Singapore is a wealthy city state in south-

east Asia. Once a British colonial trading

post, today it is a thriving global financial
hub and described as one of Asia's
economic "tigers". It is also renowned for
its conservatism and strict local laws and
the country prides itself on its stability and
security.
pore
 KEY FACTS

– Republic of Singapore
– Capital: Singapore
• Population 5.3 million
• Area 660 sq km (255 sq miles)
• Major languages English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
• Major religions Taoism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity,
Hinduism
• Life expectancy 79 years (men), 84 years (women)
• Currency Singapore dollar
Singapore
Singapore
 Plant and animal life

Many exotic plants have been introduced for ornamental use. The largest
native animals are the long-tailed macaque (an Asian species of monkey),
the slow loris (a large-eyed tailless nocturnal lemur), and the scaly anteater.
Birds are numerous, especially those like the Indian mynah bird, the
brahminy kite (a kite with reddish brown plumage and a white head and
breast), and the house swallow that have adapted to a symbiotic relationship
with humans. Reptiles, such as cobras and lizards, also are common.
Fringing coral reefs with their associated fish and wildlife occur around many
parts of the coast.
Plant and animal life
Manchester
 Cultural life

Cultural activities in Singapore are largely derivative,

springing from one or another of the major civilizations of
China, India, Indonesia, or the West. Traditional Chinese
and Indian music, painting, and drama are practiced by
numerous cultural societies and professional groups.
Popular culture, based on modern mass media, is far
more widespread. Malay music, which has adopted the
rhythms of Western orchestras, has general appeal.
Musical films that popularize Hindi and Tamil songs have
a considerable following, as do films from Hong Kong,
Taiwan, and the United States.
Cultural life
Cultural life
Cultural life
 Education

Education is highly valued in Singapore, and its education system is

elaborately structured. Primary education is free and lasts from six to eight
years; the language of instruction is English, and students are required to
learn any one of the other three official languages as a second language.
Students at the secondary level are placed into academic or vocational
and commercial tracks. Those on academic tracks are further channeled
into four- or five-year courses of instruction. Opportunities for higher
education are determined by academic performance and usually involve
two or three years of preuniversity instruction followed by enrollment at a
university or technical college. The National University of Singapore,
founded in 1980 by a merger of the University of Singapore and Nanyang
University, is the largest and best-known institute of higher education.
Education
 Health and welfare

Health conditions in Singapore compare favourably with

those in other economically developed nations. The
range and quality of medical services is notably high,
with a large number of doctors and dentists. There are
both government and private hospitals, while nonhospital
care is dispensed from numerous outpatient clinics and
mobile centers. The government and voluntary
associations, the latter coordinated by the Council of
Social Service, provide welfare services for the aged,
sick, and unemployed.
THE END