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Singapore dosn't forgive people and does lots of drugs in other countries but still gets forgiven. |
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{{Infobox_Country| |
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native_name = <b>Republic of Singapore<br> |
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新加坡共和国<br> |
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Republik Singapura<br> |
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சிங்கப்பூர் குடியரசு</b> | |
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common_name = Singapore | |
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image_flag = Flag of Singapore.svg | |
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image_coat = Symbol_crest.png | |
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image_map = LocationSingapore.png | |
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national_motto = Majulah Singapura<br>(English: "Onward, Singapore")| |
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national_anthem = "[[Majulah Singapura]]" | |
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official_languages = [[Malay language|Malay]] ([[National language|National]]), [[English language|English]], [[Standard Mandarin|Mandarin Chinese]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]] | |
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capital = Singapore<sup>1</sup> |latd=1|latm=17|latNS=N|longd=103|longm=51|longEW=E| |
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largest_city = Singapore<sup>1</sup> | |
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government_type = [[Parliamentary system|Parliamentary]] [[republic]] | |
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leader_titles = [[President of Singapore|President]]<br>[[Prime Minister of Singapore|Prime minister]] | |
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leader_names = [[Sellapan Ramanathan]]<br>[[Lee Hsien Loong ]] | |
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area_rank = 175th | |
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area_magnitude = 1_E8 | |
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area = 692.7 | |
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percent_water = 1.444 | |
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population_estimate = 4,425,720 | |
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population_estimate_year = 2005 | |
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population_estimate_rank = 118th | |
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population_census_year = 2000 | |
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population_census = 4,017,700 | |
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population_density = 6,389 | |
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population_density_rank= 2nd | |
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GDP_PPP_year=2005 | |
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GDP_PPP = $124 billion | |
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GDP_PPP_rank = 55th | |
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GDP_PPP_per_capita = $28,228 | |
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GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 22nd | |
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sovereignty_type = [[Independence]] | |
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established_events = - Unilateral declaration <br>(from [[Britain]])<br>- Officially from Britain <br>(merger with Malaysia)<br>- From [[Malaysia]] | |
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established_dates = <br>[[August 31]], [[1963]]<br><br>[[September 16]], 1963<br><br>[[August 9]], [[1965]] | |
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currency = [[Singapore Dollar]] | |
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currency_code = SGD | |
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time_zone = [[Singapore Standard Time|SST]] | |
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utc_offset = +8 | |
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time_zone_DST = Not observed | |
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utc_offset_DST = +8 | |
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cctld= [[.sg]] | |
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calling_code = 65<sup>2</sup> | |
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footnotes = 1. Singapore is a [[city-state]].<br>2. 02 when dialling from Malaysia |
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}} |
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{{portal}} |
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The '''Republic of Singapore''' ([[Simplified Chinese]]: 新加坡共和国; [[Pinyin]]: Xīnjiāpō Gònghéguó, [[Malay language|Malay]]: Republik Singapura; [[Tamil language|Tamil]]: சிங்கப்பூர் குடியரசு), is an [[Island nation|island]] [[city-state]] in [[Southeast Asia]], situated on the southern tip of the [[Malay Peninsula]], south of the [[Malaysia|Malaysian]] state of [[Johor]] and north of the [[Indonesia|Indonesian]] [[Riau Islands]]. Its coordinates are {{coor dm|1|17.583|N|103|51.333|E|region:SG_type:city(4425720)}}, just 137 km north of the [[Equator]]. The name ''Singapore'' was derived from [[Malay language|Malay]] word ''singa'' (lion), which itself is derived from the [[Sanskrit language|Sanskrit]] word सिंह ''siMha'' of the same meaning, and the Sanskrit word पुर ''pura'' (city) {{ref|sanskrit}}. |
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Two bombs on 9.00am on Van Thong Death if he dies. |
