Republic of Singapore: History, Population and Facts

The Republic of Singapore is a Southeast Asian island country off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Today, it is a prosperous country with strong international trading links. Its port is one of the world’s busiest in terms of tonnage handled.

In this article, we are going to learn about the Republic of Singapore, including its history, population, notable places and other important facts in detail.

General Information About Singapore

Here is some general information about Singapore :

Features	Information
Official Name	Republic of Singapore
Capital	Singapore
Population	Approximately 5.7 million (as of 2022)
Area	721.5 square kilometers
Official Languages	English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
Government	Parliamentary Republic
Currency	Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Time Zone	Singapore Standard Time (GMT+8)
Independence	August 9, 1965 (from Malaysia)
Climate	Tropical climate with high humidity
Economy	Highly developed, export-oriented economy
Major Industries	Finance, Trade, Manufacturing, Technology
Landmarks	Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Merlion
Global Rankings	High rankings in ease of doing business, innovation, and quality of life indices.
Transportation	Efficient public transportation system, Changi Airport recognized as one of the best in the world.
Culture	Diverse cultural influences, vibrant festivals, and a mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western traditions

History of Singapore

Singapore’s modern history began in the 19th century. Before that, the island was home to fishermen and pirates and served as a base for the Sumatran empire of Srīvijaya. The island’s more common name in the 14th century was Tumasik, or Temasek, which comes from the Javanese word tasek meaning “sea”.

• In 1299, Sang Nila Utama founded the Kingdom of Singapura on the island. 
• In 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles and the British East India Company landed in Singapore, establishing a trading settlement and strategic trading post along the spice route. Singapore eventually became a major commercial and military center for the British Empire.
• During World War II, Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942. The occupation ended in 1945 with the Japanese surrender, and Singapore was returned to British control.
• After the war, Singapore became a separate crown colony. Efforts for self-governance and independence grew, led by political figures like Lee Kuan Yew.
• In 1959, Singapore gained self-governance with its own internal government.
• In 1963, Singapore merged with Malaysia, hoping to create a common market. However, tensions between the Malay-dominant federal government and the Chinese-majority population of Singapore led to strained relations.
• In 1965, Singapore was separated from Malaysia and became an independent republic on August 9, 1965.
• After independence Singapore faced numerous challenges, including racial and economic issues.
• Under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew and subsequent leaders, Singapore pursued policies focused on economic development, education, and social harmony.
• The country rapidly transformed into a global financial and economic hub, known for its efficient governance, strong economy, and multicultural society.

Capital of Singapore

The capital of Singapore is the city of Singapore. Singapore is both a city and a sovereign island nation located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. The country consists of the main island, often referred to as Singapore Island, and numerous smaller islands. The capital city, Singapore, is situated on the southern part of the main island and serves as the political, economic, cultural, and transportation hub of the nation.

Singapore is known for its modern skyline, efficient infrastructure, and vibrant mix of cultures. The city-state has developed into a global financial and trade center, attracting businesses, and tourists.

National Symbols of Singapore

Table below presents some of the symbols of Singapore.

Symbol	Description
National Flag	Red and white horizontal stripes with a crescent moon and five stars.
National Anthem	“Majulah Singapura” – “Onward, Singapore”
National Flower	Vanda Miss Joaquim, an orchid hybrid.
National Day	August 9th
National Bird	Crimson Sunbird
National Language	Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English (four official languages)
Merlion	Mythical creature with a lion’s head and a fish’s body, symbolizing Singapore’s maritime heritage and strength.
National Pledge	A pledge recited by Singaporeans expressing commitment to the nation’s ideals.
Lion Head Symbol	Often associated with the official emblem of the city-state and represents Singapore’s identity.

Population of Singapore

Based on United Nations data, the population of Singapore is 6,039,207. Of this population, 4.15 million are residents, including 3.61 million citizens and 540,000 permanent residents. The remaining 1.77 million are non-residents.

• Singapore has the second highest population density in the world, with 7,688 people per square kilometer.
• Singapore’s population is made up of:
  • 74.3% ethnic Chinese
  • 13.5% ethnic Malay
  • 9% ethnic Indian
  • 3.2% other, including Eurasian
• In 2021, the sex ratio in Singapore was 109.82 males per 100 females, with 3.09 million males and 2.81 million females.
• As of 2023, 61% of Singapore’s population is between the ages of 20 and 64. This is a decrease from 64.9% in 2013. The percentage of Singapore’s population aged 65 and above has increased from 11.7% in 2013 to 19.1% in 2023. The age structure of Singapore’s population is as follows:
  • 0–14 years: 14.54%
  • 15–64 years: 70.26%
  • 65 and over: 15.20%
• Singapore’s population growth rate is 1% from 2018 to 2023. The net migration rate in 2023 was 4.532 per 1,000 population, which is a 0.83% decline from 2022.

