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| − | {{about|the city-state}}
| + | A proposed design for a fictional island by Debbie Ding. |
| − | {{pp-semi-indef}}{{pp-move-indef}}
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| − | {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2013}}
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| − | {{Use Singapore English|date=February 2014}}
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| − | {{stack begin}}
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| − | {{coord|1.3|103.8|type:country_dim:60km_region:SG|display=title}}
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| − | {{Infobox country
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| − | |conventional_long_name = Republic of Singapore
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| − | |native_name = {{nobold |{{native name|ms|Republik Singapura}}<br />{{native name|zh|新加坡共和国|italics=off}}<br />{{native name|ta|சிங்கப்பூர் குடியரசு|italics=off}}<!--end nobold:-->}}
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| − | |common_name = Singapore
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| − | |image_flag = Flag of Singapore.svg
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| − | |image_coat = Coat of arms of Singapore (blazon).svg
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| − | |national_motto = <br />{{native phrase|ms|"Majulah Singapura"|italics=off|nolink=on}}<br />{{small|"Onward, Singapore"}}
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| − | |national_anthem = ''[[Majulah Singapura]]''<br />{{small|"Onward, Singapore"}}
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| − | |image_map2 = Singapore in its region (zoom).svg
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| − | |image_map = Singapore CBD skyline from Esplanade at dusk.jpg
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| − | |map_caption = Singapore skyline viewed at dusk from The Esplanade.
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| − | |map_caption2 = {{map caption |location_color=red}}
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| − | |capital = Singapore<br />{{raise|0.2em|{{nowrap|([[Downtown Core]], [[Central Area|Central]])<ref group=lower-alpha>Singapore is a [[city-state]].</ref>}}}}
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| − | |latd=1 |latm=17 |latNS=N |longd=103 |longm=50 |longEW=E
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| − | |official_languages = {{hlist |[[English language|English]] |[[Malay language|Malay]] |[[Standard Chinese|Mandarin]] |[[Tamil language|Tamil]]}}
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| − | |languages_type = [[Official script]]s
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| − | |languages = {{hlist |[[Latin script|Roman (Latin) script]] |[[Simplified Chinese characters|Simplified Chinese]] |[[Tamil script|Tamil]]}}
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| − | |ethnic_groups =
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| − | |ethnic_groups_year =
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| − | |demonym = Singaporean
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| − | |government_type = [[Unitary state|Unitary]] [[Parliamentary republic|parliamentary]] [[constitutional republic]]
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| − | |leader_title1 = [[President of Singapore|President]]
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| − | |leader_name1 = [[Tony Tan Keng Yam]]
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| − | |leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Singapore|Prime Minister]]
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| − | |leader_name2 = [[Lee Hsien Loong]]
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| − | |leader_title3 = [[Parliament of Singapore#Speaker of Parliament|Speaker of Parliament]]
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| − | |leader_name3 = [[Halimah Yacob]]
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| − | |leader_title4 = [[Chief Justice of Singapore|Chief Justice]]
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| − | |leader_name4 = [[Sundaresh Menon]]
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| − | |legislature = [[Parliament of Singapore|Parliament]]
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| − | |upper_house = |lower_house =
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| − | |sovereignty_type = [[History of Singapore|Formation]]
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| − | |established_event1 = [[Founding of modern Singapore|Founding]]
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| − | |established_date1 = 6 February 1819<ref>{{cite book |last=Chew |first=Ernest |editor= Lee, Edwin |title= A History of Singapore |year=1991 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=0-19-588917-7}}</ref>
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| − | |established_event2 = [[Self-governance of Singapore|Self-government]]
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| − | |established_date2 = 3 June 1959<ref>{{cite news |title=State of Singapore came into being 50 years ago on 3 June |author=Hoe Yeen Nie |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/433440/1/.html |newspaper=Channel News Asia |location=Singapore |date=2 June 2009}}</ref>
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| − | |established_event3 = {{nowrap|[[Independence]] from<br />the [[United Kingdom]]}}
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| − | |established_date3 = 31 August 1963<ref name="LOC2" />
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| − | |established_event4 = [[Singapore in Malaysia|Merger with Malaysia]]
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| − | |established_date4 = 16 September 1963<ref name="LOC2" />
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| − | |established_event5 = Separation from Malaysia
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| − | |established_date5 = 9 August 1965<ref name="LOC2" />
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| − | |area_rank = 190th
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| − | |area_km2 = 716.1
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| − | |area_footnote = <ref name=unpop>{{cite web |url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/statistics/latest_data.html#14 |title=Statistics Singapore – Latest Data – Population & Land Area (Mid-Year Estimates) |date=June 2013 |publisher=Statistics Singapore |accessdate=14 October 2013}}</ref>
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| − | |percent_water = 1.444
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| − | |population_estimate = 5,399,200<ref name="unpop" />
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| − | |population_estimate_year = 2013
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| − | |population_estimate_rank = 116th
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| − | |population_density_km2 = 7,540<ref name="unpop" />
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| − | |population_density_rank = 3rd
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| − | |population_density_sq_mi = 19,562
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| − | |GDP_PPP = {{nowrap|$327.557 billion<ref name=imf2 />}}
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| − | |GDP_PPP_rank =
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| − | |GDP_PPP_year = 2012
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| − | |GDP_PPP_per_capita = $61,046<ref name=imf2>{{cite web |url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2012/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=81&pr.y=11&sy=2009&ey=2012&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=576&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a= |title=Singapore |publisher=International Monetary Fund |accessdate=21 April 2012}}</ref>
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| − | |GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 3rd
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| − | |GDP_nominal = {{nowrap|$270.020 billion<ref name=imf2 />}}
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| − | |GDP_nominal_rank =
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| − | |GDP_nominal_year = 2012
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| − | |GDP_nominal_per_capita = $50,323<ref name=imf2 />
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| − | |GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank =
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| − | |Gini_year = 2012
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| − | |Gini_change = <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
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| − | |Gini = 47.8 <!--number only-->
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| − | |Gini_ref = <ref name="CIA">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2172rank.html |title=Distribution of family income – Gini Index |year=2012 |publisher=CIA |accessdate=15 August 2013}}</ref>
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| − | |Gini_rank = 26th
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| − | |HDI_year = 2013
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| − | |HDI_change = increase <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
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| − | |HDI = 0.895 <!--number only-->
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| − | |HDI_ref = <ref name="HDI">{{cite web |url=http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/HDR_2013_EN_Tables.pdf |title=Human Development Report 2013 |year=2013 |publisher=United Nations |accessdate=14 March 2013}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref>
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| − | |HDI_rank = 19th
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| − | |currency = [[Singapore dollar]]
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| − | |currency_code = SGD
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| − | |time_zone = [[Singapore Standard Time|SST]]
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| − | |utc_offset = +8
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| − | |antipodes =
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| − | |date_format = dd/mm/yyyy
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| − | |drives_on = left
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| − | |calling_code = [[+65]]
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| − | |iso3166code = SG
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| − | |cctld = [[.sg]], [[.சிங்கப்பூர்]], [[.新加坡]]
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| − | |footnotes = {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
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| − | }}
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| − | {{contains Chinese text|compact=yes}}
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| − | {{contains Tamil text|compact=yes}}
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| − | {{stack end}}
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| − | '''Singapore''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=En-us-Singapore.ogg|ˈ|s|ɪ|ŋ|ə|p|ɔər}} or {{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|ɪ|ŋ|ɡ|ə|p|ɔər}}), officially the '''Republic of Singapore''', is a [[City state#Sovereign city-states|sovereign city-state]] and [[island country]] in [[Southeast Asia]]. It lies off the southern tip of the [[Malay Peninsula]] and is {{convert|137|km|mi}} north of the [[equator]]. Made up of the [[lozenge]]-shaped main island (widely known as ''Singapore Island'' but also as [[Pulau Ujong]], its native Malay name) and over 60 much smaller [[islet]]s,<ref>[http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:kN439jqgENMJ:www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/545725/Singapore+&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk "Singapore -- Encyclopedia Britannica"]</ref> it is separated from [[Peninsular Malaysia]] by the [[Straits of Johor]] to its north and from [[Indonesia]]'s [[Riau Islands]] by the [[Singapore Strait]] to its south. The country is highly [[urbanised]], with very little primary rainforest remaining. Its territory has consistently expanded through [[land reclamation]].
