Singapore is a small city-state located on the Indian Ocean islands in Southeast Asia. Consists of 63 islands. On August 9, 1965, she gained independence from Malaysia. The majority of the population is Chinese.
State history
In the Chinese chronicles of the 3rd century, Singapore was first mentioned. At the time, the country was called Temasek and was an important trade center that fell into disrepair over time. In the XV-XVI centuries, the Asian state was part of Malaysia and was part of the Johor sultanate. In 1617, Portuguese troops attacked Singapore.
In 1867, the country became a colony of the British Empire. However, during World War II, Japan won the Battle of Singapore against the British and held sway there until September 1945. Until 1963, the country was part of the UK. After the referendum, she joined the Federation of Malaysia. But in 1965, as a result of the conflict, Singapore seceded from it and declared its independence.
In Singapore, from 1959 to 1990, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew ruled. He solved the internal problems of the state, carried out reforms and made a huge leap from a third world country to one of the most highly developed countries in the world with a high standard of living. Lee Kuan Yew has retained the English language in the country and the British legal system. Thanks to the methods he used to fight corruption, there is now a very low crime rate in Singapore.
Currently, Singapore is a technogenic civilization. It ranks second in the world in the ranking of countries with the lowest risk for investment, first in simplified and low taxation, third in the number of large significant banks, first in confidentiality in the banking system, etc. And most importantly, the country's economy ranks sixth in the global competitiveness rating.
Interesting facts
Singapore Changi Airport has been ranked first in the list of the best airports in the world for 22 years in a row. It recently took first place in the Top Airport Entertainment rankings again. Also the leader in the list of the best air carriers is Singapore Airlines.
Singapore is in second place in terms of population density. Now about 5 million people live there. 77% of the population are Chinese, 14% are Malays, 8% are Indians, etc. Among the representatives of religions in the country you can find Buddhists, Muslims, Christians.
The country has an effective health care system. Singapore has a low infant mortality rate. Life expectancy for women is 83 years, for men - 79.
In Singapore, the import and use of chewing gum is prohibited and recreational gambling is prohibited. You can also get a $ 400 fine for spitting on the ground, crossing the road in the wrong place and eating food on public transport. In Singapore, the death penalty is allowed, which occurs by hanging. Such punishment is applied for drug trafficking, brutal murder, corruption. But prostitution is legalized in the country.
Singapore has no natural resources of its own. He even imports fresh water from neighboring countries. The average income of a Singaporean resident is $ 2, 8 thousand.
