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Singapore
Area: 704sq km (272 sq mi)
Population: 4.48m (Singapore Department of Statistics, 2006)
People: Chinese (76%), Malay (13.7%), Indians (8.4%), Others (1.8%)
Languages: Mandarin Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil. Mandarin, English, Malay and Tamil are the official languages. English is widely spoken and is the main language of communication.
Religions: Buddhism and Taoism 51%, Islam 15%, Christianity 15%, Hinduism 4%
Currency: Singapore Dollar
Major Political Parties: People's Action Party (PAP)
Government: Republic and Parliamentary Democracy
Head of State: President SR Nathan
Prime Minister: Lee Hsien Loong
Foreign Minister: Brigadier-General (NS) George Yeo
Membership of international groupings/organisations: Commonwealth, United Nations (UN) (UNSC member 2001-02), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Non Aligned Movement (NAM) and Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Colombo Plan, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, World Trade Organisation (WTO). GEOGRAPHY
The Republic of Singapore lies to the south of the Malay peninsula, to which it is joined by a causeway, 1.2 km long, carrying a road, railway and water pipeline across the Straits of Johor, and a separate link bridge. Situated 1.5 degrees north of the Equator, Singapore occupies a focal position at the turning point of the shortest sea route from the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea. The climate is hot and humid, with no clearly defined seasons although December and January are the wettest months.
HISTORY
Recent History
The most recent election in May 2006 resulted in a victory for the People's Action Party (PAP). As in 2001, they won 82 out of 84 seats with 66.6% of the popular vote. 43 of the 84 seats were contested in this election with the remaining seats being a walk-over for the ruling PAP.
Singapore coped well with the Asian economic crisis of 1997-1998 and was out of recession by 1999. It was subsequently hit by the US/global economic slowdown. Singapore was also affected by the outbreak of SARS in 2003. But the Singaporean economy bounced back strongly in 2004, showing 8.4% growth for the year.
Longer Historical Perspective
Singapore has been a trading centre since probably the 13th century when it may have been part of the Sumatran Srivijaya empire. Singapore was destroyed in the late fourteenth century and was largely abandoned for over 400 years, except for a few Malay settlements under the rule of the Sultan of Johore. In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles, seeking a base from which to extend British influence in South-East Asia, obtained permission from local rulers to establish a trading post at Singapore, and in 1824 the island was ceded in perpetuity. It was Raffles who laid the foundations of modern Singapore.
In 1826, Singapore joined Penang and Malacca to form the Straits Settlements. Singapore soon became Britain's most important trading centre in the area. In 1867, the connection with India was dissolved and the Straits Settlements became a Crown Colony. Singapore prospered throughout the 19th century, boosted by the opening of the Suez Canal and the gradual extension of British influence throughout the Malay peninsula, to become the commercial and financial hub of South-East Asia. Its naval base was one of a chain of British bases from Gibraltar to the Far East. Singapore's population rapidly expanded with the arrival of thousands of Chinese settlers.
Singapore's reputation as a British stronghold did not deter the Japanese from attacking Malaya in 1941 and then Singapore itself, which fell in 1942. British rule was restored in 1945.
In 1946, Singapore became a separate Crown Colony and in 1959, was granted internal self-government. The People’s Action Party (PAP) led by Lee Kuan Yew won an outright majority in the first fully elected Legislative Assembly that year and the PAP has been in power ever since.
In 1963, Singapore together with the Crown Colonies of Sabah and Sarawak joined the recently independent Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia. Singapore left the Federation in 1965, achieving full independence. There were considerable doubts, on economic and security grounds, about Singapore's ability to survive. The doubts were fuelled by the British decision in 1966 to withdraw its bases 'East of Suez' by the mid-70s, later brought forward to 1971. The British base had made a sizeable contribution to the Singapore economy. Singapore responded with a programme of rapid industrialisation, supported by foreign investment, and the training and regulation of the Singapore work-force. The foundations were laid for Singapore's rapid economic development in the following decades.