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| − | Part of various local empires since being settled in the second century [[AD]], [[Founding of modern Singapore|modern Singapore was founded]] in 1819 by [[Sir Stamford Raffles]] as a trading post of the [[East India Company]] with the permission of the [[Johor Sultanate]]. The British obtained sovereignty over the island in 1824, and Singapore became one of the British [[Straits Settlements]] in 1826. [[Japanese occupation of Singapore|Occupied by the Japanese]] during [[World War II]], Singapore declared independence from the United Kingdom in 1963 and united with other former British territories to form [[Malaysia]], from which it departed two years later. Since then, it has developed rapidly, earning recognition as one of [[Four Asian Tigers]].
| + | == The World == |
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| − | Singapore is one of the world's leading commercial hubs, with the fourth-biggest [[financial centre]] and one of the five [[World's busiest port|busiest ports]]. Its globalised and diversified economy depends heavily on trade, especially in manufacturing, which constituted 26 percent of Singapore's GDP in 2005. In terms of [[purchasing power parity]], Singapore has the [[List of countries by GDP (PPP) per capita|third-highest per capita income]] in the world. It [[International rankings of Singapore|ranks high in international rankings]] of education, healthcare, government transparency, and economic competitiveness.
| + | The central premise of my world is that instead of moving milimetres at a time, land masses are able to move a few metres in a year. This explains why Los Angeles was able to detach itself from US and Rio De Janeiro was able to detach itself from Brazil, and for them to float together to form Rilao. |
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| − | Singapore is a unitary [[multiparty]] parliamentary republic with a [[Westminster system]] of [[Unicameralism|unicameral]] parliamentary government. The [[People's Action Party]] has won every election since self-government in 1959. Slightly over five million people live in Singapore, of which around 2 million are foreign-born. Singapore is highly diverse: 75 percent of the population are [[Chinese Singaporean|Chinese]], followed by significant minorities of [[Malays in Singapore|Malays]], [[Indians in Singapore|Indians]], [[Eurasians in Singapore|Eurasians]], and others. This diversity is reflected in the country's four official languages — English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil — as well as in official policies that promote multiculturalism.
| + | In this world, all islands are in constant danger of floating into and joining other landmasses. Larger islands are prone to losing parts of themselves to the Drift. Thus, the countries in this world experience '''geopolitics in constant motion'''. |
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| − | One of the five founding members of the [[Association of South East Asian Nations]] (ASEAN), Singapore is also the host of the [[Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation|APEC]] Secretariat, and a member of the [[East Asia Summit]], the [[Non-Aligned Movement]], and the [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]]. Singapore's rapid development has given it disproportionate influence in global affairs, leading some analysts to identify it as a [[middle power]].<ref name="Loo">Loo BF (2005) [http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p71016_index.html Transforming Singapore's Military Security Landscape: Problems and Prospects], ''allacademic''</ref><ref name="Tan">Tan ATH (1999) [http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst?docId=5002344796 Singapore's Defence: Capabilities, Trends, and Implications], ''questia''</ref>
| + | Nicholas Bourriaud in <b>The Radicant</b>: |
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| − | == Etymology ==
| + | <blockquote>"To be radicant: it means setting one’s roots in motion, staging them in heterogeneous contexts and formats, denying them any value as origins, translating ideas, transcoding images, transplanting behaviors, exchanging rather than imposing (...) The immigrant, the exile, the tourist, and the urban wanderer are the dominant figures of contemporary culture."</blockquote> |
| − | {{Main|Names of Singapore}}
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| − | The English name of Singapore is derived from the [[Malay language|Malay]] word ''{{lang|ms|Singapura}}'' ({{lang-sa|सिंहपुर}}, literally Lion City), hence the customary reference to the nation as the Lion City. [[Lion]]s probably never lived there; the beast seen by [[Sang Nila Utama]], who founded and named ancient Singapore, was most likely a [[Malayan tiger|tiger]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sang Nila Utama |work=Singapore Infopedia |publisher=National Library Board |url=http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_93_2005-01-26.html |date=26 November 1999 |accessdate=3 May 2011 }}</ref>
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| − | == History ==
| + | In his keynote speech to the 2005 Art Association of Australia & New Zealand Conference: |
| − | {{Main|History of Singapore}}
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| − | [[File:JapaneseMarchSgpCity.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A parade of Japanese soldiers in a street of Singapore|Victorious Japanese troops marching through Singapore City after British [[Capitulation (surrender)|capitulation]] at the Battle of Singapore]]
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| − | The earliest known settlement on Singapore was in the second century AD. It was an outpost of the [[Sumatra]]n [[Srivijaya]] empire, named [[Temasek]] ('sea town'). Between the 16th and early 19th centuries, it was part of the Johor Sultanate. In 1613, [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] raiders burnt down the settlement and the island sank into obscurity for the next two centuries.<ref name="countrystudies">{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/singapore/3.htm|title=Country Studies: Singapore: History|publisher=U.S. Library of Congress|accessdate=1 May 2007}}</ref>
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| − | In 1819, [[Stamford Raffles|Thomas Stamford Raffles]] arrived and signed a treaty with [[Sultan Hussein Shah]] of [[Johor]] on behalf of the British East India Company to develop the southern part of Singapore as a [[British Empire|British]] trading post. In 1824, the entire island became a British possession under a further treaty with the Sultan and the [[Temenggung|Temenggong]].<ref name="Founding of Modern Singapore">{{cite web|title=Founding of Modern Singapore|url=http://app.www.sg/who/32/Founding-of-Modern-Singapore.aspx|publisher=[[Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts]]|accessdate=13 April 2011}}</ref> In 1826, it became part of the Straits Settlements, under the jurisdiction of British India. Singapore became the capital of the Straits Settlements in 1836.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.archiveeditions.co.uk/titledetails.asp?tid=17|title=East & South-East Asia Titles: Straits Settlements Annual Reports (Singapore, Penang, Malacca, Labuan) 1855–1941|publisher=Cambridge University Press|accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref> Before Raffles arrived, there were around 1,000 people living in Singapore, mostly indigenous [[Ethnic Malays|Malay]] community, and 20-30 [[Chinese people|Chinese]].<ref name="The Malays">{{cite web|title=The Malays|url=http://yesterday.sg/discover-more/communities-festivals/communities/the-malays/|publisher=National Heritage Board 2011|accessdate=28 July 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> By 1860, the population exceeded 80,000, with over half of the population being Chinese. Many immigrants came to work at [[rubber]] plantations; and, after the 1870s, the island became a global centre for rubber exports.<ref name="Founding of Modern Singapore" />
| + | <blockquote>"Artists are looking for a new modernity that would be based on translation: What matters today is to translate the cultural values of cultural groups and to connect them to the world network. This “reloading process” of modernism according to the twenty-first-century issues could be called altermodernism, a movement connected to the creolisation of cultures and the fight for autonomy, but also the possibility of producing singularities in a more and more standardized world."</blockquote> |
