Singapore

The Republic of Singapore is a highly developed sovereign city-state positioned strategically at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, between Malaysia and Indonesia. Despite its small size, it has achieved global prominence as a leading financial, technological, and maritime hub. Renowned for its efficient governance, advanced infrastructure, and low levels of corruption, Singapore represents one of the most remarkable examples of rapid modernisation and economic transformation in the post-colonial era.

Historical Background

A settlement known as Temasek flourished on the island by the fourteenth century, functioning as a Malay trading port connecting China, India, and regional maritime routes. After its decline in the seventeenth century, the island remained sparsely inhabited until 1819, when Sir Stamford Raffles of the British East India Company established a trading post. Its advantageous location along the Strait of Malacca quickly transformed Singapore into a thriving free port, drawing migrants from China, India, and the Malay world.
Under British rule, Singapore developed into a key colonial entrepôt. It became part of the Straits Settlements in 1826, and by the late nineteenth century, it had evolved into a major commercial and naval base. During the Second World War, the island fell to Japanese occupation (1942–45), an event that undermined British prestige in Asia. After the war, Singapore was re-established as a Crown Colony in 1946.
Self-government was attained in 1959 under the People’s Action Party (PAP) led by Lee Kuan Yew, who served as the nation’s founding Prime Minister. Singapore joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 but was expelled two years later due to political and ethnic tensions, becoming an independent republic on 9 August 1965.
The post-independence years were marked by unemployment, housing shortages, and ethnic divisions. However, through a series of pragmatic reforms—industrialisation, compulsory savings via the Central Provident Fund (CPF), universal education, and massive public housing initiatives—the PAP government built a stable, competitive, and export-oriented economy. Within decades, Singapore transformed from a developing nation into a high-income global metropolis.
Since 1959, the PAP has won every general election, ensuring political continuity. The governance model combines a Westminster-style parliamentary system with strong executive leadership, emphasising meritocracy, social discipline, and national cohesion over adversarial politics.

Geography and Environment

Singapore covers 719 square kilometres, encompassing the main island (Pulau Ujong) and about 60 smaller islets. Continuous land reclamation projects have expanded the territory by more than 25% since independence. The landscape is largely low-lying and gently undulating, with the highest natural point at Bukit Timah Hill (166 m).
The climate is equatorial, featuring uniform temperatures (26–32°C), high humidity, and heavy rainfall distributed throughout the year. Two monsoon seasons—the northeast (December to March) and southwest (June to September)—influence weather patterns.
The island’s lack of natural resources contrasts with its strategic maritime position, which supports one of the world’s busiest ports. Key environmental issues include limited freshwater supplies, air pollution from regional forest fires, and waste management challenges. Despite high population density, Singapore remains notable for urban greenery: approximately 21% of its land area is forested, and urban landscaping policies have earned it the moniker “City in a Garden.”
The country actively participates in international environmental accords such as the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity, while national strategies focus on water self-sufficiency and sustainable urban development.

Population and Society

As of 2024, Singapore’s population stands at around 6 million, composed mainly of Chinese (74.2%), Malays (13.7%), Indians (8.9%), and others (3.2%). Multiracialism forms the foundation of its national identity, reinforced through policies in housing, education, and employment designed to promote racial harmony.
Four languages—English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil—enjoy official status, with English serving as the principal medium of administration, business, and education. The national language, Malay, symbolises the country’s regional heritage.
Religious pluralism reflects the population’s diversity: Buddhists (31.1%), Christians (18.9%), Muslims (15.6%), Taoists (8.8%), Hindus (5%), and approximately 20% non-religious. The median age is 39.4 years, indicating an ageing society, while the fertility rate of 1.17 children per woman is among the lowest globally. Life expectancy is exceptionally high at 86.7 years, supported by an advanced healthcare system and universal access to sanitation, housing, and education.
Singapore’s literacy rate exceeds 98%, and school life expectancy averages 17 years. Education emphasises bilingualism, STEM disciplines, and skills upgrading to sustain global competitiveness. Despite modest public spending (about 2.2% of GDP), the system achieves outstanding outcomes through meritocratic selection and efficient resource use.

