Geography of Singapore

Tools:

Singapore is a bustling, cosmopolitan city state that is also an island nation. It is made up of one main island which measures 692.7 km², and 63 offshore islands, many of which are uninhabited. Singapore lies at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula , 137 kilometres North of the Equator (1 22 N 103 48 E). and as such has a tropical climate (the average daily minimum being 23.9°C, and the maximum 30.9°C, and the length of daylight remain nearly constant throughout the year.

The smallest country in Southeast Asia, Singapore is a multi-racial, multi-cultural society of just over 4,553,000 inhabitants made up of Chinese (75%), Malays (14%), Indians (9%), and people from other ethnic groups (such as Eurasions, Europeans etc 2%) . Although the national language of Singapore is Malay (a reflection of its past links with Malaysia ), its four official languages are English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. The language of administration is English, which is taught as a first language in the education system, with many of the ethnic Chinese also replacing their dialects (Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hakka, Hainanese and Foochow ) with Mandarin. Tamil is spoken by many Indians, but also spoken are Malayalam, Punjabi, Telegu, Hindi and Bengali. While kindergarten is non-compulsory (and widely available), children are expected to enter primary school being able to read and write in two languages, normally English and their mother tongue. The standard of education in Singapore is very high, and this is reflected in the literacy rate of 95.4% (2006). Although discouraged by the government (which favours Singapore Standard English), Singlish, a rather interesting combination of English, Malay, Hokkien and Tamil, is spoken by many in addition to English. Visitors may be rather confused by the instruction “gostan' (pronounced go stun) while reversing their cars unless they have been told that this is actually a Malay contraction of the English shipping term ‘go astern'. They may then ‘gostan' their cars into their parking spaces.

Everywhere you go in Singapore you can see evidence of its multiculturalism. It is a fascinating mix of East & West, and even of East & East. There are so many threads from so many countries in Asia and beyond woven together that it doesn't take long to realise that Singapore has a very unique identity of its own.

Update 18/04/2008

Related articles:

Tools:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Addthis

Recommended Partners

Keep more of your money when transferring funds overseas!

Fexco_logo

If you want to move money abroad, from Singapore or to Singapore for example, Fexco provides efficient and secure global bank to bank transfers and bespoke payment solutions for both business and personal clients.

Why Fexco

Fexco provides a secure international money transfer service online or by telephone with bank beating fx rates and low fees. Specialises in high-value transfers.

Faster, cheaper, safer International money transfers.
Dedicated fx dealer who will oversee your transfer from start to finish
Make payments from anywhere with our secure online platform, PayDirect.
If you prefer the personal touch, then our payments team can be contacted by phone.

Main characteristics

Fexco will help you to keep your overseas money transfer costs to a minimum.

Margin 0.6%
Regulator FCA
Fee £10 < £5K or Free > £5k
Mini £1K
Ccy All (130 currencies, incl ‘exotics’)
Services Repatriation of funds, Property, Regular payments, High Value payments, spot, online, telephone.

Get an online quote today

When you are ready to make your transfer, John and his team will be available to help you with better rates and an unrivalled service to make sure your funds are delivered securely and speedily.



Do you have comments or personal information to communicate about this article? Add your comment.


Find more definitions and general answers on expatriation issues in the Expat FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

Go to the Forum to talk more about geography of Singapore, overview.

Download the full digital PDF expat guide in Singapore

Download the guide: Singapore, Singapore
  • See in one single booklet all the articles for a city guide for expatriates.
  • Enjoy full colour photos to illustrate each section.
  • Additionnal maps: Region, City view, Neighborhood, Street view.

  • - My Life Abroad -
    A selection of expat stories

    "A fun compulsive read!"
    J. Matcham, Amazon

    "I strongly advise people ready to live abroad to read this book!"
    Patrice, Amazon