Languages and Religion Of Singapore

Singapore is a multi-religious and multi-cultural country. The official languages of Singapore are Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, and English. English is the most common language and is used to unite the different ethnic groups. Singapore’s multi-ethnic society is one reason why it has many languages. The country’s history of trade and immigration has also led to the development of various Malay Creole languages, such as Singlish and Baba Malay. These creoles combine elements of Malay, Chinese dialects, and English. Other reasons why Singapore has so many languages are:

• English: English is the language of education and administration, making it Singapore’s lingua franca.
• Malay: Malay is the symbolic national language due to Singapore’s history.
• Mandarin: Mandarin Chinese is a standard language taught at school in Singapore because the country was mostly settled by Chinese people.
• Tamil: Tamil is used by the largest Indian ethnic group in Singapore.

Singapore has a variety of religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, Hinduism, and Chinese traditional religions like Confucianism or Taoism. Singapore’s religious breakdown is as follows:

• Buddhism: 31.1%
• Christianity: 18.9%
• Islam: 15.6%
• Taoism and other Chinese religions: 8.8%
• Hinduism: 5%
• No religion: 20%
• Other religions: 0.6%

Political History Of Singapore

Singapore has been under British rule since the early 19th century. In 1959, Singapore became a self-governing state within the British Empire. In 1963, Singapore joined the Federation of Malaysia, but separated in 1965 to become an independent state. The separation was due to political and economic differences between the ruling parties of Singapore and Malaysia. These differences led to communal tensions and racial riots in 1964.

• Since the 1959 general election, Singaporean politics have been dominated by the People’s Action Party (PAP) under Lee Kuan Yew’s leadership. The PAP has been the only ruling party to form the government since then.
• Singapore achieved political stability, promoting a meritocratic system and emphasizing social harmony.
• Economic policies, including industrialization and attracting foreign investments, propelled Singapore into a prosperous nation.
• After Lee Kuan Yew’s era, subsequent Prime Ministers, including Goh Chok Tong and Lee Hsien Loong, continued the PAP’s governance.
• Singapore remains a parliamentary republic with a dominant role for the People’s Action Party, emphasizing stability, economic progress, and multiculturalism.

Places to Visit in Singapore

Singapore has many notable places to visit, including parks, gardens, and other attractions. Here are some important places to visit in Singapore :

Place	Description
Marina Bay Sands	Iconic integrated resort with a stunning rooftop infinity pool, observation deck, casino, and shopping mall.
Gardens by the Bay	A futuristic garden featuring the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Supertree Grove, and outdoor themed gardens.
Sentosa Island	Popular resort island with attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark.
Singapore Zoo	Renowned for its open concept, showcasing a diverse range of wildlife in naturalistic habitats.
Botanic Gardens	UNESCO-listed garden with a vast collection of tropical flora, including the National Orchid Garden.
Chinatown	Vibrant district known for its rich cultural heritage, temples, traditional markets, and authentic cuisine.
Little India	Colorful neighborhood offering a taste of Indian culture with vibrant streets, temples, and diverse dining options.
Singapore River Cruise	Scenic boat ride along the historic Singapore River, providing views of iconic landmarks and the city skyline.
National Museum of Singapore	Chronicles the history and culture of Singapore through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
ArtScience Museum	Unique museum at Marina Bay Sands, known for its innovative exhibits blending art, science, and technology.

Famous Personalities Of Singapore

Singapore has produced notable personalities who have significantly contributed to the nation’s development. They have left a lasting impact on Singapore’s political, diplomatic, and academic landscape.

Name	Field
Lee Kuan Yew	Politics
Joseph Schooling	Sports (Swimming)
Stefanie Sun	Music (Mandopop)
Tharman Shanmugaratnam	Politics, Economics
Kishore Mahbubani	Diplomacy, Academia
Tony Tan Keng Yam	Politics
Chua Thian Poh	Business
Joseph Schooling	Sports (Swimming)
Kumar (Pek Jin Shen)	Entertainment
Ong Teng Cheong	Politics

Read More :

• Top 10 Interesting Facts about Singapore
• Top 10 Cities of Singapore
• List of Top 10 Mountains of Singapore

FAQs on Republic of Singapore

How old is the Republic of Singapore?

The Republic of Singapore has been independent since August 9, 1965. The country was previously under British rule since the early 19th century.

Who is the President of the Republic of Singapore?

The President of the Republic of Singapore is Halimah Yacob.

What is the Population of Singapore?

As of June 2023, Singapore’s population was 5.92 million, a 5% increase from the previous year. Of those 5.92 million people, 4.15 million are residents, including 3.61 million citizens and 540,000 permanent residents. Singapore’s population is diverse, with the three largest groups being Chinese, Malays, and Indians.

What is the Capital of Singapore?

The capital of Singapore is Singapore itself. The city-state of Singapore is a single, unified entity without separate administrative divisions, making the entire nation both a city and a country.

What is the Currency of Singapore?

The currency of Singapore is the Singapore Dollar, abbreviated as SGD.. The Singapore dollar is also known as “Sing” and is often represented with the symbol S$.

What is Singapore old name?

Singapore’s old name was Temasek, which means “Sea Town”. The name likely comes from the Malay word tasek, which means “lake”. The name may have been changed to Singapura around the end of the 14th century.

How many Indians live in Singapore?

As of December 2023, about 650,000 people of Indian origin live in Singapore, making up about 10% of the country’s population. This makes them the third-largest ethnic group in Singapore, after Chinese and Malay.