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| − | [[File:Children cheering the arrival of the 5th Indian Division in Singapore, 5 September 1945. SE4662.jpg|thumb|190px|A cheering crowd welcome the return of British forces, 1945]]
| + | <blockquote>"Altermodern" is a word that intends to define the specific modernity according to the specific context we live in – globalization, and its economic, political and cultural conditions. The use of the prefix ‘alter’ means that the historical period defined by postmodernism is coming to an end … The core of this new modernity is, according to me, the experience of wandering – in time, space and mediums.</blockquote> |
| − | During [[World War II]], the [[Imperial Japanese Army]] invaded [[British Malaya]], culminating in the [[Battle of Singapore]]. The British were defeated, and surrendered on 15 February 1942. British Prime Minister [[Winston Churchill]] called this "the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history".<ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/february/15/newsid_3529000/3529447.stm|title=On This Day – 15 February 1942: Singapore forced to surrender|accessdate=1 May 2007|work=BBC News|date=15 February 1942}}</ref> The [[Sook Ching massacre]] of ethnic Chinese after the fall of Singapore claimed between 5,000 and 25,000 lives.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+sg0027)|title=Singapore, Shonan: Light of the South|last=Leitch Lepoer|first=Barbara|year=1989|work=[[Library of Congress Country Studies]]|publisher=[[United States Government Printing Office|Government Printing Office]]|accessdate=29 January 2011|location=[[Washington, D.C.]]}}</ref> The [[Japanese Occupation of Singapore|Japanese occupied Singapore]] until the [[Operation Tiderace|British repossessed]] it in September 1945, after the [[Surrender of Japan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/singapore/8.htm|title=Country studies: Singapore: World War II|publisher=U.S. Library of Congress|accessdate=2 July 2011}}</ref>
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| − | Singapore's first general election in 1955 was won by the pro-independence [[David Marshall (Singaporean politician)|David Marshall]], leader of the [[Labour Front]]. Demanding complete self-rule he led a delegation to London but was turned down by the British. He resigned when he returned and was replaced by [[Lim Yew Hock]], whose policies convinced Britain to grant Singapore full internal self-government for all matters except defence and foreign affairs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/singapore/10.htm|title=Country studies: Singapore: Road to Independence|publisher=U.S. Library of Congress|accessdate=2 July 2011}}</ref>
| + | == The Island == |
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| − | During the May 1959 elections, the People's Action Party won a landslide victory. Singapore had become an internally self-governing state within the Commonwealth, with [[Lee Kuan Yew]] as the first Prime Minister.<ref name='yewnyt'>{{cite news|title=Headliners; Retiring, Semi|date=2 December 1990|newspaper=The New York Times|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE4DD123DF931A35751C1A966958260|accessdate=27 December 2008}}</ref> [[Governor of Singapore|Governor]] Sir [[William Allmond Codrington Goode]] served as the first [[Yang di-Pertuan Negara]] ("Head of State"), and was succeeded by [[Yusof bin Ishak]] who in 1965 became the first President of Singapore.<ref name="Law" /> During the 1950s Communists, mostly supported by the Chinese-speaking group, with strong ties to the trade unions and Chinese schools, carried out an armed struggle against the state, resulting in the [[Malayan Emergency]] and later, the [[Communist Insurgency War]]. The [[1954 National Service Riots]], [[Chinese middle schools riots]] and [[Hock Lee bus riots]] in Singapore were all linked to the Communists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://library.thinkquest.org/12405/19.htm|title=Communism|work=Thinkquest|accessdate=29 January 2012}}</ref>
| + | I envision Rirao as a new transnational space dominated by the Asian “Other” - the orientalised Americas, the Asianised West. Its name in Chinese is "日绕", which means “the sun revolves around it”. The initial mispronunciation of its name in Chinese has become its dominant pronunciation. The increase in Chinese/Asian Migration into Rirao not only results in cultural displacement to both the migrants and 'native' populations in Rirao, but there is also the danger of reductionist condensations of what it means to be oriental or asian. Ethnicity, race, and nationality are all performances. |
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| − | === Independence ===
| + | This is not strictly about being Asian or presenting something that is "oriental" as opposed to "occidental". It is hard for me to know what I have to do as a so-called "chinese" or "southeast asian" or "singaporean", or the relevance of my so-called asian "heritage" - just as it is equally hard for me to unlearn my westernised education and years of studying continential critical theory. |
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| − | ==== 1963: Independence from the United Kingdom ====
| + | I suspect that in the end, in our attempts to articulate a topsy-turvy model of a western city dominated by the Asian "Other", Rirao is not really going to be Asian. It is going to end up being a non-place, a terrifying altermodernity. |
| − | On 31 August 1963, Singapore declared independence from the United Kingdom and joined with the [[Federation of Malaya]], the [[Crown Colony of Sarawak]] and [[British North Borneo]] to form the new Federation of Malaysia as the result of the [[1962 Merger Referendum of Singapore|1962 Merger Referendum]]. Singaporean leaders joined Malaysia for various reasons. Firstly, as a small country, they did not believe that the British would find it viable for Singapore to become independent by itself. Secondly, they also did not believe that Singapore could survive on its own, due to scarcity of land, water, markets and natural resources. Lastly, the Singapore government wanted the help of the Malaysian government to flush out the Communists.
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| − | However, the two years that Singapore spent as part of Malaysia were filled with strife and bitter disagreements. The Malaysians insisted on a pro-[[Bumiputera (Malaysia)|Bumiputera]] (Malay for indigenous) society, where indigenous Malays and tribes were given special Bumiputera rights, which still exist to this day to assist the majority Malay community who were left behind in terms of economic share of the country compared to the minority Chinese and to maintain harmony within a multiethnic society. The Malaysians were also suspicious about Singapore's majority of ethnic Chinese and worried that Singapore's economic clout would shift the centre of power from [[Kuala Lumpur]] to Singapore. There were also linguistic and religious issues. The Singaporeans, on the other hand, wanted an equal and meritocratic society, a [[Malaysian Malaysia|''Malaysian'' Malaysia]] where all citizens were given equal rights.
| + | == Rirao at the Venice Biennale 20XX == |
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| − | As part of Malaysia, Singapore's economic and social development came to a halt as the Malaysian parliament blocked many bills. [[1964 race riots in Singapore|Race riots broke out in Singapore in 1964]]. After much [[People's Action Party–United Malays National Organisation relations|heated ideological conflicts between the two governments]], in 1965, the Malaysian parliament voted 126 to 0 to expel Singapore from Malaysia.<ref name="LOC2">{{cite web|url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+sg0033)|title=Singapore as Part of Malaysia|last=Leitch Lepoer|first=Barbara|year=1989|work=Library of Congress Country Studies|publisher=Government Printing Office|accessdate=29 January 2011|location=Washington, D.C.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article7878|title=A Summary of Malaysia-Singapore History|work=europe-solidaire|accessdate=29 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/singapore/10.htm|title=Road to Independence|work=US GOV|accessdate=29 January 2012}}</ref> Race riots [[1969 race riots of Singapore|broke out once more]] in 1969.