Government and Politics

Singapore functions as a parliamentary republic under the 1965 Constitution, featuring a strong executive branch within a unitary framework. The President, elected for a six-year term, acts as head of state and custodian of the nation’s reserves, while the Prime Minister and Cabinet exercise executive authority.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam was elected President in 2023 with 70.4% of votes, and Lawrence Wong succeeded Lee Hsien Loong as Prime Minister in 2024. The People’s Action Party (PAP), continuously in power since 1959, dominates the unicameral Parliament, which holds 108 seats. The main opposition groups are the Workers’ Party (WP) and the Progress Singapore Party (PSP). Women account for over 32% of legislators.
The legal system is based on English common law, and the judiciary—comprising the Supreme Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal—is widely respected for impartiality and efficiency. While civil liberties such as expression and assembly are regulated, the state maintains that such measures ensure harmony in a multicultural context.

Economy

Singapore ranks among the world’s most advanced economies, with GDP estimated at US$547 billion in 2024 and per capita income of around US$132,600. Its model of export-led industrialisation and foreign investment attraction has yielded sustained prosperity.
The services sector contributes about 73% of GDP, while industry (notably electronics, chemicals, and precision engineering) adds 21.4%. Agriculture is negligible. The economy benefits from stable inflation (2.4%), low unemployment (3.2%), and strong fiscal reserves.
Exports reached US$979 billion in 2024, driven by integrated circuits, refined petroleum, machinery, vaccines, and gold. Major trading partners include Hong Kong, China, the United States, Malaysia, and South Korea. Imports totalled US$786 billion, and the country retains one of the world’s largest current account surpluses (about US$96 billion in 2024).
Public debt equals 175% of GDP, but is fully backed by national assets held through Temasek Holdings, GIC, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), maintaining an AAA credit rating. Foreign reserves of US$384 billion provide robust financial security.

Infrastructure, Energy, and Communications

Singapore possesses world-class infrastructure and universal electricity access. Energy consumption per capita ranks among the highest globally, at around 643 million Btu per person. Power generation depends predominantly on natural gas (95%), with solar and waste-to-energy projects expanding under the Green Plan 2030. Over 50% of waste is recycled or converted to energy.
Transport networks include an extensive Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, a modern expressway network, and the globally renowned Changi Airport, a key international hub. The Port of Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s top container ports.
Telecommunications are equally advanced: mobile penetration exceeds 150%, internet usage reaches 94% of the population, and broadband coverage averages 27 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. The MediaCorp group operates the main national broadcast network, supplemented by international channels under regulated content laws promoting social cohesion.

Defence and Security

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) form one of Asia’s most sophisticated militaries, comprising the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Digital and Intelligence Service. Active strength numbers around 55,000, supported by extensive reserves through National Service, a mandatory two-year conscription for male citizens and permanent residents.
Defence spending accounts for about 3% of GDP, reflecting the principle of deterrence through technological superiority. Singapore participates in the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) with the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia, and maintains close security partnerships with the United States and regional allies. The Singapore Police Force and Gurkha Contingent manage internal security and counterterrorism operations.

Culture and Identity

Singaporean identity is characterised by multiculturalism, meritocracy, and civic order. The coexistence of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western cultural elements shapes national cuisine, festivals, and arts. The annual National Day Parade and festivals such as Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, Chinese New Year, and Vesak Day reflect the nation’s plural heritage.
The national flag, comprising red and white horizontal bands with a crescent moon and five stars, symbolises democracy, progress, and unity. The Merlion—a mythical lion-fish hybrid—and the orchid are key national symbols. The Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodies the city-state’s blend of nature and modernity.