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	<!-- This article is NOT written in US-English. Please do not change it to US-English contrary to ]:
	"An article on a topic that has strong ties to a particular English-speaking nation uses the appropriate variety of English for that nation." -->
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	{{Infobox Country
	\|native_name = <span style="line-height:1.5em;">Republic of Singapore {{en icon}}<br/>Republik Singapura {{ms icon}}<br/> 新加坡共和国 {{zh icon}}<br/> சிங்கப்பூர் குடியரசு {{ta icon}}
	\|common_name = Singapore
	\|image_flag = Flag of Singapore.svg
	\|image_coat = Singapore coa.png
	\|symbol_type = Coat of Arms
	\|image_map = LocationSingapore.png
	\|national_motto = ''"Majulah Singapura"''{{spaces\|2}}{{ms icon}}<br/>"Onward, Singapore"
	\|national_anthem = '']''
	\|official_languages = ] <br/>] <br/>] <br/>]
	\|demonym = Singaporean
	\|capital = Singapore City{{smallsup\|1}}
	\|latd=1\|latm=17\|latNS=N\|longd=103\|longm=51\|longEW=E
	\|government_type = ]
	\|leader_title1 = ]
	\|leader_name1 = ]
	\|leader_title2 = ]
	\|leader_name2 = ]
	\|sovereignty_type = ]
	\|established_event1 = City status
	\|established_date1 = ] ]
	\|established_event2 = Self-government<br/>{{nowrap\|under the ]}}
	\|established_date2 = <br/>] ]<ref name="UT">{{cite web\| url=http://inic.utexas.edu/asnic/countries/singapore/Singapore-History.html\| title=Singapore: History\| publisher=Asian Studies Network Information Center\| accessdate=2007-11-02}}</ref>
	\|established_event3 = ]
	\|established_date3 = ] ]
	\|established_event4 = Merger with ]
	\|established_date4 = ] ]
	\|established_event5 = {{nowrap\|Separation from Malaysia}}
	\|established_date5 = ] ]
	\|area_rank = 190th
	\|area_magnitude = 1_E8
	\|area_km2 = 704.0
	\|area_sq_mi = 270 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
	\|percent_water = 1.444
	\|population_estimate = 4,680,600 <ref name="stats">{{cite web\| url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/themes/people/hist/popn.html\| title=Population (Mid-Year Estimates)\| publisher=Singapore Department of Statistics Singapore\| accessdate=2007-11-02}}</ref>
	\|population_estimate_year = 2007
	\|population_estimate_rank = 117th
	\|population_census_year = 2000
	\|population_census = 4,117,700
	\|population_density_km2 = 6,369.2
	\|population_density_sq_mi = 16,392 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
	\|population_density_rank = 4th
	\|GDP_PPP_year = 2006
	\|GDP_PPP = US$137.7622 billion
	\|GDP_PPP_rank = 54th
	\|GDP_PPP_per_capita = US$30,723.61
	\|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 17th
	\|HDI_year = 2006
	\|HDI = {{steady}} 0.916
	\|HDI_rank = 25th
	\|HDI_category = <font color="#009900">high</font>
	\|currency = ]
	\|currency_code = SGD
	\|time_zone = ]
	\|utc_offset = +8
	\|time_zone_DST = not observed
	\|utc_offset_DST = +8
	\|cctld = ]
	\|calling_code = 65
	\|calling_code_note = ²
	\|footnote1 = Singapore is a ].
	\|footnote2 = 02 from Malaysia.
	}}
	'''Singapore''' ({{lang-ms\|Singapura}}; {{zh-cp\|c=新加坡\|p=Xīnjiāpō}}; {{lang-ta\|சிங்கப்பூர்}}, {{lang\|ta\|''Ciŋkappūr''}}), officially the '''Republic of Singapore''' ({{lang-ms\|Republik Singapura}}; {{zh-cp\|c=新加坡共和国\|p=Xīnjiāpō Gònghéguó}}; {{lang-ta\|சிங்கப்பூர் குடியரசு}}, {{lang\|ta\|''Ciŋkappūr Kudiyarasu''}}), is an ] located at the southern tip of the ]. It lies 137 kilometres (85 mi) north of the ], south of the ]n state of ] and north of ]'s ]. At 704.0 km² (272 sq mi), it is one of the few remaining ]s in the world and the smallest country in ].

	The ] established a trading post on the island in 1819. The main settlement up to that point was a ] fishing village at the mouth of the ]. Several hundred ] ] people also lived around the coast, rivers and smaller islands. The ] used Singapore as a strategic trading post along the ].<ref>{{cite web \| url= http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/getting_around/tours_in_singapore/ethnic___cultural/flavours_of_singapore.html \| title= Flavours of Singapore \| work= Uniquely Singapore \| publisher= ] \| accessdate= 2007-04-13}}</ref> It became one of the most important commercial and military centres of the British Empire. Winston Churchill called it "Britain's greatest defeat" when it was ] during ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.strategypage.com/militaryforums/30-18346.aspx \| title = "The 30 Greatest Battles of World War II}}</ref> Singapore reverted to British rule in 1945. In 1963, it merged with ], ] and ] to form ]. Less than two years later it split from the federation and became an independent ] on ] ]. Singapore was admitted to the ] on ] that same year.

	Since independence, Singapore's ] has increased progressively. A state-led industrialization drive, aided by ] has created a modern economy based on electronics manufacturing, petrochemicals, tourism and financial services alongside the traditional ] trade. Singapore is the 17th wealthiest country in the world in terms of ].<ref>
	{{cite web\| url=
	http://imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2007/01/data/weorept.aspx?sy=2005&ey=2005&ssd=1&sort=subject&ds=.&br=1&pr1.x=46&pr1.y=10&c=512%2C941%2C914%2C446%2C612%2C666%2C614%2C668%2C311%2C672%2C213%2C946%2C911%2C137%2C193%2C962%2C122%2C674%2C912%2C676%2C313%2C548%2C419%2C556%2C513%2C678%2C316%2C181%2C913%2C682%2C124%2C684%2C339%2C273%2C638%2C921%2C514%2C948%2C218%2C686%2C963%2C688%2C616%2C518%2C223%2C728%2C516%2C558%2C918%2C138%2C748%2C196%2C618%2C278%2C522%2C692%2C622%2C694%2C156%2C142%2C624%2C449%2C626%2C564%2C628%2C283%2C228%2C853%2C924%2C288%2C233%2C293%2C632%2C566%2C636%2C964%2C634%2C182%2C238%2C453%2C662%2C968%2C960%2C922%2C423%2C714%2C935%2C862%2C128%2C716%2C611%2C456%2C321%2C722%2C243%2C965%2C248%2C718%2C469%2C724%2C253%2C576%2C642%2C936%2C643%2C961%2C939%2C813%2C644%2C199%2C819%2C184%2C172%2C524%2C132%2C361%2C646%2C362%2C648%2C364%2C915%2C732%2C134%2C366%2C652%2C734%2C174%2C144%2C328%2C146%2C258%2C463%2C656%2C528%2C654%2C923%2C336%2C738%2C263%2C578%2C268%2C537%2C532%2C742%2C944%2C866%2C176%2C369%2C534%2C744%2C536%2C186%2C429%2C925%2C178%2C746%2C436%2C926%2C136%2C466%2C343%2C112%2C158%2C111%2C439%2C298%2C916%2C927%2C664%2C846%2C826%2C299%2C542%2C582%2C443%2C474%2C917%2C754%2C544%2C698&s=PPPPC&grp=0&a=
	\| title = List of GDP per capita by country\| publisher = International Monetary Fund}} Singapore is 44th (as on 2006).</ref> The small nation has a ] of ]222 billion (]147 billion).<ref name="keystats">{{cite web\| url= http://www.mas.gov.sg/data_room/reserves_statistics/Official_Foreign_Reserves.html \| title=Official Foreign Reserves \| work=Statistics Singapore \| publisher=] \| accessdate=2007-09-30}}</ref>

