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| In 1819, the British build a port in Singapore. The British were expanding their domain to include India, and saw a need to have a port in which they could refurbish their ships. Singapore fit the bill. Sir Stamford Raffles was a major player in appreciating Singapore’s strategic location, and starting the British influence in the area. By the year 1820, this port was beginning to make money. This prosperity and reliance on trade becomes a pattern for Singapore: The port continued to grow with the opening of the Suez Canal. The Chinese began to flood the area, as did Indians and Malays. Singapore has very little natural resources. It was a mercantile center then, and it’s a mercantile center now. |
In 1963, Singapore became part of the new, modern state of Malaysia. This union did not last long: Singapore was separated from the rest of Malaysia on 9 August 1965, and became a sovereign, democratic and independent nation. On 22 December 1965, it became a republic, with Yusof bin Ishak as the republic's first President. Singapore--as one of the smallest countries in the world--can easily (and beningnly) controlled by a paternalistic government, and that has been the case ever since its inception. In 1979, the Government started a program of economic restructuring. This was achieved by modifying education policies, expanding technology and computer education, offering financial incentives to industrial enterprises and launching a productivity campaign.
Lee Kuan Yew was Prime Minister from 1959 through 1990. Mr. Lee was instrumental in creating a nation that kept Chinese values of hard work, obedience to authority, as well as looked ahead to Western multi-national corporations and economic growth.
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Describing Singapore weather couldn't be easier.
Hot.
Humid.
Did I say hot? Humid?
Most days will find temperatures reach a high of 92 F, with about, oh, 92% humidity. First-time visitors are astonished at the Wall of Heat that greets them as they leave comfortable Changi Airport.
Don't be surprised if it rains TORRENTIALLY during the afternoon. Just as suddenly, the rain can stop.
Rainy seasons runs approximately from November through February. Even during rainy season, it doesn't rain all the time; but there's a good chance that, sometime during the day, it will rain.
Even Singaporeans don't relish hiking between 11:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.: Too darned hot, as Cole Porter would say. If you wish to hike in one of Singapore's nature reserves, get an early start.
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Singapore consists of one main island and 60 small islands. It is located 137 km north of the Equator (latitude 1° 09’N and longitude 103° 38’E). Its natural features consist of some forest reserves, and marsh. Only 1.7 per cent (approximately 10.8 sq km is set aside for agriculture. Some reservoirs are the centerpiece for beautiful parks.
Almost all of the country is used for human habitation. That being said, the government quite laudably ensured that most streets and housing complexes have plenty of trees, shrubs, and flowers to diminish the monotony of the endless concrete edifices that constitute Singapore.
Here's a fun fact to know and tell: Singapore is the busiest port in the world, with 600+ shipping lines sending super tankers, container ships, and passenger liners. |
The main political party is the People's Action Party; there is an opposition party, and though Opposition members beat their chest during election time, the PAP has close to a monopoly on politics in Singapore. Some folks call this party the Pay and Pay Party. Singaporeans grumble about the high cost of living: cars are expensive, and many highways are not free. The government owns much of Singapore's media, housing, and transportation. That being said, no one can doubt that Singapore's standard of living is one of the highest in Asia; its per-capita income is in the top 30 in the world; and everything works beautifully.
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The major art museum is the Singapore is the Singapore Art Museum, an easy walk from City Hall or Dhoby Ghaut MRT stations. It’s housed in a 19th-century mission school; a great, breezy space with a good gift shop. The museum is primarily devoted to contemporary Asian Art. I find the exhibits run both hot and cold, but do check it out. The Tyler Art Institute, located near Robertson Quay, is a small jewel of a museum. It’s devoted to the contemporary art of print making, and the offerings are small, select, and varied.
On the ground floor of the MICA Building (Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Arts) on Hill Street—next to Boat Quay—are some really fine art STORES, where you can buy interesting works of art from Chinese, Mongolian, Indonesian, and Singaporean artists. Definitely worth checking out. When you’re done feeling depressed because you can’t afford any of it, get a drink at nearby Boat or Clary Quays. |
Singapore is an English-speaking traveler's delight. Virtually everyone under 50 or so speaks English. Of course, don't be surprised if a cab driver speaks to you fluently in English--and you don't understand a WORD. (Just say, "Uh huh" and nod a lot. It's easier.)
Many Singaporeans are caught between two languages, really. The country is 75 - 80% Chinese. From what I've been told, folks in Mainland Chinese find Singaporean Mandarin fairly sub standard (both writing and speaking); and Singaporean English--"Singlish" -- isn't the world's best English, either. (In typical Singaporean form, the government is freeting over this and has set up some government-funded program to try to improve Singaporeans' English. "Speak Good English!" proclaim ads on Singapore buses.)
But you will have virtually NO problem getting around. Everyone in stores, restaurants, buses, etc., will speak English. The main Singapore newspaper, "The Straits Times", is in English, as well.
Singapore officially has four languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil (southern Indian language). Most Chinese Singaporeans also speak a Chinese dialect, such as Hokkien, as well. |
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