| + | The Venice Biennale is a monumental, sprawling all-year affair in which countries display their art, presumably to one another, in various pavilions and venues in and around the city of Venice. Every two years, it becomes a global meeting point, a prestigious and international stage for cultural exchanges and discourse, but also a place of contradictions, in which artists might be seen more as representatives of their country, effectively tasked with producing and showing work for displays of some form of national identity, even though national borders are very tired and outdated boundaries for one’s imagination, and artists may also be migratory, of mixed heritage, or may not even necessarily be rooted or resident in their countries of origin. |
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| − | ==== 1965–1990: Independence from Malaysia and Lee Kuan Yew as Prime Minister ====
| + | Looming over this, is also the larger question of who, or which national agencies gets to decide which artist and which artworks have the ultimate ability to represent each nation. Whilst it is certainly not a straightforward issue, the selection process at work at the Venice Biennale also has the ability to produce some interesting artistic results, for this system does allow for each country (or region, or group of people) to approach it from very different ways, allowing for the possibility for alternative narratives, and even minority and counterhegemonic voices to be heard on an international stage. On the other hand, one could perhaps read a decision not to participate as selective mutism, or perhaps as a kind of statement on its own. However, these are only speculative readings. |
| − | Singapore gained independence as the Republic of Singapore (remaining within the Commonwealth) on 9 August 1965<ref name="LOC2" /> with Yusof bin Ishak as president and Lee Kuan Yew as Prime Minister. Everyone who was present in Singapore on the date of independence was offered [[Singapore citizenship]]. In 1967, it helped found the Association of Southeast Asian Nations<ref>{{cite wikisource|Bangkok Declaration|nobullet=yes}}</ref> and in 1970 it joined the [[Non-Aligned Movement]].
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| − | === 1990–2004: Goh Chok Tong as Prime Minister ===
| + | My project is concerned with curating/designing Rilao's submission for the Venice Biennale. |
| − | In 1990, [[Goh Chok Tong]] succeeded Lee as Prime Minister. During his tenure, the country faced the [[1997 Asian financial crisis]], the 2003 [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome|SARS]] outbreak and [[terrorist]] threats posed by [[Jemaah Islamiyah]].
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| − | === 2004–present: Lee Hsien Loong as Prime Minister === | + | == References == |
| − | In 2004, Lee Hsien Loong, the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, became the country's third prime minister.<ref>{{cite news|title=Country profile: Singapore|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1143240.stm|accessdate=22 April 2010|date=15 July 2009}}</ref>
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| − | == Government and politics ==
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| − | {{Main|Government of Singapore|Politics of Singapore|Human rights in Singapore}}
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| − | [[File:Parliament House Singapore.jpg|thumb|right|altLarge white building with a red roof, with a palm-lined path leading up to the main entrance|Singapore's [[Parliament House, Singapore|Parliament House]].]]
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| − | [[File:Old Supreme Court Building 3, Jan 06.JPG|thumb|right|The [[Old Supreme Court Building, Singapore|Old Supreme Court Building]]]]
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| − | Singapore is a parliamentary republic with a [[Westminster system]] of unicameral parliamentary government representing [[constituencies of Singapore|constituencies]]. [[Constitution of Singapore|Its constitution]] establishes [[representative democracy in Singapore|representative democracy]] as its political system.<ref name=autogenerated4>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sn.html|title=World Factbook – Singapore|publisher=U.S. Central Intelligence Agency|accessdate=12 June 2011}}</ref> [[Freedom House]] ranks Singapore as "partly free" in its ''[[Freedom in the World]]'' report,<ref name="freedomhouse" /> and ''[[The Economist]]'' ranks Singapore as a "hybrid regime", the third rank out of four, in its "[[Democracy Index]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://graphics.eiu.com/PDF/Democracy_Index_2010_web.pdf|title=Democracy index 2010|work=The Economist|year=2010|accessdate=19 February 2011}}</ref> Singapore is consistently rated one of the least corrupt countries in the world by [[Transparency International]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi/2009/cpi_2009_table|title=Corruption Perceptions Index 2009|publisher=[[Transparency International]]|year=2009|accessdate=1 June 2010}}</ref>
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| − | Executive power rests with the [[Cabinet of Singapore]], led by the Prime Minister, and the President.<ref name="Law">{{cite web|url=http://www.singaporelaw.sg/content/LegalSyst1.html|title=The Singapore Legal System|publisher=Singapore Academy of Law|accessdate=26 June 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> The president is elected through popular vote, and has some [[veto]] powers for a few key decisions such as the use of the national reserves and the appointment of judges, but otherwise occupies a ceremonial post.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.istana.gov.sg/content/istana/thepresident.html|title=The President|publisher=Singapore Government|accessdate=26 June 2011}}</ref>
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| − | The Parliament serves as the [[legislative branch]] of government.<ref name="Law" /> Members of Parliament (MPs) consist of elected, non-constituency and nominated members. Elected MPs are voted into parliament on a "[[First-past-the-post voting|first-past-the-post]]" (plurality) basis and represent either single-member or group-representation constituencies.<ref name="parliament.gov.sg">{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.gov.sg/members-parliament|title=Members of Parliament|publisher=Government of Singapore|accessdate=12 June 2011}}</ref> The People's Action Party has won control of Parliament with large majorities in every election since self-governance was secured in 1959.<ref name="freedomhouse">{{cite web|url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=22&year=2010&country=7915|title= Freedom in the World 2010 – Singapore|publisher=Freedom House|accessdate=12 June 2011}}</ref> However, in the most recent parliamentary elections in 2011, the opposition, led by the [[Workers' Party of Singapore|Workers' Party]], made significant gains and increased its representation in the House to 6 elected MPs.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1127434_162/1/.html|title= GE: Singapore's PAP returns to power|work=Channel NewsAsia|location =Singapore|date= 8 May 2011}}</ref>
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| − | The [[Law of Singapore|legal system of Singapore]] is based on [[English common law]], albeit with substantial local differences. [[Trial by jury]] was entirely abolished in 1970 leaving judicial assessment performed wholly by judgeship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.singaporelaw.sg/content/LegalSyst.html|title=The Singapore Legal System|publisher=Singapore Academy of Law|date=25 September 2007|accessdate=10 June 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> Singapore has penalties that include [[judicial corporal punishment]] in the form of [[Caning in Singapore|caning]] for rape, rioting, vandalism, and some immigration offences.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm|title=Judicial caning in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei|publisher=World Corporal Punishment Research|year=2008|accessdate=2 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Kuntz, Tom|title=Ideas & Trends; Beyond Singapore: Corporal Punishment, A to Z|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/26/weekinreview/ideas-trends-beyond-singapore-corporal-punishment-a-to-z.html?scp=29&sq=?pagewanted=1|date=26 June 1994|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> There is a mandatory [[Capital punishment in Singapore|death penalty]] for murder, and for certain drug-trafficking and firearms offences.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1017.html#crime|title=Singapore country specific information|publisher=U.S. Department of State|date=19 March 2010}}</ref> [[Amnesty International]] has said that some legal provisions conflict with the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, and that Singapore has "possibly the highest execution rate in the world relative to its population".<ref name="amnesty">{{cite web|url=http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/ASA36/001/2004&lang=e|title=Singapore: The death penalty – A hidden toll of executions|publisher=Amnesty International USA|year =2003|accessdate =1 May 2011}}</ref> The government has disputed Amnesty's claims.<ref name=response>{{cite press release|title=The Singapore Government's Response To Amnesty International's Report "Singapore – The Death Penalty: A Hidden Toll Of Executions"|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs|url=http://www.mha.gov.sg/basic_content.aspx?pageid=74|date=30 January 2004|accessdate=22 April 2010}}</ref> In a 2008 survey, international business executives believed Singapore, along with [[Hong Kong]], had the best judicial system in Asia.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/world/09/15/08/hong-kong-has-best-judicial-system-asia-business-survey|title=Hong Kong has best judicial system in Asia: business survey|work=ABS-CBN News|location = Philippines|date=15 September 2008|accessdate=23 August 2010}}</ref>