	The ] established the nation's political system as a ], while the country is recognized as a ].<ref> {{cite web \| url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sn.html\| title = CIA - The World Factbook - Singapore \| publisher = Central Intelligence Agency \| accessdate = 2007-08-07}} </ref> The ] (PAP) dominates the political process and has won control of ] in every election since self-government in 1959.<ref> {{cite web \|url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=22&country=7269&year=2007 \|title=Country Report: Singapore \|publisher=Freedom House \|accessdate=2007-08-03}} </ref>

	==History==

	{{main\|History of Singapore}}
	===Origin of name===
	The name ''Singapura'' is derived from the ] words ''singa'' {{lang\|sa\|सिंह}} {{IAST\|''siṃha''}} ("lion") and {{lang\|sa\|पुर}} புர {{IAST\|''pura''}} ("city").<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.bartleby.com/61/46/S0424600.html \|title=Singapore \|publisher=bartleby.com \|accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> According to the ], this name was given by a 14th century ]n Malay prince named ], who, landing on the island after a thunderstorm, spotted an auspicious beast on the shore that his chief minister identified as a lion.<ref> {{cite web \|title=Early History \|url=http://www.sg/explore/history.htm \|publisher=Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, Singapore \|accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref>
	Recent studies of Singapore indicate that lions have never lived there, not even ] and the beast seen by Sang Nila Utama was likely a ], most likely the ].

	===First settlement===

	The first records of settlement in Singapore are from the second century AD.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://countrystudies.us/singapore/3.htm \|title=Country Studies \|publisher=Library of Congress \|accessdate=2007-05-01}}</ref> The island was an outpost of the ]n ] empire and originally bore the ] name '']'' ('sea town'). Temasek (Tumasek) rapidly became a significant trading settlement, but declined in the late 14th century. There are few remnants of old Temasek in Singapore, but ] have uncovered artefacts of that and other settlements. Between the 16th and early 19th centuries, Singapore island was part of the ]. During the Malay-] wars in 1613, the settlement was set ablaze by Portuguese troops.<ref name="uslcPrecolonial">{{cite web \|title=Singapore - Precolonial Era \|url=http://countrystudies.us/singapore/3.htm \|publisher=U.S. Library of Congress \|accessdate=2006-06-18}}</ref> The Portuguese subsequently held control in that century and the Dutch in the 17th, but throughout most of this time the island's population consisted mainly of fishermen.

	] by ], erected at the location where he first landed at Singapore. He is recognized as the founder of modern Singapore.]]

	On 29 January 1819, Sir ] landed on the main island. Sighting its potential, Raffles signed a treaty with ] on behalf of the ] to develop Singapore as a trading post and settlement, marking the start of the island's modern era. Raffles's deputy, ], oversaw a period of growth and ethnic migration. The British India office governed the island from 1858, but Singapore was made a ] in 1867, answerable directly to the Crown. By 1869 the island boasted a sizeable community of 100,000.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Founding of Modern Singapore \|url=http://www.sg/explore/history_founding.htm \|publisher=Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, Singapore \|accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref>

	===World War II===
	During World War II, the ] invaded Malaya, culminating in the ]. The ill-prepared British were defeated in six days, and surrendered the supposedly impregnable "Bastion of the Empire" to General ] on 15 February 1942 in what is now known as the British Empire's greatest military defeat. The Japanese renamed Singapore {{nihongo\|''Shōnantō''\|昭南島}}, from Japanese {{nihongo\|"] no jidai ni eta minami no shima"\|"'''昭'''和の時代に得た'''南'''の'''島'''"}}, or "southern island obtained in the age of Shōwa", and ] until the British repossessed the island on ] ], a month after ].<ref> {{cite web \| author = Ron Taylor \| title = Fall of Malaya and Singapore \| url = http://www.britain-at-war.org.uk/WW2/Malaya_and_Singapore/index.htm \| accessdate = 2007-07-10 }} </ref>

	The name Shōnantō was, at the time, romanized as "Syonan-to" or "Syonan".

	===Independence===
	Singapore became a self-governing state in 1959 with ] its first '']'' and ] its first ]. Following the ], Singapore joined ], along with ] and ], to form the ] on ] ], but separated from it two years later after ] between the state's PAP government and the federal ] government. Singapore officially gained sovereignty on ] ].<ref>{{cite web \|title=Road to Independence \|url=http://countrystudies.us/singapore/10.htm \|publisher=U.S. Library of Congress\|accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> ] was sworn in as the first ] and ] remained prime minister.

	] of Singapore at dusk]]
	The fledgling nation had to be self-sufficient, and faced problems like mass ], housing shortages, and a dearth of land and natural resources. During Lee Kuan Yew's term as ] from 1959 to 1990, his administration attacked widespread ], raised the ], and implemented a large-scale public housing programme. The country's ] ] was developed, the threat of racial tension was curbed, and an independent national defence system, centring around compulsory male military service, was created.

	In 1990, ] succeeded Lee as Prime Minister. During his tenure, the country tackled the impacts of the 1997 ], the 2003 ] outbreak, and ] posed by the ] group after the ].

	In 2004, ], the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, became the third prime minister.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Country profile: Singapore \|publisher=BBC News \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1143240.stm \|accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> Amongst his more notable decisions is the plan to open ]s to attract more foreign tourists.

	==Government and politics==
	<!--Please add new information into relevant articles of the series-->
	{{main\|Politics of Singapore}}
	{{See also\|Law of Singapore}}

	]]]
	Singapore is a republic with a ] of ] parliamentary government representing different ]. The bulk of the executive powers rests with the ], headed by the ]. The office of ], historically a ceremonial one, was granted some veto powers as of 1991 for a few key decisions such as the use of the national reserves and the appointment of ] positions.<ref>{{cite web \| title=The Presidency in Singapore \| work=Istana website\|url=http://www.istana.gov.sg/pro.html\| accessdate=2005-01-30 }} </ref> Although the position is to be elected by popular vote, only the 1993 election has been contested to date. The ] branch of government is the Parliament.

