Top 20 Facts about Singapore

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Top 20 Facts about Singapore

Singapore is among the smallest countries in the world, it covers a total land area of 687 square kilometers. 

The population in the country is estimated to be 5.7 million, with at least 1.4 million people being non-residents.

The national language is Malay, there are other official languages spoken in the country; English, Chinese, and Tamil.

Singapore’s economy is currently the most stable in the world, it has no foreign debt, has a high government revenue and consistent positive budget surplus.

In 2018, the country gave a bonus to its citizens as a result of a surplus budget. Exports of electronics and machinery are some drivers of the economy in the country. It has the busiest cargo seaport in the world.

Here are facts about Singapore.

1. It’s a country of not just one island, but 64

Singapore archipelago consists of both habitable and uninhabitable islands. The City, Singapore, is located on the mainland with 63 other islands surrounding it.

The Sentosa Island is the largest one offshore followed by Pulau Ubin, St John’s Island and Sisters’ Islands. 

This gives tourists lots of options and fun when visiting the country.

2. An Island City-state

Singapore is one of the few two surviving cities stated in the world. The others are Monaco and the Vatican.

More interestingly is that Singapore is the only one located on an island. Although it is a small country, it is not the smallest in the world.

3. It’s home to the world’s first-night zoo

The city of Singapore offers a night safari for tourists that has been in operation since 1994.

The Zoo is on a 35-hectare park with over 1000 animals in their natural nighttime environment.  

The 40-minute ride in the park on a tram for an overview of the main attractions. There are four interlinked walking trails within the park.

4. It’s a city has a man-made waterfall

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The first man-made waterfall was built in 1971 at the Jurong Bird Park. It drops from a height of 30 meters and is considered to be one of the tallest indoor waterfall.

At the cloud, forest and bay gardens have huge 35 meters long waterfalls as the centrepiece of the misty conservatory designed for houseplants from tropical highlands.

The HSBC Rain Vortex waterfall in  Jewel Changi Airport is 40 meters long surrounded by a lush indoor garden.

5. Singaporean slang: Singlish

When in Singapore, one cannot miss hearing exclamation lah or leh added in a sentence.

This is the Singaporean slang, a collection of informal catchphrases and lingo born from the country’s multiculturalism. It is a part of their everyday conversation. 

Another interesting term is Aunties and Ubles, terms used when addressing older folks. It is also used to address taxi drivers and hawkers at the market.

6. Formula 1 Night race in the City

Singapore is known for being the pioneer of Formula One night races at the Singapore Grand Prix.

The race is held annually with other side activities such as concerts and other entertainment activities. The first race premiered in 2008.

This racing event attracts fans and visitors of all ages.  The circuit at twisty marina bay has remained unchanged since the sport started. 

It has a total of 23 corners more than any other circuit on Formula One race calendar.

7. Among the Greenest Cities in the world 

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Singapore city, like any other in the world is marked by tall skyscrapers. 

Other than the steel and concrete structures, the city boasts of lush greenery that balances out perfectly.

Half of the city is covered in green, with parks, and gardens that have almost extinct plant species, it has over 2,100 local species.

The park royal hotel in the city is famous for its vertical garden on its four storeys. It also has a hotel-in-a-garden concept. 

Bukit Timah nature reserve contains more plant species than the total tree species in North America. 

8. UNESCO heritage in the City

The Singapore Botanic Gardens was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.

This garden has been in existence for more than 150 years since it was founded in 1859. It is older than the country.

Its main attraction is the National Orchid Garden that has thousands of Orchid species referred to as Very Important Plants.  

The over 200 hybrid orchids have been named after famous personalities like Nelson Mandela.

9. Hidden Touristy places

Other than the known cultural spots such as Chinatown, kampong glam and little India, there are other places in the city that hold interesting traditions and history.

There are unconventional restaurants and shops along with the art deco-style buildings in Tiong Bahru. It is lined with colorful shops and traditional food stalls. 

Coffee joints, cafés and ice cream parlors are also available.

10. As known as the Lion City

Singapore did not naturally have Lions. A myth has it that a prince saw a lion-like creature in the water. He might have seen a tiger since those are native to Singapore.

The country adopted the half lion and half fish s its emblem. Merlion as it is called is a representation of the animal that the prince saw while the fishtail is an attribute to Singapore ancient sea town. 

