Asian Absolute Newsletter, Summer 2009

The Republic of Singapore is a city-state located at the southern end of the Malay peninsula. Singapura (Lion City), was known as Temasek (Sea Town) until a visiting Sumatran Prince glimpsed what he thought was a lion in 1299.

Singapore consists of one main island and 63 islets covering a total area of 247 square miles and a combined coastline of 120 miles. It is the world's second-most densely populated country after Monaco with a population of almost 5 million which comprises 75% Chinese, 14% Malay, 9% Indian and 2% other ethnic groups.

Singapore is one of the Four Asian Tigers - along with Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea - and is famous for its thriving economic success. After officially gaining independence from Britain in 1965 Singapore has become one of the most developed countries in the world. Its dramatic rise is all the more remarkable given its lack of natural resources and the need to overcome socio-economic issues including high unemployment, racial riots and housing shortages. Its vast natural harbours and strategic location, highly skilled and productive workforce and liberal economic policies are amongst the many factors responsible for its success.

Singapore's open market economy depends upon export activities. Its core sectors are finance and manufacturing, including electronics, oil refining and biomedical, and its port is one of the world's busiest. Identified by the World Bank at the best place in the world to do business, Singapore is one of Asia's key commercial hubs.

Facilities are now being built to host the first Youth Olympic Games which are expected to bring some 3,600 athletes to Singapore in August 2010. The creation of 2 integrated resort-casinos is also expected to bring in steady long-term revenue.

Finally, a few facts about languages in Singapore:

There are 4 official languages, namely Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. Although Malay is the national language - the country's national anthem is sung in Malay - English is the language which unites the different ethnic groups and is the language of business and administration across the country.

Children are taught in English at school but also learn their mother tongue to ensure they don't lose contact with traditions.

Nearly everyone in Singapore speaks more than one language, with many people speaking three or four.

Singlish - also known as Singapore Colloquial English - is an English dialect developed in Singapore that borrows from the many different languages spoken in Singapore. Its use is not approved of by the government, which encourages the use of standard English.

For more information on Malay translations, click here.

For more information on Mandarin translations, click here.

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chinese translation | japanese translation | korean translation