	] are ] for ] since the ] was modified in 1991.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Parliamentary Elections Act\|publisher=Singapore Statutes Online \|url=http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_getdata.pl?actno=2001-REVED-218&doctitle=PARLIAMENTARY%20ELECTIONS%20ACT%0A&segid=946439076-000003\|accessdate=2006-05-08}}</ref>

	], the official residence and office of the ]]]
	Singaporean politics have been controlled by the People's Action Party (PAP) since self-government was attained.<ref> Worthington (2002), Mauzy and Milne (2002).</ref> In consequence, foreign political analysts and several opposition parties like the ], the ] (SDP) and the ] (SDA) have argued that Singapore is essentially a ]. Many analysts consider Singapore to be more of an ] or ] than a true democracy. The ], while admitting that "There is no consensus on how to measure democracy" and that "definitions of democracy are contested", does not list Singapore as either a "democracy" or a "flawed democracy" but as a "hybrid regime" of democratic and authoritarian elements.<ref>{{cite web
	\|url = http://www.economist.com/media/pdf/DEMOCRACY_TABLE_2007_v3.pdf \|title=Economist Intelligence Unit democracy index 2006 \|accessdate=2007-09-13 \|year=2007 \|format=PDF \|publisher=] \|language=English}}</ref> ] ranks the country as "partly free".<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=22&year=2006&country=7055 \|title=Country Report: Singapore \|year=2006 \|publisher=]}}</ref> Though ]s are free from irregularities and vote rigging, the PAP has been criticised for manipulating the political system through its use of censorship, ], and civil ] suits against opposition politicians. ], the exiled former ], is a prominent critic. Seow and opposition politicians such as ] and ] claim that Singapore courts favour the PAP government, and there is no ].<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=554
	\|title=Worldwide Press Freedom Index \|accessdate=2006-04-13}}</ref>

	Singapore has a successful and transparent ]. ] are dominant in various sectors of the local economy, such as ], ], and ]. Singapore has consistently been rated as the least corrupt country in ] and among the world's ten most free from corruption by ].<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi \|title=Transparency International - Corruption Perceptions Index 2006 \|accessdate=2007-02-03}}</ref>

	Although Singapore's laws are inherited from British and ]n laws, including many elements of ], the PAP has also consistently rejected ], which it typifies as ] and states there should not be a 'one-size-fits-all' solution to a democracy. Laws restricting the freedom of speech are justified by claims that they are intended to prohibit speech that may breed ill will or cause disharmony within Singapore's multiracial, multi-religious society. For example, in September 2005, three bloggers were convicted of ] for posting racist remarks targeting minorities.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Third racist blogger sentenced to 24 months supervised probation \|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/180127/1/.html \|publisher=Channel NewsAsia \|date=]}} </ref> Some offences can lead to heavy fines or ] and there are laws which allow ] for first-degree murder and drug trafficking. ] has criticised Singapore for having "possibly the highest execution rate in the world" ].<ref>{{cite web \|title=Amnesty International \|work=The death penalty: A hidden toll of executions \|url=http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA360012004?open&of=ENG-SGP \|accessdate=2006-06-07}}</ref> The Singapore government argues that there is no international consensus on the appropriateness of the death penalty and that Singapore has the ] to determine its own judicial system and impose capital punishment for the most serious crimes.<ref>{{cite web \|title=The Singapore Government's Response To Amnesty International's Report "Singapore - The Death Penalty: A Hidden Toll Of Executions" \|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore \|url=http://www2.mha.gov.sg/mha/detailed.jsp?artid=1770&type=3&root=0&parent=0&cat=65 \|date=2004-01-30}} </ref> However, despite restrictions on public gatherings in Singapore, a small group of activists has organised events in 2005 and 2006 protesting against the country's use of the death penalty.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Singapore forum against death penalty \|publisher=Asia Death Penalty blog \|url=http://asiadeathpenalty.blogspot.com/2006/08/singapore-forum-against-death-penalty.html \|date=2006-08-21}}</ref>

	===Foreign relations===
	{{main\|Foreign relations of Singapore}}

	Singapore maintains diplomatic relations with 175 countries <ref>{{cite web \| title = Singapore Missions Worldwide \| publisher = Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore \| date = 31 March 2007 \| url = http://notesapp.internet.gov.sg/mfa/dipcon/dipcon.nsf/SMAgent}}</ref> although it does not maintain a ] or ] in many of those countries. It is a member of the ], the ], ] and the ]. Due to obvious geographical reasons, relations with ] and ] are most important.Singapore enjoys good relations with the ] which shares ties in the ] (]) along with ], ] and ]. Good relations are also maintained with the ]; the US is perceived as a stabilizing force in the region to counterbalance the regional powers.

	====Disputes====
	Singapore has several long-standing disputes with Malaysia over a number of issues:
	* fresh water deliveries to Singapore
	* mutual maritime boundaries
	* air routes between ] and ]
	* the Singapore-occupied islet known as ] in Singapore and as ] (''White Rock Island'') in Malaysia, located {{convert\|24\|nmi\|km\|0\|lk=on\|abbr=off}} off the east coast of Singapore with a land area of {{convert\|2000\|sqm\|sqyd\|0\|lk=on\|abbr=on}} (the island also comprises Middle Rocks which are two clusters of rocks situated {{convert\|0.6\|nmi\|km\|1\|abbr=on}} south of Pedra Branca, and South Ledge, a rock formation which can be seen only at low tide)
	* relocating the Singapore station of Malaysia's ] from Tanjong Pagar to Bukit Timah (see ]) and moving Malaysia's immigration checkpoint from the railway station to the Causeway
	* withdrawal of ]s by west Malaysians.

	==Geography and climate==
	{{main\|Geography and climate of Singapore}}

	Singapore consists of ], including mainland Singapore. There are two man-made connections to ], ] — ] in the north, and ] in the west. ], ], ] and ] are the largest of Singapore's many smaller islands. The highest natural point of Singapore is ] at {{convert\|166\|m\|ft\|0\|lk=on\|abbr=on}}.

	], a 67.3-hectare (166 acre) Botanic Gardens in Singapore that includes the National Orchid Garden, which has a collection of more than 3,000 species of orchids.]]
	The south of Singapore, around the mouth of the ] and what is now the Downtown Core, used to be the only concentrated urban area, while the rest of the land was either undeveloped ] or used for agriculture. Since the 1960s, the government has constructed new residential towns in outlying areas, resulting in an entirely built-up urban landscape. The ] was established on ] ], responsible for ].

	Singapore has on-going ] projects with earth obtained from its own hills, the sea-bed, and neighbouring countries. As a result, Singapore's land area grew from {{convert\|581.5\|sqkm\|sqmi\|1\|lk=on\|abbr=on}} in the 1960s to {{convert\|704\|sqkm\|sqmi\|1\|abbr=on}} today, and may grow by another 100 km² (38.6 sq mi) by 2030.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Towards Environmental Sustainability, State of the Environment 2005 Report (PDF) \|url=http://app.nea.gov.sg/counter/nea_soecover.asp \|publisher=Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Singapore \|accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> The projects sometimes involve some of the smaller islands being merged together through land reclamation in order to form larger, more functional islands, such as in the case of ].