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Singapore was originally a small [[Malay]] settlement until [[1819]], when the [[British Empire|British]] started a [[trading post]] that developed into an important commercial and military imperial base. Except for the interruption for the three years that the [[Japan]]ese occupied Singapore during [[World War II]], it was a Crown [[Colony]] from [[1867]] until [[1963]], when it declared independence from Britain. Singapore joined the Federation of [[Malaysia]] shortly afterwards. On expulsion from [[Malaysia]] in [[1965]], Singapore was separated from its traditional markets and faced economic degeneration. In resolution, government-led rapid industrialisation and business-friendly policies stimulated some of the fastest economic growth in the modern world. Singapore now has one of the highest [[gross domestic product]] (GDP) per capita rates in the world; it is a major financial, transport and medical hub. Crime is low, and [[Transparency International]] consistently rates it as one of the least corrupt countries in the world. |
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Hint:MRT |
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Practices such as the [[Chewing gum ban in Singapore|restrictions on chewing gum]] and fines for littering and spitting have led some to label Singapore a "[[nanny state]]". The state has a very strict judicial system dubbed to be favourable to the state and its aims. [[Capital Punishment|Capital Punishment]] is meted out on certain offenses like [[drug]] trafficking and [[murder]]. Singapore has been criticised for having one of the highest per capita legal [[Execution (legal)|execution]] rates in the world. However, the strict judicial system has been cited as a reason as to the safe streets and low crime rate in the country. |
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[[Conscription|National service]] is mandatory for Singaporean men and male children of permanent residents. Every Singaporean male must register for National Service upon reaching the age of 18. Even though it has not been engaged in any military conflict as of yet, the [[Singapore Armed Forces]] maintains a 100,000-strong active force and 350,000-strong [[reserve]] force. |
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Singapore has relatively warm relations with [[Malaysia]] especially since the recent changes of leadership in both countries. However, disputes still exist over issues such as the [[Water resources|sale of water]] and territorial claims over the small [[Pedra Branca]] rock formation. |
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==History== |
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{{main|History of Singapore}} |
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The first records of Singapore's existence are in [[China|Chinese]] texts from the [[3rd century]]. The island was an outpost of the [[Sumatra]]n [[Srivijaya]] empire and originally bore the [[Javanese]] name ''[[Temasek]]''. Temasek rose to become a significant [[trade|trading]] city, but subsequently declined. There are few remnants of old Temasek in Singapore other than [[archaeology|archaeological]] evidence. |
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In the [[15th century|15th]] and [[16th century]], Singapore was a part of the [[Sultanate of Johore]]. During the [[Malay people|Malay]]-[[Portugal]] wars in [[1617]], Singapore was set ablaze by Portuguese troops. |
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[[Image:Stamford Raffles statue.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Statue of [[Thomas Stamford Raffles]] by [[Thomas Woolner]], erected at the spot where he first landed at Singapore. He is recognised as the modern founder of Singapore.]] |
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In [[1819]], Sir [[Thomas Stamford Raffles]], a [[British East India Company]] official, made a treaty with the Sultan of Johore and established Singapore as a trading post and settlement. Singapore was later made a [[crown colony]] in [[1867]] after a series of territorial expansions. It soon grew as an [[entrepot]] town due to its strategic location along the busy shipping routes connecting Europe to China. |
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During [[World War II]], [[Imperial Japanese Army|Japanese forces]] [[invasion|invaded]] [[Malaya]] and the surrounding region in the [[Battle of Malaya]], culminating in the [[Battle of Singapore]]. The British were unprepared and swiftly defeated, despite having superior numbers of troops. They surrendered on February 15th [[1942]] to the Japanese. The Japanese renamed Singapore as ''Syonan-to'' ("Light of the South") and [[Japanese Occupation of Singapore|occupied it]] until the Japanese defeat September [[1945]]. In [[1959]], Singapore became a self-governing crown colony with [[Lee Kuan Yew]] from the [[People's Action Party]] (PAP) as the first [[Prime Minister of Singapore]] following the 1959 elections. [[1962 Merger Referendum of Singapore|After a national referendum in 1962]], Singapore was admitted into the [[Federation of Malaysia]] along with [[Malaya]], [[Sabah]] and [[Sarawak]] as a state with [[autonomy|autonomous]] powers in [[September]] [[1963]]. After [[PAP-UMNO relations|heated ideological conflict]] developed between the state government formed by PAP and the Federal government in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore was expelled from the federation on [[August 7]] [[1965]]. It gained official sovereignty two days later on [[August 9]] [[1965]] with Malaysia the first country to recognise it as an independent nation, the date becoming Singapore's [[National Day]]. Singapore's National Days are celebrated with annual parades and other festivities. |
