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 Location |
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Singapore is an island republic situated between the countries Malaysia and Indonesia. Singapore is approximately 137 km north of the equator, or about one degree north of the equator with a land area of 685.4 sq km, or approximately 3.5 times the size of Washington DC.. |
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Population |
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Singapore's population of almost four million comprises 77% Chinese, 14% Malays, 8% Indians and 1% Eurasians and people of other descent. The original inhabitants were Malay fishermen, but after the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles and the establishment of a British trading post, Singapore became a magnet that drew hundreds of thousands of migrants and merchants. Seeking a better life for themselves and their families, they came from the southern provinces of China, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Ceylon and the Middle East. Though inter-marriages have taken place over the years, each racial group within Singapore has retained its own cultural identity while developing as an integral part of Singapore community. |
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Climate |
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The tropical climate makes Singapore warm and wet most of the year. December is the coolest month of the year while May is the warmest. Normal temperature ranges between 25.2°C - 32° C, or from 77 °F - 89.6° F. There are two rainy seasons — from December to March, and from June to September |
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Religion |
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With this mixture of people, Singapore is also a mixture of religions. Singapore's skyline boasts the distinctive minarets of mosques, spires of gothic cathedrals, intricate figurines of Hindu temple gods and distinctive roof architecture of Chinese temples. The main religions are Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Zoroastrainism. |
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Language |
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There are four official languages in Singapore: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. English is the language of business and administration, and is widely spoken and understood. Most Singaporeans are bilingual, and speak their mother tongue as well as English. Malay is the national language. |
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Food |
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With food tours and festivals taking place throughout the year, eating or makan in local lingo, is a passion Singaporeans take very seriously. This is a country proud of its culinary heritage, and of its wide sampling of Asian and international cuisine.
Connoisseurs of Italian, Mexican, Indian, Thai, Brazilian, Chinese, Mediterranean, Turkish, and even African cuisine will have their palettes titillated. Fusion cuisine -a chic pairing of Asian and Western culinary styles- has wowed gourmets with its creativity and aesthetic sensibility. |
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Currency |
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The local currency is Singapore dollars and cents. Notes come in denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$20, S$50, S$100, S$500, S$1,000, and S$10,000.
Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 Singapore Dollar. Other than the Singapore Dollar, the US and Australian Dollars, Yen and EUROS are accepted in most major shopping centres and leading departmental stores.
Banking hours are Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 3 pm, and Saturday, from 9.30 am to 1 pm (some banks.
Passports are required when cashing travelers' checks. A nominal commission may be charged.
Major credit and charge cards are widely accepted by establishments in Singapore. Direct your complaints to the respective card company, should any shop insist on adding a surcharge. |
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Livings Cost |
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Living conditions in Singapore are amongst the best in Asia with state-of-the art facilities for education, shopping, sports and recreation. The inflation rate is also comparatively lower than most other countries.
Mercer's Cost of Living Survey 2003 listed Tokyo, Moscow, Osaka, Hong Kong and Beijing as the most expensive cities. Singapore was placed 32nd.
The survey measures the comparative cost of more than 200 items in each location, including housing, food, clothing and household goods, transport and entertainment.
The benchmark of 100 points is set by New York City, which is in 10th place. The index does not reflect the cost of living for locals. |
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Visas |
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Singapore’s open immigration policy provides an environment conducive for businesses to bring in employees in no more than two weeks.
Professional visas
These visas are issued to those who either seek employment in Singapore, or need to make short visits in their professional capacities, and others who seek training opportunities.
Visa for entrepreneurs
Singapore offers tailor-made visas for those who intend to set up businesses in the country, as well as entrepreneurs who would like to explore business opportunities in the region.
General visit visas
Typically provided to tourists, families and friends, these visas allow visitors to stay for durations ranging from a few days to a few months.
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Education |
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From pre-school to university education, Singapore has attractive options for children. The first 10 years of schooling in Singapore are categorized under two phases – six years of primary education and the next four or five years in secondary school. |
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Health |
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Singapore has a world-class healthcare system, which is well respected throughout Southeast Asia. Most doctors speak good English and many have had training overseas.
It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, local supermarkets and grocers always have ample stocks. |
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Weights and Measures |
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The official System in China is the Metric system with local variation. |
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Electricity |
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The voltage in Singapore is 220-240 AC |
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Time Zone |
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UTC/GMT + 8 hours |
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