11. No chewing gum in Singapore

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Chewing gum in Singapore is prohibited. The law was passed in the early 2000s to curb the menace of chewed gum on the streets, in the bus or on walls. 

The only exception is dental and nicotine gum. These are only prescribed by a doctor.

To maintain cleanliness in the city, the government also banned eating or drinking in public transport.

Graffiti, jaywalking, spitting or blowing one’s nose urinating in public spaces are all prohibited and have costly fines. It is mandatory to also flush a toilet, especially public toilets. 

12. Marina Bay Hotel in Singapore

This is the most famous hotel in Asia. The architecture of the hotel is one of a kind with a huge boat-shaped roof on top of its three buildings.

It is also famous for its infinity pool on the rooftop that is considered as one of the best in the world.

The hotel is also a venue for major events in the country like the grand final of Asia Got Talent show.

13. One of the countries with low unemployment

In 2019, the unemployment rate fell from 3.77% to 3.62%. This is due to the country’s economy that is continually stable and is debt-free. 

The government in Singapore does not have an unemployment plan, instead, it helps individuals in seeking re-employment. 

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, shook up most industries in the world and Singapore was not spared. 

This made the Singaporean government give a grant of Singaporean $800 a month to workers that suffered job losses from the pandemic in 2020. 

14. Singapore was a British Colony

The island was acquired by the British in 1786 after they took over Penang and Malacca.  The British settled in 1862 under the control of British India. 

In 1832, Singapore was made the government capital of the three colonies.

The current country of Singapore was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles who was the clerk for the British East India company.   

He transformed the island from swamps and jungle with a small population useful port that is used to date.

15. Singapore was a Malaysian State

The country used to be one of the 14 states that made up Malaysia in 1963 t 1965. 

After 144 years under the British, Singapore and Malaysia merged with two other islands. 

This merger became unstable after differences emerged between the Singaporean and Malaysian leaders. 

In 1965, Singapore was voted out by the Malaysian government and is said to be the only country in the world that ‘gained independence’ without their will.

The two countries, however, continue to trade and are members of the Association of South-East Asia Nations. 

16. No more  skyscrapers in Singapore

An interesting fact about Singapore as a country is that the real estate industry is not permitted to construct buildings higher than 280 meters.

The reason behind this policy is the Paya Lebar military airbase located close to the CBD. 

Tall buildings are obstructions to air traffic above the city. There are exemptions in some districts like the Marina Bay area. 

The other reason for the height restriction is stopping new buildings from blocking views of older work that is considered to be an important government landmark. 

17. City of Millionaires

Singapore is a wealthy nation and so are its citizens. A data firm recorded that one in 34 people in Singapore is a millionaire.  

This makes the nation the top in Asia and the sixth in the world with the most millionaires.

One out of Six Singaporean households has an estimate of  $1billion of disposable wealth. The movie crazy rich Asians also depicted the rich Singaporean lifestyle. 

18. Art Science Museum in Singapore

This museum is located at the waterfront close to the Marina Bay Sands. 

The architecture depicts an outstretched hand, some say its bananas. 

The design was done with the environment in mind, the large windows let in natural light while the rainwater at the ponds is recycled for bathroom use.

It is an interesting museum for all ages that offers entertainment and educational moments by linking art and science. It exhibits works by Dali to Harry Potter. 

The museum is a 10-minute walk from the Bayfront MRT Station.

At night, the lights from the building shine upwards creating a beautiful light illusion of the connection between earth and the skies.

19. Cars are considered a luxury

Cars in Singapore are not cheap. This is attributed to available space in the country.

With little space for the population that continues to grow, the country has taken measure to control the numbers of cars on their roads.

This has made car ownership become a luxury affair left for the very rich n the country. This group can afford the high taxes on excise duty and the permits needed to drive the car.

Public transport is quite convenient, cheap, clean and comfortable. They always run on schedule. 

20. High economic growth and low corruption

The economic growth of Singapore is one of the most consistent placing it on the 5th position with the highest GDP per capita in the world.

This is quite intriguing for a country that is 55  years old. The country grew from a rural underdeveloped town to a wealthy modern city.

Singapore is also known to have the best-paid leaders in the world. The civil servants are also among the best paid in the world. Being a civil servant is seen in high regard.

With motivated civil servants and efficient public service, corruption is unheard of in the country easing business and tax payments is not a hassle.