city cannot be denied.

TOURIST SPOT
1. RAFFLES HOTEL
One of the most unique tourist spots in Singapore, the Raffles Hotel is known for its colonial architecture. The hospitality service provider is located at 1 Beach Road. The place is considered as a national monument. Inside the hotel, visitors can find the Raffles Hotel Museum that plays home to collection of photographs, postcards as well as china items. Guests can also participate in the popular Singapore Sling cocktail.

2. JURONG BIRD PARK

One of the top 10 tourist spots in Singapore, the Jurong Bird Park is found at the Jurong Hill in the Boon Lay Planning Area, District of Jurong. The park covers 202,000 square meters. Some of the exhibits that tourists can see in the place are the African Waterfall Aviary, the Southeast Asian Birds Aviary and the Penguin Expedition.

3. MASJID SULTAN
Also known as the Sultan Mosque, Masjid Sultan is one of the most significant mosques in the country. It is found along the North Bridge Road at the District

of Kampong Glam. This tourist spot was constructed in 1928. The mosque plays home to numerous artifact collections related to Moorish and Middle Eastern culture.