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[[Image:Shentonsway.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Shenton Way around [[1970]], the period of time where Singapore underwent immense economic development under the leadership of [[Lee Kuan Yew]]]] |
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[[Image:Singapore_Parliament_House.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Parliament House, Singapore|Parliament House]]]] |
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The fledgling nation had to struggle for self-sufficiency, and faced problems including mass [[unemployment]], housing shortages and the lack of land and natural resources, like oil. During Lee Kuan Yew's term as prime minister from [[1959]] to [[1990]], his administration curbed unemployment, raised the standard of living, developed Singapore's economic infrastructure and overcame problems such as lack of housing, social stability and an independent national defence. This elevated Singapore into [[developing nation]] and subsequently to [[developed country|developed]] status. |
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On [[26 November]] [[1990]] [[Goh Chok Tong]] became prime minister. Under his tenure the country tackled the [[1997]] [[Asian financial crisis]], the [[SARS]] outbreak in [[2003]] as well as [[War on Terrorism|terrorist threats]] posed by the [[Jemaah Islamiah]] (JI). [[Lee Hsien Loong]], the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, became the third prime minister on [[12 August]] [[2004]] after securing the [[confidence]] of a majority of Parliament, which is still dominated by the PAP. |
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==Politics and government== |
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:{{main2|Politics of Singapore|Laws of Singapore}} |
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Singapore is a [[republic]] with a [[Westminster system]] of a [[Unicameralism|unicameral]] [[parliamentary government]], with the bulk of the executive powers resting in the hands of a [[Cabinet of Singapore|cabinet]] of ministers led by a [[Prime Minister of Singapore|prime minister]]. The office of the [[President of Singapore|president]] was, historically, a ceremonial one as [[head of state]], but the Constitution was amended in [[1991]] to create the position of a popularly elected president and also to grant the president veto powers in a few key decisions such as the use of the national reserves and the appointment of key [[judiciary]] positions. The [[legislative]] branch of government is the [[Parliament]]. |
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Politics of Singapore have been dominated by the [[People's Action Party]] (PAP) since its independence in [[1965]]. Critics have called Singapore a ''de facto'' [[one party state]] and have accused the PAP of taking harsh actions against opposition parties to impede their success, including [[gerrymander]]ing and the filing of civil suits against the opposition for [[libel]] or [[slander]]. |
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Critics claim that Singaporean courts have been favouring the government and the PAP in these lawsuits, although there were a few cases in which the opposition won. They consider the form of government in Singapore to be closer to [[authoritarianism]] rather than true [[democracy]], and could be considered an [[illiberal democracy]] or [[procedural democracy]]. |
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Despite this, or perhaps because of it, Singapore has what many consider to be a highly successful and transparent [[market economy]]. PAP's policies contain certain aspects of [[socialism]], which includes large scale public housing programme, public education system and the dominance of government controlled companies in the local economy. Although present in almost all segments of Singaporean society, the government has a clean, [[Political corruption|corruption-free]] image, and has consistently been rated as the least-corrupt country in [[Asia]] and amongst the top ten cleanest in the world by [[Transparency International]] since its first annual survey conducted in [[1995]]. |
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Although Singapore's laws are inherited from British and British Indian laws, the PAP has also consistently rejected wholesale Western democratic values, with former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew citing incompatibilities with "[[Asian values]]". Singapore's position is that there should not be a "one-size-fits-all" solution to a democracy. Most recently, the PAP has relaxed some of its socially conservative policies and encouraged entrepreneurship. |
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Singapore enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the world, and this has often been cited by foreign companies as one of the reasons for investing in Singapore. Laws in Singapore are generally strict with harsh punishments such as [[caning]] and execution, and a stringent [[censorship]] of the media including magazines, newspapers, movies and TV programmes. [[Pornography]], [[oral sex]], [[anal sex]] and [[Homosexuality|homosexual intercourse]] are illegal in Singapore. Materials that may cause race or religious disharmony are not tolerated in Singapore, even on the [[Internet]]. In [[September 2005]], three [[blogger]]s were charged with [[sedition]] for posting [[racist]] remarks, including two who were later fined and sentenced to [[imprisonment]]. Some offences can lead to heavy fines or caning. Laws provide for [[capital punishment in Singapore]] in cases of [[first-degree murder|murder]] and [[drug trafficking]]. According to an [[Amnesty International]] report, 400 people were hanged between 1991 and 2004, which the report claimed is "possibly the highest execution rate in the world" [[per capita]]. Although the Government claims this figure to be false and exaggerated, it has not provided information that would refute Amnesty International's report. |