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| − | In 2011, the [[World Justice Project]]'s ''Rule of Law Index'' ranked Singapore in the top countries surveyed for "Order and Security", "Absence of Corruption", and "Effective Criminal Justice". However, it scored low for both "Freedom of Speech" and "Freedom of Assembly".<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.worldjusticeproject.org/country/singapore |title=Singapore |publisher= World Justice Project |location=Washington DC |date=No date |accessdate=5 July 2013}}</ref> All public gatherings of five or more people require police permits, and protests may legally be held only at [[Speakers' Corner, Singapore|Speakers' Corner]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://in.reuters.com/article/2009/01/17/idINIndia-37501620090117 |title=Singapore to toughen protest laws ahead of APEC meet |agency=Reuters |date=17 January 2009 |accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref>
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| − | == Geography ==
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| − | {{Main|Geography of Singapore}}
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| − | [[File:Singapore-CIA WFB Map.png|thumb|alt=Map showing Singapore's island and the territories belonging Singapore and its neighbours|Outline of Singapore and the surrounding islands and waterways]]
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| − | Singapore consists of [[List of islands of Singapore|63 islands]], including the main island, widely known as Singapore Island but also as Pulau Ujong.<ref>{{cite book|first1 =Victor R.|last1= Savage|first2= Brenda S.A.|last2= Yeoh|title=Toponymics: A Study of Singapore's Street Names|year=2004|publisher=Eastern Universities Press|location =Singapore|isbn=978-981-210-364-2}}</ref> There are two man-made connections to Johor, Malaysia: the [[Johor–Singapore Causeway]] in the north, and the [[Malaysia–Singapore Second Link|Tuas Second Link]] in the west. [[Jurong Island]], [[Pulau Tekong]], [[Pulau Ubin]] and [[Sentosa]] are the largest of Singapore's smaller islands. The highest natural point is [[Bukit Timah]] Hill at {{convert|166|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://heritagetrails.sg/content/148/Bukit_Timah_Hill.html|publisher=Heritage Trails|accessdate=22 April 2010|title=Bukit Timah Hill}}</ref>
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| − | There are ongoing [[land reclamation]] projects, which have increased Singapore's land area from {{convert|581.5|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} in the 1960s to {{convert|716.1|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} today;<ref name="unpop" /> it may grow by another {{convert|100|km2|sqmi|-1|abbr=on}} by 2030.<ref>{{cite web|title=Towards Environmental Sustainability, State of the Environment 2005 Report|url= http://app.nea.gov.sg/counter/nea_soecover.asp|archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110623124946/http://www.nea.gov.sg/cms/ccird/soe/soe_cover.pdf|archivedate=23 June 2011|publisher=Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources|accessdate=22 April 2010}}</ref> Some projects involve merging smaller islands through land reclamation to form larger, more functional islands, as with Jurong Island.<ref name="earthshots.usgs.gov">{{cite web|url= http://earthshots.usgs.gov/Singapore/Singapore|title=Earthshots: Satellite Images of Environmental Change: Singapore|publisher=Earthshots|accessdate=18 February 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> 5% of Singapore's land is set aside as nature reserves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=198&Itemid=66#_ftnref2|title=Interesting facts of our Garden City|publisher=National Parks Board|accessdate=31 July 2012}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> Urbanisation has eliminated most primary [[rainforest]] on the main island, [[Bukit Timah Nature Reserve]] being the only significant remaining forest.<ref name="earthshots.usgs.gov" /> There are only about {{convert|250|acres|0|abbr=on}} of farmland remaining in Singapore.<ref>{{cite news |title=Singapore Looks Skyward to Take Farming in New Directions |author=Sam Eaton |url=http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/jan-june13/food_06-12.html |newspaper=PBS NewsHour |date=12 June 2013 |accessdate=13 June 2013}}</ref>
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| − | == Climate ==
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| − | Singapore has a [[tropical rainforest climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Af '') with no distinctive seasons, uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. Temperatures usually range from {{convert|22|to|35|°C|°F}}. [[Relative humidity]] averages around 79% in the morning and 73% in the afternoon.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/89?state=fo:D#fo:D|title= Weather – Singapore|work=BBC News|accessdate=13 April 2011}}</ref> April and May are the hottest months, with the wetter [[monsoon]] season from November to January.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app2.nea.gov.sg/weather_statistics.aspx|title= Weather Statistics|publisher=[[National Environment Agency]]|accessdate=22 April 2010}}</ref> From July to October, there is often haze caused by bush fires in neighbouring Indonesia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=12078|title=Singapore enveloped by Sumatran smog|last=Bond|first=Sam|work=Edie newsroom|date=2 October 2006|accessdate=2 June 2011}}</ref> Although Singapore does not observe daylight saving time, it follows time zone GMT+8, one hour ahead of its geographical location.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.math.nus.edu.sg/aslaksen/teaching/timezone.html|title=Why is Singapore in the "Wrong" Time Zone?|author=Mok Ly Yng|publisher=National University of Singapore|date=22 September 2010|accessdate=2 June 2011}}</ref>
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| − | {{Singapore weatherbox}}
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| − | == Economy ==
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| − | {{Main|Economy of Singapore}}
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| − | === Pre-independence economy ===
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| − | Before independence in 1965, Singapore was the capital of the British Straits Settlements, a [[Crown Colony]]. It was also the main British naval base in East Asia.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1148137.stm|title= Timeline: Singapore|accessdate=12 October 2011|year=2011|work=BBC News}}</ref> Because of its status as the main British naval base in the region, as well as hosting the largest dry dock in the world at that time in the form of the [[Singapore Naval Base]], it was described in the press as the '[[Gibraltar]] of the East'.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://countrystudies.us/singapore/8.htm|title= World War II|accessdate=12 October 2011|year=2011}}</ref> The opening of the [[Suez Canal]] in 1869 caused global trade to boom, and Singapore became a major world trade node, and the Port of Singapore became one of the largest and busiest ports in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.worldportsource.com/ports/SGP_Port_of_Singapore_244.php|title= Port of Singapore|accessdate=12 October 2011|year=2011}}</ref> Before independence in 1965, Singapore had a [[GDP per capita]] of $511, then the third-highest in East Asia.<ref>{{Wayback |date=20110511203327 |url=http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/eco_gdp_percap-economy-gdp-nominal-per-capita&date=1968 |title=GDP (per capita) (1968) by country }}, NationMaster.com.</ref> After independence, [[List of countries by received FDI|foreign direct investment]] and a state-led drive for industrialisation based on plans by [[Goh Keng Swee]] and [[Albert Winsemius]] created a modern economy.<ref name='murphy'>{{cite book|last=Murphy|first=Craig|title=The United Nations Development Programme: A Better Way?|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2006|page=101|isbn=978-0-521-86469-5}}</ref>
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| − | === Modern-day economy ===
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| − | [[File:Psa keppel.JPG|thumb|right|alt=The port of Singapore with a large number of shipping containers with the skyline of the city visible in the background|The [[Port of Singapore]], one of the [[World's busiest port|world's five busiest]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/321856/1/.html|title=Singapore retains busiest world port title|work=Channel News Asia|location=Singapore|date=10 January 2008|first=Rachel|last=Kelly}}</ref> with the skyline of Singapore in the background.]]