	Under the ] system, Singapore has a ] with no distinctive seasons. Its climate is characterized by uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. Temperatures range from 22 °C to 34 °C (72°–93 °F). On average, the ] is around 90 percent in the morning and 60 percent in the afternoon. During prolonged heavy rain, relative humidity often reaches 100 percent.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Climate of Singapore \|url=http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/article.asp?pid=1088 \|publisher=National Environment Agency, Singapore \|accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> The lowest and highest temperatures recorded in its maritime history are {{convert\|18.4\|C\|F\|1\|lk=on\|abbr=on}} and {{convert\|37.8\|C\|F\|1\|abbr=on}} respectively. The highest wind speed recorded was {{convert\|150\|km/h\|mph\|0\|lk=on\|abbr=on}} on ] ]. June and July are the hottest months, while November and December make up the wetter ] season. From August to October, there is often haze, sometimes severe enough to prompt public health warnings, due to ]s in neighbouring ]. Singapore does not observe daylight saving time or a summer time zone change. The length of the day is nearly constant year round due to the country's location near the equator.

	About 23 percent of Singapore's land area consists of forest and nature reserves.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://earthtrends.wri.org/pdf_library/country_profiles/for_cou_702.pdf \|title=Earthtrends country profile}}</ref> Urbanization has eliminated many areas of former primary ], with the only remaining area of primary rainforest being ]. A variety of parks are maintained with human intervention, such as the ].

	Without natural freshwater rivers and lakes, the primary domestic source of ] in Singapore is rainfall, collected in reservoirs or catchment areas. Rainfall supplies approximately 50 percent of Singapore's water; the remainder is imported from neighbouring countries or obtained from ] facilities and ] plants. More ] and desalination plants are being built or proposed to reduce reliance on import.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Clean Water \|publisher=Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Singapore \|accessdate=2006-04-14 \|url=http://app.mewr.gov.sg/home.asp?cid=167&nid=167&id=SAS763}}</ref>

	==Economy==
	{{main\|Economy of Singapore\|Tourism in Singapore}}

	Singapore has a highly developed market-based economy, which historically revolves around extended ] trade. Along with ], ] and ], Singapore is one of the ]. The economy depends heavily on exports refining imported goods, especially in manufacturing. Manufacturing constituted 26 percent of Singapore's GDP in 2005.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/themes/economy/ess/essa11.pdf \|title=Gross Domestic Product by Industry \|accessdate=2007-09-13 \|year=2007 \|format=PDF \|publisher=Singapore Department of Statistics \|language=English}}</ref> The manufacturing industry is well-diversified into electronics, petroleum refining, chemicals, mechanical engineering and biomedical sciences manufacturing. In 2006, Singapore produced about 10 percent of the world's foundry ] output. Singapore is the busiest port in the world in terms of tonnage shipped.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0WDP/is_2006_Jan_17/ai_n16006412 \|title=2006 shipping figures}}</ref> Singapore is the world's fourth largest ] trading centre after ], ] and ].<ref> {{cite web \|url=http://www.mas.gov.sg/annual_report/annual20052006/Index_A/A17_OA&WIP.htm \|title=MAS Annual Report 2005/2006}}</ref>

	Singapore has been rated as the most business-friendly economy in the world, with thousands of foreign expatriates working in ]s.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/228852/1/.html \|title=Singapore is ranked first in the Doing Business Report 2006 by World Bank \|publisher=Channel NewsAsia}}</ref> The city-state also employs tens of thousands of foreign blue-collared workers from around the world.

	]
	In 2001, a ] and slump in the technology sector caused the GDP to contract by 2.2 percent. The Economic Review Committee (ERC), set up in December 2001, recommended several policy changes with a view to revitalising the economy. Singapore has since recovered from the recession, largely due to improvements in the world economy; the Singaporean economy itself grew by 8.3 percent in 2004, 6.4 percent in 2005<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://app.mti.gov.sg/data/article/1962/doc/ESS_2005Ann_%20PR.pdf \|title=Performance of the Singapore Economy in 2005, Ministry of Trade and Industry \|format=PDF \|accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> and 7.9 percent in 2006.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Singapore's economy grows by 7.7 percent in 2006 \|author=Dominique Loh \|publisher=Channel NewsAsia \|date=31 December 2006 \|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/250028/1/.html}}</ref> In the first half of Year 2007, the economy grew by 7.6 percent. The growth forecast for the whole year is expected to be between 7 percent to 8 percent, up from the original estimation of 5 percent to 7 percent.<ref> {{cite web \|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/292902/1/.html \|title=PM Lee calls on Singaporeans to make country a special home \|accessdate=2007-08-09}}</ref> On August 19 2007, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced in his National Day Rally Speech that Singapore's economy is expected to grow by at least 4-6 percent annually over the next 5-10 years.

	The per capita GDP in 2005 was US$26,833<ref>{{cite web \|title=Per Capita GDP at Current Market Prices \|url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/keystats/hist/gdp.html \|publisher=Singapore Department of Statistics \| date=]}}</ref> and the unemployment rate is 1.7 percent as of October 2007, a record ten year low. In 2006, there were 173,000 new jobs being created, a record high. In the first half of Year 2007, 111,000 new jobs were created, reaching another breaking record.
	]

	Singapore introduced a ] (GST) with an initial rate of 3 percent on 1 April 1994 substantially increasing government revenue by S$1.6 billion and stabilizing government finances.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.mof.gov.sg/budget_1996/revenue.html \|title=FY 1996 Budget, Revenue And Tax Changes \|accessdate=2006-05-01}}</ref> The taxable GST was increased to 4 percent in 2003, to 5 percent in 2004,<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://app.feedback.gov.sg/asp/pol/pol01d1.asp?id=172 \|title=Policy Digest: Phased GST increase \|accessdate=2006-04-26 \|date=]}}</ref> and to 7 percent on 1st July 2007.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/258757_26/1/.html \|title=GST rate to rise to 7 percent from July 1 \|accessdate=2007-02-15}}</ref>

	Singapore is a popular travel destination, making ] one of its largest industries. About 9.7 million tourists visited Singapore in 2006.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Record Year As Tourism Exceeds 2006 Targets With S$12.4 Billion Tourism Receipts And 9.7 Million Visitor Arrivals \|url=http://app.stb.com.sg/asp/new/new03a.asp?id=6243 \|publisher=] \|accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> The ] district is the centre of shopping hub in Singapore. To attract more tourists, the government decided in 2005 to legalise gambling and to allow two ]s to be developed at ] and Sentosa.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Proposal to develop Integrated Resorts - Ministerial Statement by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 18 April 2005 \|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/casino/text_pmlee.htm \|publisher=Channel NewsAsia}}</ref> To compete with its many rivals such as Hong Kong, Tokyo and Shanghai, the government has announced that the city area would be transformed into a more exciting place by lighting up the city completely. Other than the Integrated Resort, about 15 new developments are coming up, which include the ], which would be the largest Ferris wheel in the world, the ] and a 280-metre Double Helix Bridge. Cuisine has been heavily promoted as an attraction for tourists, with the ] in July organized annually to celebrate Singapore's cuisine.