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==Geography== |
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{{main|Geography and climate of Singapore}} |
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[[Image:sn-map.gif|thumb|left|250px|Singapore is a diamond-shaped island separated from the [[Peninsular Malaysia]] by the [[Tebrau Straits]]. ([http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=1.352692,103.804321&spn=0.473579,0.633396&t=k&hl=en details])]] |
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Singapore is a diamond-shaped [[island]] with surrounding smaller islands. There are two connections from Singapore to the Malaysian state of Johor — a man-made [[causeway|causeway]] (known as the [[Johor Causeway|Causeway]]) to the north, crossing the [[Tebrau Straits]], and [[Tuas Second Link]] (called Linkedua Expressway in Malaysia), a bridge in the western part of Singapore that connects to Johor. |
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Of Singapore's dozens of smaller islands, [[Jurong Island]], [[Pulau Tekong]], [[Pulau Ubin]] and [[Sentosa]] are the larger ones. The highest point of Singapore is [[Bukit Timah Hill]], with a height of 164 m (538 feet). |
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[[Image:Singapore botanic garden pond.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Singapore Botanic Gardens]], a 52 hectare botanical garden in Singapore that includes the National Orchid Garden which has a collection of more than 3000 species of [[orchids]]]] |
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The urban area used to be concentrated on the southern part of Singapore around the mouth of the [[Singapore River]], while the rest of the land was tropical [[rain forest]] or used for [[agriculture]]. Since the [[1960s]], the government has constructed new towns in outlying areas, resulting in an entirely built-up and [[urbanisation|urban]] landscape with a few exceptions, such as the [[Bukit Timah Nature Reserve]]. In addition, Singapore has [[land reclamation|reclaimed land]] with earth obtained from its own hills, the seabed and neighbouring countries. As a result, Singapore's land area grew from 581.5 km² in the [[1960s]] to 697.2 km² today, and may grow by another 100 km² by 2030. |
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Without natural [[freshwater]] rivers and lakes, the primary domestic source of water in Singapore is [[rainfall]], collected in reservoirs or catchment areas. Rainfall supplies approximately 50% of Singapore's water; the remainder is imported from Malaysia. In addition to existing catchment areas, [[recycled water]] facilities (called [[NEWater]]) and [[desalination]] plants, more [[NEWater]] and [[desalination]] plants are being built or proposed to reduce reliance on foreign supply. |
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Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with no distinct seasons, under the [[Köppen climate classification]]. Its climate is characterised by uniform temperature and pressure, high [[humidity]] and abundant rainfall. Temperatures range from 23ºC to 35ºC. On average, the [[relative humidity]] is around 90 percent in the morning and 60 percent in the afternoon. During prolonged heavy rain, relative humidity often reaches 100 percent. |
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==Economy== |
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{{main|Economy of Singapore}} |
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[[Image:Lit-up_CBD_from_Raffles_City_-_RGW.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The [[Central Area]] is the [[central business district]] and hub of economic transactions in Singapore, and is also the home of the [[Singapore Exchange]], Asia-Pacific's first demutualised and integrated securities and derivatives exchange.]] |
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Singapore has a highly developed [[Market economy|market-based economy]] in which the state plays a major role. It has one of the highest per capita [[gross domestic product]]s in the world and is considered one of the "[[East Asian Tigers]]". Domestic demand is relatively low, and the economy depends heavily on [[exports]] produced from refining imported goods in a form of extended [[entrepot]] trade. This is especially true in [[electronics]] and [[manufacturing]]. |
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Singapore was hit hard in [[2001]] by the global [[recession]] and the slump in the [[technology]] sector, which caused the GDP that year to contract by 2.2 percent. The Economic Review Committee (ERC), set up in [[December 2001]], made key recommendations in remaking Singapore's economy. <!--What were the recomendations?--> |
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Singapore introduced the [[Goods and Services Tax]] (GST) on [[April 1]], [[1994]], starting at 3 percent. This has substantially increased government revenue <!--How much?--> as well assisted in maintaining the stability of the government's finances to spend on reforming the economy into more services and [[value added]] goods instead of relying on electronics manufacturing. The taxable GST is now at 5 percent, with the last increase in 2004. |