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| − | Today, Singapore has a highly developed [[market economy]], based historically on extended [[entrepôt]] trade. Along with [[Hong Kong]], [[South Korea]] and [[Taiwan]], Singapore is one of the original Four Asian Tigers. The Singaporean economy is known as one of the freest,<ref>{{cite news|last=Li|first=Dickson|url= http://www.asiaone.com/Business/News/My+Money/Story/A1Story20100201-195831.html|title= Singapore is most open economy: Report|work=Asiaone|location= Singapore|date=1 February 2010|accessdate=10 May 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> most innovative,<ref>{{cite news|url= http://eurocham.org.sg/index.php?option=com_eurochammobile&view=news&id=289&template=ccmobile|title= Singapore ranked 7th in the world for innovation|newspaper=The Straits Times|location= Singapore|date=5 March 2010|accessdate=23 August 2010}}</ref> most competitive,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.weforum.org/pdf/GCR09/GCR20092010fullrankings.pdf|title=The Global Competitiveness Index 2009–2010 rankings and 2008–2009 comparisons|publisher=World Economic Forum|year=2010|accessdate=18 February 2011}}</ref> and most business-friendly.<ref>{{cite news|title= Singapore top paradise for business: World Bank|url= http://business.asiaone.com/Business/News/SME%2BCentral/Story/A1Story20070926-27084.html|agency= Agence France-Presse|location=Singapore|work=AsiaOne|date=26 September 2007|accessdate=22 April 2010|quote=For the second year running, Singapore tops the aggregate rankings on the ease of doing business in 2006 to 2007.}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> The [[List of countries by economic freedom|2011 Index of Economic Freedom]] ranks Singapore as the second freest economy in the world, behind Hong Kong. According to the [[Corruption Perceptions Index]], Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the least corrupt countries in the world, along with [[New Zealand]] and the Scandinavian countries.
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| − | Singapore is the 14th largest exporter and the 15th largest importer in the world. The country has the highest trade-to-GDP ratio in the world at 407.9 percent, signifying the importance of trade to its economy. The country is currently the only Asian country to have AAA credit ratings from all three major credit rating agencies; [[Standard & Poor's]], [[Moody's]], and [[Fitch Ratings|Fitch]].<ref>{{cite news |author= Ogg, Jon C. |url= http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44020687/ns/business-world_business/t/remaining-countries-aaa-credit-ratings/ |title=Remaining countries with AAA credit ratings |accessdate=12 October 2011 |date=8 August 2011 |work=NBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EDUCATION/Resources/278200-1121703274255/1439264-1242337549970/PSA_Infrastructure_Economic_Devt.pdf |title= Singapore Case |accessdate=12 October 2011 |year=2011 |publisher=World Bank}}</ref> Singapore attracts a large amount of foreign direct investment as a result of its location, corruption-free environment, skilled workforce, low tax rates and advanced [[infrastructure]]. There are more than 7,000 multinational corporations from the United States, Japan, and Europe in Singapore. There are also 1,500 companies from China and 1,500 from India. Foreign firms are found in almost all sectors of the economy.<ref name="CIA" /> Singapore is also the second-largest foreign investor in India.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1104667/1/.html |title= S'pore is India's second-largest foreign investor |work=Channel NewsAsia |location =Singapore |date=14 January 2011 |author=Ramesh, S.}}</ref> Roughly 44 percent of the Singaporean workforce is made up of non-Singaporeans.<ref>[http://www.salary.sg/2010/44-percent-of-workforce-are-non-citizens/ "44 Percent of Workforce Are Non-Citizens" (our estimate)]. ''Your Salary in Singapore''.</ref> Over ten [[Free trade area|free-trade agreements]] have been signed with other countries and regions.<ref name="govt.nz" />
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| − | Singapore also possesses the world's eleventh [[List of countries by foreign exchange reserves|largest foreign reserves]],<ref>[http://www.mas.gov.sg/en/Statistics/Reserve-Statistics/Official-Foreign-Reserves.aspx Official Foreign Reserves], Monetary Authority of Singapore.</ref> and has one of the highest [[List of countries by net international investment position per capita|net international investment position per capita]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/SDDS/data.html#ext |title=Statistics Singapore -IMF SDDS – Economic and Financial |publisher=Singstat.gov.sg |date= |accessdate=14 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=SGD |title=Based on USD/SGD rate of 1.221 |publisher=Xe.com |date= |accessdate=14 October 2013}}</ref> The currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar, issued by the [[Monetary Authority of Singapore]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Low Siang Kok|title=The Future of Money|publisher=Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|location= Paris|url= http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/40/31/35391062.pdf <!-- backup url=http://213.253.134.43/oecd/pdfs/browseit/0302011E.PDF --> <!-- backup url=http://www.oecdbookshop.org/oecd/get-it.asp?REF=0302011E.PDF&TYPE=browse -->|accessdate=28 December 2007|isbn=978-92-64-19672-8|page=147|chapter=Chapter 6: Singapore Electronic Legal Tender (SELT) – A Proposed Concept|date=22 June 2002 <!-- http://www.oecd.org/bookshop?pub=032002011P1 -->}}</ref> It is interchangeable with the [[Brunei dollar]].<ref name="Currency History">{{cite press release|url=http://www.mas.gov.sg/currency/currency_info/Heritage_Collection.html|title=The Currency History of Singapore|accessdate=22 April 2010|date=9 April 2007|publisher=Monetary Authority of Singapore}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref>
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| − | In recent years, the country has been identified as an increasingly popular [[tax haven]] for the wealthy due to the low tax rate on personal income, a full tax exemption on income that is generated outside of Singapore and legislation that means that capital gains are also tax exempt. Australian millionaire retailer Brett Blundy, with an estimated personal wealth worth AU$835 million, and multi-billionaire Facebook co-founder [[Eduardo Saverin]] are two examples of wealthy individuals who have settled in Singapore (Blundy in 2013 and Saverin in 2012).<ref>{{cite web|title=Tax havens: Brett Blundy latest to join the Singapore set|url=http://www.brw.com.au/p/brw-lounge/tax_havens_brett_blundy_latest_to_6FkTiljzKasO6SyVSMRWpM|work=Business Review Weekly|publisher=Digital Media|accessdate=18 April 2013|author=Andrew Heathcote|date=15 April 2013}}</ref> Singapore ranked fifth place on the [[Tax Justice Network]]'s 2013 [[Financial Secrecy Index]] of the world's top tax havens, scoring narrowly ahead of the United States.<ref name="FSI">{{cite web|title=Financial Secrecy Index - 2013 Results|publisher=''Tax Justice Network''|url=http://www.financialsecrecyindex.com/introduction/fsi-2013-results|date=7 November 2013}}</ref>
| + | === Ideological Guide to the Venice Biennale 2013 - The Singapore Pavillion === |
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| − | === Sectors ===
| + | In 2013 there was no Singapore Pavilion. However, there is an interesting entry written for it in the Ideological Guide to Venice Biennale, a work by artist Jeremy Fernando. |
| − | [[File:Panorama of the Singapore Skyline (8191723803).jpg|thumb|400px|alt=Large high-rise buildings at night time|Singapore skyline.]]