	Singapore is also growing its ] sector. 230,000 foreigners sought medical care in the country in 2003 and Singapore medical services are aiming to serve one million foreign patients annually by 2012. In doing so it is hoped to generate $3 billion in revenue and create at least 13,000 new jobs within the health industries . Singapore hospitals are actively engaged in ], at least partly as a by-product of this desire to grow the income from medical tourism.

	Under the ] (IDA), ] is a government-initiated initiative to build Singapore's Infocomm infrastructure. Working through IDA's Call-for-Collaboration, ], iCell and QMax deploy a wireless network throughout Singapore. Since late 2006, users have enjoyed free wireless access through Wi-Fi under the "basic-tier" package offered by all three operators. This will last for 3 years.

	===Free Trade Agreements===
	Free trade agreements connect Singapore to major economies and markets. It allows Singapore-based exporters and investors to benefit from tariff concessions, access to certain sectors and intellectual property protection. Singapore has 14 bilateral agreements with the following countries:<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.iesingapore.gov.sg/wps/portal/ \|title=Singapore Free Trade Agreements \|accessdate=2007-09-23}}</ref>

	* ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)
	* ASEAN-China (ACFTA)
	* ASEAN-Korea (AKFTA)
	* ] (SAFTA)
	* ] (SJFTA)
	* ] (CECA)
	* ] (JSEPA)
	* ] (ANZSCEP)
	* ] (PSFTA)
	* ]
	* ] (KSFTA)
	* the Trans-Pacific SEP (Brunei, New Zealand, Chile, Singapore)
	* the ](Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland) EFTA
	* ] USSFTA

	===Currency===
	{{main\|Singapore Dollar}}
	The currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar, represented by the symbol '''S$'''. The ] of Singapore is the Monetary Authority of Singapore, responsible for issuing currency. Singapore established the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Singapore, on April 7, 1967 and issued its first coins and notes. The Singapore dollar was exchangeable at par with the Malaysian ringgit until 1973. Interchangeability with the Brunei dollar is still maintained. On 27 June 2007, to commemorate 40 years of currency agreement with Brunei, a commemorative S$20 note was launched; the back is identical to the Bruneian $20 note launched concurrently. A circulation version of the $20 note will be able to be exchanged at banks in Singapore.

	==Military==
	] during the Navy Open House 2007]]
	{{main\|Military of Singapore\|Total Defence}}

	The military of Singapore includes the ], the ], and the ], collectively known as the ] (SAF). The ] (MINDEF) oversees its functionality, along with volunteer private companies involved in supporting roles. The Chief of Defence Force is Lieutenant-General Desmond Kuek Bak Chye. The armed forces are controlled by the Minister of Defence, Mr Teo Chee Hean.

	Singapore legislation requires every able-bodied male Singaporean citizen and second-generation permanent residents to serve ] for a minimum of 2 years upon reaching 18 years of age or completion of his studies (whichever comes first), with exemption given to those with medical reasons or other official reasons. After serving the two years, every male is considered operationally ready, and is liable for reservist (operationally ready) national service to the age of 40 (50 for commissioned officers). More than 350,000 men serve as operationally-ready servicemen assigned to reservist combat units, and another 72,500 men form the full-time national service and regular corps.

	The military of Singapore serves primarily as a deterrent against potential aggressors of the island, and also as a force in providing humanitarian assistance to other countries. Singapore has mutual defence pacts with several countries, most notably the ]. There is an extensive overseas network of Singapore’s training grounds in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, France, Taiwan, Thailand and Brunei. Since 1980, the concept and strategy of ] has been adopted in all aspects of security, an approach aimed at strengthening Singapore against all kinds of threats.

	The recent rise in ] and terrorism has cast increasing emphasis on the non-military aspects of defence. The ], part of the ], is also a ] force. In 1991, the hijacking of ] ended in the storming of the aircraft by ] and the subsequent deaths of all four hijackers without injury to both passengers and SOF personnel. A concern is ], a militant Islamic group whose plan to ] was ultimately foiled in 2001.

	Singapore's defence resources have been used in international humanitarian aid missions, including ] assignments involved in 11 different countries.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/about_us/defence_policy.html \|title=Peacekeepers :: In the Service of Peace \|accessdate=2006-05-01}}</ref> In September 2005, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) sent three CH-47 Chinook helicopters to ] to assist in relief operations for ]. In the aftermath of the ] or Boxing Day Tsunami, the RSAF deployed 3 landing ship tanks, 12 Super Puma and 8 Chinook helicopters to aid in relief operations to the countries that were affected by the tsunami.

	==Demographics==
	{{main\|Demographics of Singapore}}

	===Population===
	] is the largest Hindu ] in Singapore. It is also one of the many religious buildings marked as ] for their historical value.]]According to government statistics, the population of Singapore as of September 2007 was 4.68 million, of whom 3.7 million were ] and permanent residents (termed 'Singapore Residents').<ref>{{cite web \|title= Singapore Statistic \|url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/keyind.html#popnarea \|publisher= Singapore Statistic \|accessdate=2007-09-29}}</ref> ] formed 75.2% of 'Singapore Residents', ] 13.6%, ] 8.8%, while ] and other groups formed 2.4%.

	In 2006. the crude birth rate stood at 10.1 per 1000, a very low level attributed to birth control policies, and the crude death rate was also one of the lowest in the world at 4.3 per 1000. The total population growth was 4.4% with Singapore residents growth at 1.8%. The higher percentage growth rate is largely from net immigration, but also increasing life expectancy. Singapore is the second-] in the world after Monaco, excluding ] and ], which are ]. In 1957, Singapore's population was approximately 1.45 million, and there was a relatively high birth rate. Aware of the country's extremely limited natural resources and small territory, the government introduced birth control policies in the late 1960s. In the late 1990s, the population was ageing, with fewer people entering the labour market and a shortage of skilled workers. In a dramatic reversal of policy, the Singapore government introduce a "baby bonus" scheme in 2001 (enhanced in August 2004) that encouraged couples to have more children.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Baby Bonus \|url=http://www.babybonus.gov.sg \|publisher=Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports \|accessdate=2006-11-01}}</ref>

	In 2006, the total fertility rate was only 1.26 children per woman, the 3rd lowest in the world and well below the 2.10 needed to replace the population. <ref></ref> In 2006, 38,317 babies were born, compared to around 37,600 in 2005. This number, however, is not sufficient to maintain the population growth. To overcome this problem, the government is encouraging foreigners to immigrate to Singapore. These large numbers of immigrants have kept Singapore's population from declining.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/257208/1/.html \|title=Singapore's birth trend outlook remains dismal \|publisher=Channel NewsAsia}}</ref>

	===Religion===
	{{main\|Religion in Singapore}}

	]]]Singapore is a ].

	According to ''Statistics Singapore'', around 51 percent of resident Singaporeans (excluding significant numbers of visitors and migrant workers) practice ] and ]. About 15 percent, mostly Chinese , Eurasians, and Indians, practice ] - a broad classification including Catholicism, Protestantism and other denominations. ] constitute 14 percent, of whom Malays account for the majority with a substantial number of ] ]. Smaller minorities practice ], ], the ] and others, according to the 2000 census.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/keystats/c2000/religion.pdf \|title=Census of Population 2000 by religion, ethnic group, and gender \|work=Statistics Singapore \|publisher=] \|accessdate=2007-03-12}}</ref>

	About 15 percent of the population declared no religious affiliation.