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The economy has since recovered in response to improvements in the world economy, and grew by 8.4 percent in 2004. In the longer term the government hopes to establish a new growth path that will be less vulnerable to the external business cycle than the current export-led model, but is unlikely to abandon efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech hub. The per capita GDP in 2005 is US$28,228. Recently, in September 2005, the unemployment rate was 3.3 percent. |
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==Tourism== |
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[[Image:Merlion.jpg|200px|right|thumb|The [[Merlion]] is one of the most well-known tourist icons of Singapore]] |
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:{{main|Tourism in Singapore}} |
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Singapore as a travel destination has become noted among many international travellers, making tourism one of the largest industries in Singapore. Much of its attraction can be attributed to its cultural diversity that reflects its rich colonial history and Malay, Chinese, Eurasian, Arab and Indian ethnicities. For many years considered to be the business hub of Southeast Asia, Singapore has an expansive shopping precinct located in the [[Orchard Road]] district. Filled with many multi-story shopping centres, the area also has many hotels, and is centre of tourism in Singapore, as opposed to [[Raffles Place]], which can be thought of as the financial heart. |
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Other popular tourist attractions include the [[Singapore Zoological Gardens]] and its [[Night Safari]], which allows people to explore Asian, African and American habitats at night, without any visible barriers between guests and the wild animals. The Singapore Zoo has embraced the 'open zoo' concept whereby animals are kept in enclosures, separated from visitors by hidden dry or wet moats, instead of caging the animals. Also famous is the [[Jurong Bird Park]], wherein there are specimens of magnificent bird life from around the world, including a flock of one thousand [[flamingo]]s. The tourist island of [[Sentosa]], located in the south of Singapore, consists of about 20-30 landmarks, such as [[Fort Siloso]], which was built as a fortress to defend against the Japanese during [[World War II]]. Guns from the World War II era can be seen at [[Fort Siloso]], from a mini-sized to a 16-pound (7 kg) gun. Recently, the island has built the [[Carlsberg Sky Tower]], which allows visitors to view the whole of Sentosa, as well as the [[Sentosa Luge]], a small one- or two-person sled on which one sleighs supine and feet-first. Steering is done by shifting the weight or pulling straps attached to the sled's runners. Singapore will have two [[Integrated Resort|integrated resorts]] with [[casino]]s in 2009, one at Marina Bayfront and the other at Sentosa which the government announced during a parliament session on [[April 18]], [[2005]]. |
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==Transport== |
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{{main|Transport in Singapore}} |
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[[Image:SMRTJE-Front.JPG|thumb|300px|right|A C651 train approaching [[Jurong East MRT Station]] on the [[Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)|Mass Rapid Transit]] (MRT) system, one of three heavy rail passenger transport lines in Singapore.]] |
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Singapore is a major transport hub in Asia and its history has been closely tied to the growth of its transport industry since its infancy. The transport industry contributes over 10% of [[gross domestic product]] despite an increasingly diversified [[economy]]. |
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The [[Port of Singapore]], managed by port operators [[PSA International]] and [[Jurong Port]], is the world's busiest in terms of shipping tonnage handled. 1.04 billion gross tons were handled in the year [[2004]], crossing the one billion mark for the first time in Singapore's maritime history. Singapore also emerged as the top port in terms of cargo tonnage handled with 393 million tonnes of cargo in 2004, surpassing the port in [[Rotterdam]] for the first time. Singapore is ranked second globally in terms of [[container|containerised]] traffic with 21.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units handled in 2004, and retains her position as the world's busiest hub for transhipment traffic. She is also the world's biggest bunkering hub with 23.6 million tonnes of bunkers sold in 2004. |
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Singapore is a major aviation hub and is an important stopover point for the "[[Kangaroo route]]" between [[Australasia]] and [[Europe]]. [[Singapore Changi Airport]] has a network of 77 airlines connecting Singapore to 178 cities in 56 countries. It is one of the top five airports in [[Asia]] in terms of passengers handled, with 30 million passengers passing through in [[2004]]. It has been consistently rated as one of the best international airports by numerous international travel magazines {{ref|BestAirport}}. National carrier [[Singapore Airlines]] has also received several accolades internationally and is renowned for the image of the 'Singapore Girl', where air stewardesses are clad in traditional dress (Sarong Kebaya) while serving passengers. It will also be the first airline in the world to fly the new Airbus A380 commercially. In anticipation of rising demand in both the regular and [[Low-cost carrier|low-cost]] sectors, a third passenger terminal and a low-cost terminal are currently under construction. These will increase the airport's total capacity to 66.7 million passengers annually by [[2008]]. |