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| − | The Singaporean economy depends heavily on exports and refining imported goods, especially in manufacturing,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/themes/economy/ess/essa11.pdf|archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080624200246/http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/themes/economy/ess/essa11.pdf|archivedate=24 June 2008|title=Gross Domestic Product by Industry|accessdate=22 April 2010|year=2007|publisher=Singapore Statistics}}</ref> which constituted 27.2% of GDP in 2010<ref name="CIA" /> and includes significant electronics, petroleum refining, chemicals, mechanical engineering and biomedical sciences sectors. In 2006 Singapore produced about 10% of the world's foundry [[wafer (electronics)|wafer]] output.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Xilinx Underscores Commitment To Asia Pacific Market At Official Opening Of New Regional Headquarters Building In Singapore|publisher=[[Xilinx]]|url=http://digital50.com/news/items/PR/2007/09/14/AQF005/xilinx-underscores-commitment-to-asia-pacific-market-at-official-opening-of-new-regio/|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080329090402/http://digital50.com/news/items/PR/2007/09/14/AQF005/xilinx-underscores-commitment-to-asia-pacific-market-at-official-opening-of-new-regio/|archivedate=29 March 2008|date=14 September 2007|accessdate=22 April 2010}}</ref> Despite its small size, Singapore has a diversified economy, a strategy that the government considers vital for growth and stability.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20110630-286709.html |title= A diversified economy vital amid turmoil, says Hng Kiang |work=MyPaper |location =Singapore |date=30 June 2011 |accessdate=12 October 2011}}</ref>
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| − | [[Tourism in Singapore|Tourism]] also forms a large part of the economy, and 10.2 million tourists visited the country in 2007.<ref name="ReferenceA">Year Book of Statistics, Singapore. Singapore Tourism Board.</ref> To attract more tourists, in 2005 the government legalised gambling and allowed two casino resorts (called [[Integrated Resort]]s) to be developed.<ref>{{cite press release |title= Proposal to develop Integrated Resorts – Statement by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong |date =18 April 2005 |archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20071127000719/http://app.mti.gov.sg/data/pages/606/doc/Ministerial%20Statement%20-%20PM%2018apr05.pdf |archivedate= 27 November 2007 |url= http://app.mti.gov.sg/data/pages/606/doc/Ministerial%20Statement%20-%20PM%2018apr05.pdf |publisher=Ministry of Trade and Industry}}</ref> Singapore is promoting itself as a [[medical tourism]] hub: about 200,000 foreigners seek medical care there each year, and Singapore medical services aim to serve one million foreign patients annually by 2012 and generate USD 3 billion in revenue.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dogra |first=Sapna |archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20051026013526/http://www.expresshealthcaremgmt.com/20050731/medicaltourism01.shtml |archivedate= 26 October 2005 |url= http://www.expresshealthcaremgmt.com/20050731/medicaltourism01.shtml |date=16 July 2005 |location= Mumbai |title=Medical tourism boom takes Singapore by storm |newspaper=Express Healthcare Management}}</ref> Singapore is an education hub, and many foreign students study in Singapore. Singapore hosted over 80,000 international students in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.eahep.org/asiahigher-education/asian-policy-drivers/127-developing-asian-education-hubs.html |title= Developing Asian education hubs |accessdate=12 October 2011 |year=2011 |publisher=EU-Asia Higher Education Platform}}</ref> More than 5,000 Malaysian students cross the Johor–Singapore Causeway every morning with hopes of receiving a better education in Singapore.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/new-straits-times/mi_8016/is_20060507/ride/ai_n44321524/ |title= The long, long ride |accessdate=12 October 2011 |date=7 May 2006 |work=New Straits Times |location =Kuala Lumpur |deadurl=yes}}</ref> In 2009, 20% of all students in Singaporean universities were international students. The students were mainly from ASEAN, China and India.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/parliamentary-replies/2009/03/foreign-students-in-singapore.php |title= Foreign Students in Singapore |publisher= Ministry of Education |accessdate=12 October 2011 |year=2011}}</ref>
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| − | Singapore is a world leader in several economic areas: The country is the world's fourth leading [[financial centre]],<ref>[http://217.154.230.218/NR/rdonlyres/661216D8-AD60-486B-A96F-EE75BB61B28A/0/BC_RS_GFC7full.pdf "Global Financial Centres 7"], City of London, March 2010.</ref> the world's second-biggest casino gambling market,<ref name="edmontonjournal.com">{{cite news |url= http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-10/singapore-miracle-dimming-as-income-gap-widens-squeeze-by-rich.html |date=10 August 2011 |work=Bloomberg |location =New York |author= Adam, Shamim |title= Singapore Miracle Dimming as Income Gap Widens Squeeze by Rich}}</ref> one of the world's top three oil-refining centres, the world's largest oil-rig producer, and a major ship-repairer.<ref>[http://www.edb.gov.sg/edb/sg/en_uk/index/industry_sectors/energy/facts_and_figures.html Facts and Figures – Singapore Economic Development Board]{{dead link|date=October 2013}}.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8b9d7d1e-c837-11da-a377-0000779e2340.html |work= Financial Times |location =London |date=10 April 2006 |author =Burton, John |title= Singapore economy grows 9.1% in first quarter}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.edb.gov.sg/edb/sg/en_uk/index/industry_sectors/marine___offshore/facts_and_figures.html|title= Facts and Figures|publisher= Singapore Economic Development Board|date=30 January 2012|accessdate=21 April 2012}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> The port is one of the five [[World's busiest port|busiest ports in the world]].<ref name="edmontonjournal.com" /> The [[World Bank]] has named Singapore as the easiest place in the world to do business<ref name="edmontonjournal.com" /> and ranks Singapore the world's top logistics hub.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=7 November 2007 |location= Singapore |author=Yang Huiwen |title= Singapore ranked No. 1 logistics hub by World Bank |page=69}}</ref> It is also the world's fourth largest foreign-exchange trading centre after London, New York and Tokyo.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mas.gov.sg/about_us/annual_reports/annual20052006/index.htm |title=Annual Report 2005/2006 |publisher=[[Monetary Authority of Singapore]] |accessdate=2 July 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref>
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| − | As a result of the [[early 2000s recession]] and a slump in the technology sector, Singapore's GDP contracted by 2.2% in 2001. The Economic Review Committee was set up in December 2001 and recommended several policy changes to revitalise the economy. Singapore has since recovered, due largely to improvements in the world economy; the economy grew by 8.3% in 2004, 6.4% in 2005,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://app.mti.gov.sg/data/article/1962/doc/ESS_2005Ann_%20PR.pdf|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060823185543/http://app.mti.gov.sg/data/article/1962/doc/ESS_2005Ann_+PR.pdf|archivedate=23 August 2006|title=Performance of the Singapore Economy in 2005|publisher=Ministry of Trade and Industry|accessdate=22 April 2010}}</ref> and 7.9% in 2006.<ref>{{cite news|title= CPF increase possible if outlook stays good: PM Lee|author=Loh, Dominique|work=Channel NewsAsia|date=31 December 2006|location= Singapore|url= http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/250028/1/.html|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070127130630/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/250028/1/.html|archivedate=27 January 2007}}</ref> After a contraction of 0.8% in 2009, the economy recovered in 2010, with GDP growth of 14.5%.<ref name="CIA" /> Most work in Singapore is in the [[service sector]], which employed 2,151,400 people out of 3,102,500 jobs in December 2010. The percentage of unemployed economically active people above age 15 is about 2%.<ref>{{cite press release|url= http://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/Pages/PressReleasesDetail.aspx?listid=347|date=31 January 2011|title= Employment Situation in Fourth Quarter 2010|publisher=Ministry of Manpower}}</ref>