PAP control of Singapore continued unchallenged until 1981 when the first post-independence opposition MP was elected. There are now two elected opposition MPs in Parliament. The Constitution also provides for the appointment of other MPs not voted in at a General Election. Up to three Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) from the opposition political parties can be appointed. Currently there is one MP within this category in Parliament which brings the total number of Opposition MPs to three.
In 1990, Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) stepped down as Prime Minister in favour of Goh Chok Tong, but remained in PM Goh’s cabinet as Senior Minister and is now Minister Mentor in PM Lee’s cabinet. In 1991, the constitution was amended to provide for an elected president. Although largely ceremonial, the President has a role in safeguarding the national reserves – the so-called 'dual-key' policy. The parliamentary system has also been adjusted to provide for nominated MPs and grouped constituencies.
POLITICS
Recent Political Developments
The PAP retains widespread popular support. The government is characterised by conservative, but extremely effective flexible management of the economy.
Lee Hsien Loong (LKY’s son), suceeded Goh Chok Tong as PM on 12 August 2004. LKY is still synonymous with Singapore and as a serving member of the Cabinet continues to exert influence from his position as ‘Minister Mentor’ in the Prime Minister's Office. His successor, Goh Chok Tong, won plaudits for his stewardship of the country - particularly his management of the Asian financial crisis. Goh Chok Tong continues to remain in the cabinet as ‘Senior Minister’.
Elections
The last election took place on 6 May 2006. Elections are held every five years from the date of convening of the Parliament (not from the holding of elections). The current Parliament, the eleventh, opened in November 2006.
ECONOMY
Basic Economic Facts
GDP (at 2000 market prices): S$ 209,680 (2006)
GDP per capita: S$42,581
Annual Growth: 7.9% (2006)
Inflation: 1% (2006)
Major Industries: Manufacturing (particularly electronics, engineering, biomedical sciences, and chemicals), financial and business services, and commerce.
Singapore is a model of economic development. From independence in 1965, it achieved almost uninterrupted growth of nearly 8% per annum for over three decades. By the 1990s, it had GDP per capita levels similar to many OECD countries and it was acknowledged widely as one of Asia's 'tigers'. The contrast between Singapore and some of its regional neighbours is all the more striking given its size and lack of natural resources.
Until recently, Singapore had experienced few periods of economic difficulty. However, Singapore was hit hard in 2001 by a downturn in its key global markets (particularly the US) and a collapse in demand for electronics goods. As a result, Singapore experienced in 2001 its worst recession since independence: GDP fell 1.9% after growing almost 10% in 2000. Although the economy grew again by 2.2% in 2002, Singapore was hit hard again in 2003 by SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). The Singapore government handled the outbreak better than most, but the economic fallout was significant, particularly in the retail, tourism and consumer-services sectors, and GDP grew by only 1.1% in 2003.
Nevertheless, Singapore's economy remains fundamentally sound and has made a strong recovery. GDP grew by 7.9% in 2006, up from the 6.6% growth in 2005. The government's economic growth forecast for 2007 is between 5 – 7%.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Singapore was a founder member of ASEAN in 1967 and has worked hard to maintain good relations with regional neighbours. Singapore foreign policy has been designed to ensure a regional balance. Relations with China have intensified following the opening of diplomatic relations in 1990.
Singapore's Relations with the International Community
Singapore is an active player on the world international stage through its membership of the UN, the Commonwealth, ASEAN, APEC, the WTO and the NAM. Singapore served for the first time on the UN Security Council in 2001 and 2002. Prime Minister Goh was the driving force behind biennial Asia Europe Meetings (ASEM). Singapore was one of the five ASEAN countries that participated in the EU/ASEAN Aceh Monitoring Mission. In keeping with Singapore’s position as a trading nation, Singapore is a strong supporter of free trade and uses its membership of APEC and the WTO to press for progress in this area.
Indian Ocean Tsunami
Despite being so close to the epicentre of the earthquake, Singapore was extremely fortunate and suffered no damage from the Indian Ocean Tsunami on 26th December 2004, due to its geographically protected position. The country was very quick to support the humanitarian aid effort, particularly in Indonesia.
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