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Domestic transport infrastructure is relatively efficient, and includes the heavy rail passenger [[Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)|Mass Rapid Transit]] (MRT) system, the North-East Line, an autopilot extension of the MRT, the [[Light Rapid Transit (Singapore)|Light Rapid Transit]] (LRT) system, an extensive expressway and road system and a nationwide system of taxis and buses. The [[EZ-Link]] system allows, contactless [[smartcards]] to be used as stored value [[ticket]]s for use in the public transport systems, and improves the convenience of the systems. Vehicles are subject to toll by an [[Electronic Road Pricing]] (ERP) system during hours of heavy road traffic to regulate road usage. Recently, there have been complaints of rising public transport fares but the government asserts that this is due to the increase in global oil prices. Currently, fares are capped at $1.90 (~US$1.10) per ride. |
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[[Image:Changinet.jpg|thumb|center|550px|Singapore's [[Singapore Changi Airport|Changi International Airport]] is one of the largest aviation facilities in Asia, serving 178 cities in 56 countries. A third terminal due for completion in [[2008]] will allow it to handle up to 66.7 million passengers annually. Also in the pipeline is a new budget airline terminal to serve the rapidly growing budget airline industry.]] |
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==Demographics== |
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[[Image:SriMariammanTemple.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Built in [[1843]], the [[Sri Mariamman Temple]] is the largest Hindu [[temple]] in Singapore. It is also one of the many religious buildings marked as [[National Monuments of Singapore|national monuments]] for their historical value.]] |
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:{{main2|Demographics of Singapore|Religion in Singapore}} |
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Singapore is the [[List of countries by population density|second most densely populated independent country in the world]]. Eighty-four percent of Singaporeans live in [[public housing]] provided by the [[Housing and Development Board]] (HDB). |
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Singapore's population, though small at 4.42 million as of [[July]] [[2005]], is relatively diverse compared to most other countries, although neighbour [[Malaysia]] also features a [[multiracial]] population. The [[Chinese in Singapore|Chinese]], who have constituted the majority of the island population since the colonial days, account for 76.8 percent of Singaporeans. [[Malay Singaporean|Malays]], who are the indigenous native group of the country, constitute 13.9 percent, though this number includes many Malay ethnic groups from other parts of the [[Malay archipelago]] including the [[Javanese]], [[Bugis]], [[Baweans]] and [[Minangs]]. [[Indian Singaporean|Indians]] are the third largest ethnic group at 7.9 percent, consisting of several groups—[[Tamil people|Tamils]], who form the largest Indian group, and others such as [[Malayalee]]s, [[Punjab, India|Punjabis]] and [[Bengal]]is. The rest are made up of smaller groups such as [[Arab Singaporean|Arabs]], Jews, Thais, Japanese, and the [[Singaporean Eurasian|Eurasian]] community. |
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Singapore is generally a multi-religious country, mainly due to its strategic location and the variety of religious beliefs that most Singaporeans hold. More than 40 percent of Singaporeans profess that they adhere to [[Buddhism]]. This is usually due to a lack of distinction between Taoism and Buddhism. [[Taoism]], [[Confucianism]], [[Buddhism]], and ancestral worship are merged into one by most of the Chinese population. Most [[Islam|Muslims]] are Malay but there are adherents among all races. [[Christianity]] in Singapore consists of Roman Catholicism and various denominations and its numbers hover at around 14% of the population. |
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The government of Singapore has been careful to maintain ethnic harmony after [[racial riots of Singapore|racial riots]] erupted in the [[1960s]]. Racial harmony has been emphasized in all aspects of society, including [[Education in Singapore|education]], military and housing. So far the policy has been largely successful, and there have been few signs of ethnic tension since the early [[1970s]]. Current issues include the ban on wearing the Islamic [[headscarf]] in public schools. In October 2005, a man was sentenced to one month in jail for making racist comments on an online blog. |
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The national language of Singapore is [[Malay language|Malay]] for historical reasons, and it is used in the [[Majulah Singapura|national anthem]]. The official languages are [[English language|English]], [[Standard Mandarin|Mandarin]], [[Malay language|Malay]] and [[Tamil language|Tamil]]. English has been promoted as the country's language of administration since independence, and it is spoken by the majority of the population, although with concurrent [[Speak Mandarin Campaign]]s, most public signs, advertising and print media tend to be in English and Chinese only. |
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To promote Chinese culture and the use of Mandarin among the Chinese, the government has introduced a [[Speak Mandarin Campaign]] (SMC). Historically, the Chinese immigrants often did not understand each other, having migrated from different parts of [[China]], and were linguistically isolated into [[Chinese dialects|"dialects"]] such as [[Hokkien (dialect)|Hokkien]], [[Cantonese (linguistics)|Cantonese]], Hokchia, [[Teochew (dialect)|Teochew]], [[Hakka (linguistics)|Hakka]], [[Fuzhou dialect|Hokchiu]] and [[Hainanese (linguistics)|Hainanese]]. Malay was thus often used at that time as a common language. During the Speak Mandarin campaign however, Mandarin became a unifying factor at the cost of usage of Malay among the younger generation. Recently, there has been a "Speak Bahasa Melayu" campaign. |