	===Education===
	].]]
	{{main\|Education in Singapore}}

	The literacy rate is one of the highest in Asia, at 95 percent (2006).<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/keystats/annual/sib/sib2006.pdf \|title=Singapore in Brief 2006, Singapore Department of Statistics \|accessdate=2006-05-01 \|format=PDF}}</ref>

	In Singapore, the English language is the first language learned by half the children by the time they reach preschool age and becomes the primary medium of instruction by the time they reach primary school. English is the language of instruction for most subjects, especially mathematics and the natural sciences, except where other languages are concerned. Certain schools, such as secondary schools under the Special Assistance Plan (SAP) which encourages a richer use of the mother tongue may teach occasionally in another language. There are also other schools which have been experimenting with curricula that integrate language subjects with mathematics and the sciences, using both English and a second language.

	The standard for the school curriculum is set by the ] with a mix of private schools and public schools. There is no strict public-private dichotomy: the degree of autonomy, regarding curriculum and student admission, government funding received, and tuition burden on the students is further classified into "government-run", "government-aided", "autonomous", "independent", and "privately-funded".<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.moe.gov.sg/corporate/secondary_02.htm \|title=Education System:Secondary \|accessdate=2006-05-01}}</ref> In addition, ]s cater to ] students and sometimes admit local students.

	There are ] in Singapore; ], ], and ]. There are also five polytechnics (], ], ], ] and ]) in the country.

	The educational system features a non-compulsory three-year kindergarten, followed by six-year primary education, students take the ] (PSLE), 4 years of secondary education, a further set of examinations are taken which determine their individual subject mastery and which kind of ] they can pursue, such as junior colleges or ], which provide a 2-year or 3-year pre-university education route to the universities. There is an alternative to the junior college route through ]s, where students will graduate with a diploma certificate. There are also tertiary institutions offering various Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees, other higher diplomas, and associate degree courses.

	In 2004, a programme called ] was created to remove the necessity of taking ] examinations at Secondary 4, for more academically inclined students at certain secondary schools.

	Other institutes include the National Institute of Education (NIE), a teaching college to train teachers, various ]s, and ] institutes such as the ] (ITE). ], one of the leading business school in the world, has opened a second campus in Singapore in 2001. In parallel to the original France based campus, it offers MBA and Executive-MBA courses.

	In 1999, the Ministry of Education started the ] (PRIME) to upgrade school buildings, many of which were built over 20 to 30 years ago, in phases at a cost of S$4.5 billion.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.moe.gov.sg/prime/prime.htm \|title=Programme For Rebuilding and Improving Existing schools (PRIME) \|publisher=MOE-PRIME, Ministry of Education \|accessdate=2007-05-15}}</ref> This programme achieves to provide a better school environment for the students by upgrading school buildings to latest standards. In 2005, the Flexible School Infrastructure (FlexSI) framework was implemented through the building of modular classrooms which can be opened up for larger lectures, and allowing a school's staff members to mould their school's designs to suit the school's unique identity and culture. At the same time, an indoor sports hall will be provided to every school so that schools can carry out physical education lessons in inclement weather.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.moe.gov.sg/press/2007/pr20070214.htm \|title=Eight More Schools to Benefit from Upgrading \|publisher=Ministry of Education Press Releases \|accessdate=2007-05-15}}</ref>

	===Languages===
	{{main\|Languages of Singapore}}
	The national language of Singapore is ] for historical reasons, and it is used in the national anthem, "]". The official languages are ], ], Malay and ]. English has been promoted as the country's language of administration since independence. The English used is primarily based on ], with some ] influences. The use of English became widespread in Singapore after it was implemented as a first language medium in the ], and English is the most common language in ]. Public signs and official publications are in English, although there are translated versions in other official languages. However, the majority of the population speak a localised hybrid form of English known as ] ("Singapore English"), which has many ]-like characteristics, incorporating vocabulary and grammar from Standard English, various ], Malay and ]n languages. The government has consistently tried to discourage the use of Singlish in its "Speak Good English" campaigns.

	==Culture==
	{{main\|Culture of Singapore}}

	Singapore is a mixture of ] population with a ] majority, as well as ] and ] immigrants with some intermarriages.<ref>In reality, there are very few people in Singapore who can claim to be truly indigenous to the island of Singapore. Other than people who can trace their ancestry to the small number of Orang Laut and Malay fisherfolk living on the island then, the peoples of Singapore {including the Malays} are basically descendants of immigrants who came to Singapore to take advantage of the economic opportunities made available by the founding of modern Singapore by Raffles.</ref> There also exist significant ] and '']'' (known also as 'Straits Chinese') communities. Singapore has also achieved a significant degree of ].

	===Cuisine===
	{{main\|Cuisine of Singapore}}

	]. ]s and ]s are evenly distributed.]]Singaporean cuisine is an example of diversity and cultural diffusion in Singapore, with a fusion of ], ], ] and ] influences. In Singapore's ]s traditionally ] ] stalls selling ] food may serve halal versions of traditionally ] food. Chinese food stalls may introduce indigenous Malay ingredients or cooking techniques. This continues to make the cuisine of Singapore a significant cultural attraction.

	Local foods are diverse, ranging from ] to ]. Singaporeans also enjoy a wide variety of seafood including crabs, clams, squid, and oysters. One such dish is stingray barbecued and served on banana leaf and with '']'' or chili.

	===Performing arts===
	{{see also\|Music of Singapore}}

	]Since the 1990s, the government has been striving to promote Singapore as a centre for arts and culture, and to transform the country into a ] 'gateway between the East and West'.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.mica.gov.sg/renaissance/FinalRen.pdf \|title=Renaissance City Report: Culture and the Arts in Renaissance Singapore (Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts) \|accessdate=2006-05-01}}</ref>
	The highlight of these efforts was the construction of ], a centre for performing arts that opened on ], ].<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Singapore/Singapore-1495679/Things_To_Do-Singapore-Esplanade_Theatres_by_the_Bay-BR-1.html \|title=Virtual Tourist: Reviews of Esplanade (Theatres by the Bay) \|accessdate=2006-03-28}}</ref>

	An annual ] is also organised by the National Arts Council that incorporates theatre arts, dance, music and visual arts, among other possibilities.

	A first ] took place in 2006 to showcase contemporary art from around the world. The next one will be in 2008 which will feature Southeast Asian works.