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==Culture== |
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{{main|Culture of Singapore}} |
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[[Image:Ferrie in Singapore.jpg|right|thumb|300px|A [[water taxi]] in Singapore]] |
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As Singapore is a small and relatively modern amalgam of semi-indigenous [[Malay Singaporean|Malay]] population with the majority of third generation [[Chinese Singaporean|Chinese]] and [[Indian Singaporean|Indian]] and [[Arab Singaporean|Arab]] immigrants with little [[intermarriage]], there appears little in the way of specifically Singaporean culture. However, there exists a [[Eurasian Singaporean|Eurasian]] community and a community of ''[[Peranakan]]'' or "Straits Chinese," of mixed Chinese and Malay descent. |
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Singapore has also achieved a significant degree of [[cultural diffusion]] with its unique combination of these ethnic groups, and has given Singapore a rich mixture of diversity for its young age. One of the prime examples is in [[Cuisine of Singapore|Singapore's cuisine]], often a cultural attraction for tourists. |
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The [[English language|English]] used is primarily [[British English]], with some [[American English]] influences. The local colloquial [[dialect]] of English is known formally as [[Singapore Colloquial English]] (though it is more commonly called "[[Singlish]]"), and has many [[creole language|creole]]-like characteristics, having incorporated much vocabulary and grammar from various [[Chinese dialects|Chinese]], [[Malay language|Malay]], and [[India]]n languages. [[Singlish]] is basically identical to [[Manglish]] (the English dialect of [[Malaysia]]), and is the usual language on the streets, but is frowned upon in official contexts. English use among the population generally became more widespread after the implementation of English as a first language medium in the [[Education in Singapore|Singapore education system]], and English is the most common language in [[Literature of Singapore|Singapore literature]]. |
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[[Image:Bikes in Singapore.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Trishaw]]s in Singapore]] |
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Singapore also has several ethnic neighbourhoods, including a Little India and a [[Chinatown]], which were formed under the [[Raffles Plan of Singapore|Raffles Plan]] to segregate the new immigrants into ethnic ghettoes. Although the population is no longer segregated, these ethnic neighbourhoods retain selective elements of their specific culture. The usage of such neighbourhoods is mostly commercial or for a [[cottage industry]] specific to the culture of its ethnic neighbourhood, and does not play a big part in housing the population, although it is used for that purpose. Hence, these neighbourhoods have a diverse patronage who probably wish to either eat or buy something specific to that culture. |
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In other parts of the country, segregation is discouraged and diversity encouraged. This can often be found in the policies of the Housing Development Board ([[HDB]]), which try to make sure there is a mix of all races within each housing district. The effect of this can be observed in all parts of the country; for example a store devoted to selling [[Cuisine of Malaysia|Malay food]] might be right next to stores selling [[China|Chinese]] or [[India|Indian]] goods. This, in return, is thought by some to foster social cohesion and national loyalty, crucial for sustaining Singapore's growth. There is an extremely strong emphasis towards racial harmony and the history pertaining to it, such as the [[1964 Race Riots]]. |
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Religious tolerance has been strongly encouraged since the British colonised Singapore; the [[Sri Mariamman Temple]] (a south Indian Hindu temple that was declared a [[National Monuments of Singapore|national monument]] in the [[1980s]]), as well as the [[Masjid Jamae]] Mosque that served Chulia Muslims from India's Coromandel Coast is situated along South Bridge Road, which is an old major road that runs through Chinatown. Among other religious landmarks is the [[Church of Gregory the Illuminator]], that was built in [[1836]], making it one of the oldest religious buildings in Singapore. It has been preserved to the present day, and Orthodox services continue to be held in it. Although most religions are tolerated, some unorthodox groups are banned. |
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Male [[homosexuality|homosexual]] intercourse is illegal in Singapore. This has been the subject of much debate both inside and outside the country, and there is no current legislative proposal to alter this. Under the Societies Act, the government has not allowed any gay rights group to form and openly address the issue. The Internet has resulted in a number of alternative communities like [[PLU (People Like Us)]], [[Sambal]], [[Fridae]], [[Red Queen]], and others. However, the Singapore Government has considered homosexuality to be taboo, claiming that the population is predominantly conservative. |