	===Media===
	{{main\|Media of Singapore}}

	The media of Singapore play an important role in Singapore, one of the key strategic media centres in the ] region <ref>{{cite web \| title = Media Overview \| work = Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts \| url = http://www.mica.gov.sg/mica_business/b_media.html \| accessdate = 17 September \| accessyear = 2006}}</ref>. This is in line with the ]'s aggressive push to establish Singapore as a media hub in the world under the ] plan launched in 2002 <ref>{{cite web \| title = Media 21: Transforming Singapore into a Global Media City \| work = Media Development Authority Singapore \| url = http://www.mda.gov.sg/wms.ftp/media21.pdf \| accessdate = 17 September \| accessyear = 2006}}</ref>. Comprising of the publishing, print, broadcasting, film, music, digital and IT media sectors, the media industry collectively employed about 38,000 people and contributed 1.56% to Singapore's ] (GDP) in 2001 with an annual turnover of ]10 billion. The industry grew at an average rate of 7.7% annually from 1990 to 2000, and the government seeks to increase its GDP contribution to 3% by 2012.

	====Broadcasting====
	{{Main\|Broadcasting in Singapore}}
	State-owned ] operates all seven free-to-air terrestrial local ] channels licensed to broadcast in Singapore, as well as 14 ] channels. Radio and television stations are all government-owned entities. All seven television channels are owned by MediaCorp. The radio stations are mainly operated by MediaCorp with the exception of four stations, which are operated by ] and ] respectively. Private ownership of satellite dish receivers capable of viewing uncensored televised content from abroad is illegal.

	====Print====
	{{Main\|List of newspapers in Singapore}}
	There are a total of 16 ] in active circulation. Daily newspapers are published in ], ], ] and ].

	Print is dominated by ] (SPH), publisher of the flagship English-language daily, '']''. SPH publishes all other daily newspapers with the exception of '']'', which is owned by ].

	===Sport and recreation===
	{{main\|Sports in Singapore}}

	Singaporeans participate in a wide variety of sports and recreational activities. Favorite sports include football, swimming, badminton, basketball, rugby union, ] and table tennis. Most people live in ] that often provide amenities such as swimming pools, outdoor basketball courts and indoor sport complexes. As might be expected on an island, water sports are popular, including sailing, kayaking and water skiing. Scuba diving is another recreation, particularly around the southern island of ], which is known for its rich coral reefs.

	]

	The 55,000 ], located in Kallang was opened in July 1973 and was used for sporting, cultural, entertainment and national events until its official closure on ] ] to make way for the ] on the same site. This sports complex is expected to be ready by 2011 and will comprise a new 55,000-capacity National Stadium with a retractable roof, a 6,000-capacity indoor aquatic centre, a 400-meter warm-up athletic track and a 3,000-seater multi-purpose arena. 36,000 square metres of space have also been reserved for commercial development.

	Golf is gaining popularity among Singaporeans. There are 15 golf clubs in Singapore. Some golfers prefer travelling to regional golf courses especially in Johor, Malaysia, due to relatively cheaper club membership.

	Singaporean sports persons have performed in regional as well as international competitions in sports such as table tennis, badminton, bowling, sailing, ], swimming and water polo. Sports persons and athletes such as ], ], ] and ] have become household names in the country.

	The ] joined the Australian ] in 2006 and have three Singaporeans in their squad. Despite being the team with the largest support pool in the NBL, they generally get the smallest crowds in the NBL.

	Beginning in 2008, Singapore will be hosting a round of the ]. The race will be staged at the ] in the ] area and may become the first race to be held at night.

	In 2007, Singapore announced its bid to host the ] in 2010.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://yog.youth.sg \|title=Youth Olympic Games 2010 (Singapore) \|accessdate=2007-08-18}}</ref>

	====Singapore Sports School====
	{{main\|Singapore Sports School}}

	The Singapore Sports School is a specialized independent school established in January 2004. It was initiated by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), and caters to sporting teenagers who have talent and capability in sports.

	The Singapore Sports School is a specialized school providing a good academic and training environment for talented young athletes. The idea for establishing a specialized school for young athletes was mooted by the Committee on Sporting Singapore (CoSS) in 2000. CoSS had noted that Singapore's demanding academic environment places a lot pressure on young athletes, leading most of them to abandon their sporting aspirations in favour of their studies.

	==Architecture==
	] are located at ], namely, from left to right, ], ] and ]. All three buildings are 280 metres in height.]]
	{{main\|Architecture of Singapore}}
	The architecture of Singapore is varied, reflecting the ethnic build-up of the country. Singapore has several ethnic neighbourhoods, including ] and ]. These were formed under the ] to segregate the immigrants. Many places of worship were also constructed during the colonial era. ], the ] ] and the ] are among those that were built during the colonial period.{{Fact\|date=August 2007}} Work is now underway to preserve these religious sites as ].{{Fact\|date=August 2007}}

	Due to the lack of space, few historical buildings remain in the centre of the Central Business District (CBD) of Singapore - the ] and the previously-moved ] being some exceptions. However, just outside of Raffles Place, and throughout the rest of the downtown core, there is a large scattering of pre-WWII buildings - some going back nearly as far as Raffles, as with the ], built in 1827.{{Fact\|date=April 2007}} Many classical buildings were destroyed during the post-war decades, up until the 1990s, when the government started strict programs to conserve the buildings and areas of historic value.

	Past the shopping malls are streets lined with shophouses. Many other such areas have been gazetted as historic districts. Information can be found at the ] Centre in Maxwell Road, where there are exhibits and several models of the island and its architecture. Singapore has also become a centre for ]. Historically, the demand for high-end buildings has been in and around the Central Business District (CBD). After decades of development, the CBD has become an area with many tall office buildings. These buildings comprise the skyline along the coast of Marina Bay and Raffles Place, a tourist attraction in Singapore. Plans for tall buildings must be reviewed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.caas.gov.sg/caas/en/e-Services/ANO_Hazard_C/view_building_height_res_map.html \|publisher=Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore \|title=Building Height Restriction Map}}</ref> No building in Singapore may be taller than 280 metres.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.liechtenstein.li/en/pdf-fl-multimedia-information-bilateral-singapur.pdf \|title=Liechtenstein – Singapore: a comparison}}</ref> The three tallest buildings in Singapore, namely ], ] and ], are all 280 metres in height.

	In addition, some signs of Singapore's colonial past remain in the form of "Black and White Houses".{{Fact\|date=August 2007}} These large houses are situated further away from the CBD and were built in the early to mid 19th century. These homes were built to house the British generals and governors when Britain occupied the country. Later, they became home to many Japanese generals after the fall of Singapore during World War II.{{Fact\|date=August 2007}}

	== Resources==
	===Water Resource===
	{{main\|Water resources of Singapore}}

	The water resources of Singapore are precious given the small amount of land and territory in Singapore relative to the large urban population in the city-state. Without natural freshwater rivers and lakes, the primary domestic source of water in Singapore is rainfall, collected in reservoirs or water catchment areas. Rainfall supplies approximately 50% of Singapore's water; the remainder is mainly imported from Malaysia. Presently, more catchment areas, facilities to recycle water (producing NEWater) and desalination plants are being built. This "four tap" strategy aims to reduce reliance on foreign supply and to diversify its water sources.

	Singapore has a network of reservoirs and water catchment areas. By 2001, there were 19 raw water reservoirs, 9 treatment works and 14 storage or service reservoirs locally to serve domestic needs. ] is a dam being constructed around the estuary of three Singapore rivers, creating by 2009 a huge freshwater reservoir, the Marina Bay reservoir.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Marina Barrage \|url=http://www.pub.gov.sg/Marina/about.htm \|date=] \|publisher=PUB}}</ref> When developed, this will increase the rainfall catchment to two-thirds of the country's surface area.

	Historically, Singapore relied on imports from Malaysia to supply half of its water consumption. However, the two water agreements that supply Singapore with this water are due to expire by 2011 and 2061 respectively and the two countries are engaged in a dispute on the price of water. Without a resolution in sight, the government of Singapore decided to increase self-sufficiency in its water supply.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Clean Water \|publisher=Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Singapore \|accessdate=2006-04-14 \|url=http://app.mewr.gov.sg/home.asp?cid=167&nid=167&id=SAS763}}</ref>

	==Transport==
	{{main\|Transport in Singapore}}

	===International===
	] with ] island in the background.]]
	Singapore is a major Asian transportation hub, positioned on many sea and air trade routes. The transportation industry comprises over 10 percent of Singapore's GDP despite an increasingly diversified economy.{{Fact\|date=April 2007}}

	The ], managed by port operators ] and ], was the world's busiest port in 2005 in terms of shipping tonnage handled, at 1.15 billion ]s, and in terms of ]ised traffic, at 23.2 million ]s (TEUs). It was also the world's second busiest in terms of cargo tonnage, coming behind ] with 423 million tons handled. In addition, the Port is the world's busiest for ] traffic and the world's biggest ship refuelling centre.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Singapore remains world's busiest port \|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-01/12/content_4045562.htm \|date=] \|publisher=Xinhuanet}}</ref>

	]

	Singapore is an aviation centre, acting as a stopover point for the ']' between ] and ]. ] has a network of 81 airlines connecting Singapore to 185 cities in 58 countries (2007). It has been rated as one of the best international airports by international travel magazines. It was rated as the world's best airport in 2006 by ]. The airport has two passenger terminals. A third terminal, terminal 3, is scheduled for completion in January 2008 and there are plans for a fourth terminal. There is also a budget terminal, which serves budget carrier ] and ]. The national carrier is ] (SIA). The government is moving towards privatising Changi airport.

	Singapore is linked to ], Malaysia via the ] and the ], as well as a railway operated by ] of Malaysia, with its southern terminus at ]. Frequent ferry service to several nearby Indonesian ports also exists.

	] at ] on the ] (MRT) system, one of three heavy rail passenger transport lines in Singapore.]]

	===Domestic===
	The domestic transport infrastructure has a well-connected island-wide ] which includes a ]. The public road system is served by the ] and a number of licensed ]-operating companies. The public bus transport has been the subject of criticism by Singaporeans, the majority of whom are dependent on it for their daily commuting, but suffer from its infrequency, poor scheduling and the buses' sometimes less-than-desirable conditions.

	Since 1987, the heavy rail passenger ] (MRT) ] system has been in operation. MRT has been further augmented by the ] (LRT) ] system, which provides service to ]s. Established in 2001, ] system allows contactless ] to serve as stored value tickets for use in the public transport systems in Singapore.

	More than 2.78 million people use the bus network daily, while more than 1.3 million people use either the LRT or MRT as part of their daily routine.<ref name="LTA Jun 2007">{{cite web \|title=2006 Average Daily Ridership \|accessdate=2007-06-07 \|url=http://www.lta.gov.sg/corp_info/doc/Average%20Daily%20Public%20Transport%20Ridership.pdf?}}</ref> Approximately 991,000 people use the taxi services daily.<ref name="LTA Jun 2007"/> Private vehicle use in the Central Area is discouraged by ]s implemented during hours of heavy road traffic, through an ] system. Private vehicle ownership is discouraged by high vehicle taxes and imposing ].

	==Major International rankings==
	] heading west]]
	;Economic
	* , ranked 1 out of 175 economies
	*]: , ranked 3 out of 60 economies in 2006 (countries and regions)
	*]: ], ranked 5 out of 124 economies
	*]/]: , ranked 1 out of 62 countries
	*]/]: ], ranked 2 out of 155 countries
	*]: , ranked 11 out of 111 countries
	*]: , ranked 13 out of 68 economies
	*]: ] , ranked 12 out of 30 leading exporting economies
	*]: ] , ranked 6 out of 50 cities

	;Educational
	*]: , ranked 1 out of 46 economies in all four criteria
	*]: , ranked 4 out of 227 economies

	;Political
	*]: , ranked 4 out of 180 countries and economies
	* ] ranked Singapore 5 out of 7 for political freedom, and 4 out of 7 for civil liberties (where 1 is the most free), for an overall ranking of "partly free". Freedom House did not qualify Singapore as an "electoral democracy".
	* ]: , ranked 84 out of 167 countries/territories

	;Social
	*]: , ranked 25 out of 177 countries
	*]: ], ranked 146 out of 168 countries
	*]: , ranked 16 out of 119 countries (tied with Argentina, Republic of Korea, and Uruguay)

	;Transportation
	*]: , ] ranked 2 out of 155 airports
	*]: , ], ranked Airline of the Year
	*]: , ranked 1

	==See also==
	{{Singapore topics}}

	==Notes==
	{{reflist\|2}}

	<!-- Instructions for adding a footnote: please refer to http://meta.wikimedia.org/Cite/Cite.php -->

	==References==
	* Michael Hill, Kwen Fee Lian:''The Politics of Nation Building and Citizenship in Singapore.'', Routledge, 1995, ISBN 041512025X

	* {{cite book \| author = Diane K. Mauzy & R. S. Milne \| title = Singapore Politics: Under the People's Action Party \| publisher = Routledge \| year = 2002 \| id = ISBN 0-415-24653-9}}
	* {{cite book \| author=Worthington, Ross \| title=Governance in Singapore \| publisher=Routledge/Curzon\|year=2002\|id=ISBN 0-7007-1474-X}}

	* {{cite web \| title = Census 2000 \| work = Singapore Department of Statistics \| url = http://www.singstat.gov.sg/keystats/people.html#hhlds \| accessmonthday =11 January \| accessyear = 2000}}
	* {{cite web \| title = Key Facts & Figures \| work = Ministry of Transport, Singapore \| url = http://www.mot.gov.sg/ \| accessmonthday = 11 January \| accessyear = 2003}}
	* {{cite web \| title = Nation's History \| work = Singapore Infomap \| url = http://www.sg/explore/history.htm \| accessmonthday = 11 January \| accessyear = 2004}}
	* {{cite web \| title = MOE-PRIME \| work = Programme For Rebuilding and IMproving Existing schools (PRIME) \| url = http://www.moe.gov.sg/prime/prime.htm \| accessmonthday = 15 May \| accessyear = 2007}}
	* {{cite web \| title = Press Releases \| work = Eight More Schools to Benefit from Upgrading \| url = http://www.moe.gov.sg/press/2007/pr20070214.htm \| accessmonthday = 15 May \| accessyear = 2007}}

	''This article incorporates public domain text from the websites of Singapore Department of Statistics, United States Department of State, & ] (2004).''

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Revision as of 14:00, 19 November 2007