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Since the late [[1990s]], the government has been striving to promote Singapore as a centre for arts and culture, including [[theatre]] and [[music]]. This fits in with Singapore's status as a [[cosmopolitan]] and multi-racial society, often being called the "gateway between the East and West". The highlight of this plan is the [[Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay|Esplanade - "Theatres on the Bay"]], a centre for performing arts, opened in [[2003]]. The Esplanade is also informally known as "''The [[Durian]]''", due to its resemblance to the pungent fruit. To attract more tourists, the government passed a bill on [[17 April]] [[2005]] to legalise gambling. It has decided to build two "Integrated Resorts" (IRs), each with a [[casino]] component built-in, at [[Marina South]] and [[Sentosa]] respectively. The decisions to legalise gambling and to build the resorts came only after great controversy and debate. Bans on [[bar-top dancing]] and [[bungee jumping]] were also lifted despite their lukewarm demand. |
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==See also== |
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{{Singapore topics}} |
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== External links == |
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{{commonscat|Singapore}} |
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*[http://web.amnesty.org/report2005/sgp-summary-eng Amnesty International's 2005 report on Singapore] |
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*[http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sn.html CIA World Factbook Entry for Singapore] |
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*[http://www.streetdirectory.com.sg Online map of Singapore] |
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*[http://www.gov.sg/ Singapore Government Online Portal] |
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*[http://www.sg/ Singapore Infomap] |
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*[http://www.visitsingapore.com Singapore Tourist Guide] |
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*{{wikitravel}} |
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*[http://www.singapore.alloexpat.com/information_center_singapore.php AlloExpat - Singapore Information Center] |
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==References== |
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* {{Book reference | Author = Diane K. Mauzy & R. S. Milne | Title = Singapore Politics: Under the People's Action Party | Publisher = Routledge | Year = 2002 | ID = ISBN 0415246539}} |
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* {{Web reference | title = Amnesty International | work = The death penalty: A hidden toll of executions | URL = http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA360012004?open&of=ENG-SGP | date = 7 June | year = 2005}} |
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* {{Web reference | title = Census 2000 | work = Singapore Department of Statistics | URL = http://www.singstat.gov.sg/keystats/people.html#hhlds | date = 11 January | year = 2000}}<sup>1</sup> |
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* {{Web reference | title = Key Facts & Figures | work = Ministry of Transport, Singapore | URL = http://www.mot.gov.sg/ | date = 11 January | year = 2003}}<sup>2</sup> |
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* {{Web reference | title = Journey to Singapore's Yesteryears - Historical Landmarks - Armenian Church | work = Victoria School IT Club | URL = http://itclub.vs.moe.edu.sg/cyberfair2003/landmarks/armenianch.html | date = 26 January | year = 2003}} |
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* {{Web reference | title = Nation's History | work = Singapore Infomap | URL = http://www.sg/explore/history.htm | date = 11 January | year = 2004}} |
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* {{Web reference | title = National Library Board Singapore: Branches & Hours | work = National Library Board Singapore | URL = http://www.lib.gov.sg/fr_ourLib_branches.html | date = 26 January | year = 2004}} |
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* ''This article incorporates public domain text from the websites of Singapore Department of Statistics, United States Department of State, [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/sgtoc.html the United States Library of Congress] & [[CIA World Factbook]] (2004).'' |
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==Footnotes== |
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#{{Note|sanskrit}} [http://www.bartleby.com/61/46/S0424600.html Singapore, bartleby.com] |
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#{{Note|BestAirport}} [http://www.changiairport.com.sg/changi/level2_with_links.jsp;jsessionid=CUYCy26IIRpFk3sIMZSfQxwEyOMPDUihLomClhV1EsWtQ1dQ2TBB!-1022406898!-1062718459!7005!8005?ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181062&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302024442&bmUID=1121245380514 Changi Airport, Singapore] |
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[[Image:Singapore river panorama2.JPG|thumb|center|550px|Panoramic view of the [[Singapore River]]. There are numerous bars, pubs, seafood restaurants and tall commercial buildings along the river.]] |
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{{Southeast Asia}} |
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[[Category:ASEAN member states]] |
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Revision as of 11:37, 1 December 2005
Singapore dosn't forgive people and does lots of drugs in other countries but still gets forgiven.
Two bombs on 9.00am on Van Thong Death if he dies. Hint:MRT