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| − | === Employment and poverty ===
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| − | Singapore has the world's highest percentage of millionaires, with one out of every six households having at least one million US dollars in disposable wealth (excluding property, businesses, and luxury goods, which if included would further increase the number of millionaires, especially as property in Singapore is among the world's most expensive).<ref>{{cite news |author= Mahtani, Shibani |url= http://blogs.wsj.com/searealtime/2012/06/01/singapore-no-1-for-millionaires-again/ |date=1 June 2012 |title= Singapore No. 1 For Millionaires – Again |work= Wall Street Journal Southeast Asia blog |location=New York}}</ref> Despite its relative economic success, Singapore does not have a [[minimum wage]], believing that it would lower its competitiveness. It also has one of the [[List of countries by income equality|highest income inequality]] levels among [[developed countries]], coming in just behind Hong Kong and in front of the United States.<ref>{{cite news |title= Minimum wage not a solution |work=MyPaper |date=12 January 2011 |location= Singapore |url= http://www.asiaone.com/Business/News/Story/A1Story20110113-257928.html}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Countries with the Biggest Gaps Between Rich and Poor |work=Yahoo |date=16 October 2009 |url= http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/107980/countries-with-the-biggest-gaps-between-rich-and-poor}}</ref>
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| − | Acute poverty is rare in Singapore; the government has rejected the idea of a generous welfare system, stating that each generation must earn and save enough for its entire life cycle. There are, however, numerous means-tested 'assistance schemes' provided by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports in Singapore for the needy, including some that pay out SGD 400 to SGD 1000 per month to each needy household, free medical care at government hospitals, money for children's school fees, rental of studio apartments for SGD 80 a month, training grants for courses, etc.<ref>{{cite web|title= Social and public assistance|date=16 October 2009|url= http://app1.mcys.gov.sg/Assistance.aspx|publisher=Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= The stingy nanny|date=16 October 2009|url= http://www.economist.com/node/15524092|work=The Economist|location =London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Welfare in Singapore: Singapore government response|date=17 February 2010|url= http://www.economist.com/node/15541423|work=The Economist|location =London}}</ref>
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| − | == Foreign relations ==
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| − | {{Main|Foreign relations of Singapore}}
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| − | [[File:Lee Kuan Yew Cohen.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Ambassador to the USA Chan Heng Chee, Lee Kuan Yew, and US Secretary of Defense William Cohen in a room|Then [[Senior Minister]] Lee Kuan Yew and Ambassador to the U.S. [[Chan Heng Chee]] meet with Secretary of Defense [[William Cohen]] during Lee's visit in 2000]]
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| − | Singapore's foreign policy is directed to maintaining a secure environment in Southeast Asia as well as the surrounding territories. An underlying principle is political and economic stability in the region.<ref name="govt.nz">{{cite web|url=http://www.asean.fta.govt.nz/singapore-foreign-relations|title=Australia – New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA)|publisher=New Zealand Government|date=4 December 2008|accessdate=18 February 2011}}</ref> It has diplomatic relations with more than 180 other sovereign states.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/missions/singapore_mission/mission_locator.html|title=Singapore Missions Overseas|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs|accessdate=27 January 2014}}</ref> As one of the five founding members of the ASEAN,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asean.org/64.htm|title=Overview|publisher=ASEAN|year=2009|accessdate=18 February 2011}}</ref> the country is a strong supporter of the [[ASEAN Free Trade Area]] and the ASEAN Investment Area, because Singapore's economic growth is closely linked with the economic progress of the region as a whole. Former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong proposed the formation of an [[Association of Southeast Asian Nations#Economic community|ASEAN Economic Community]], a step beyond the current AFTA bringing it closer to a [[common market]]. This idea was agreed to in 2007 for implementation by 2015. Other regional organisations are also important to Singapore, and it is the host of the APEC Secretariat. Singapore also maintains membership in other regional organisations, such as [[Asia–Europe Meeting]], the Forum for East Asia-Latin American Cooperation, the [[Asian Network of Major Cities 21]], and the [[East Asia Summit]].<ref name="govt.nz" /> It is also a member of the Non-Aligned Movement<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nam.gov.za/background/members.htm|title=NAM Member States|publisher=The Non-Aligned Movement|date=23 January 2002|accessdate=18 February 2011}}</ref> and the Commonwealth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Internal/142227/members/|title=Member States|publisher=Commonwealth Secretariat|accessdate=18 February 2011}}</ref>
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| − | In general, bilateral relations with other ASEAN members are strong; however, disagreements have arisen,<ref name="govt.nz" /> and relations with neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia have historically sometimes been very strained and difficult.<ref name="Rocky">{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/174284.stm |title=Malaysia and Singapore: A rocky relationship |work=BBC News |date=18 September 1998 |first=Rob |last=Gifford}}</ref> Malaysia and Singapore have clashed over the delivery of fresh water to Singapore,<ref name="Disputes">{{cite web |url= https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2070.html |title= World Factbook – Field Listing: International disputes |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency (USA) |accessdate=18 February 2011}}</ref> access of the Singapore Armed Forces to Malaysian airspace,<ref name="Rocky" /> the sovereignty of [[Pedra Branca dispute|Pedra Branca]], and the relocation of [[Tanjong Pagar railway station]], among others.{{Citation needed|date=July 2012}} Border issues exist with both Malaysia and Indonesia, and both have banned the sale of marine sand to Singapore over disputes about Singapore's land reclamation.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article1527751.ece |title= Singapore accused of land grab as islands disappear by boatload |first=Richard |last=Lloyd Parry |work=The Times |location=London |date=17 March 2007}}{{subscription required}}</ref> Some previous disputes have been resolved by the [[International Court of Justice]]. Piracy in the [[Malacca Strait]] has been a cause of concern for all three countries.<ref name="Disputes" /> Close economic ties exist with [[Brunei]], and the two share a pegged currency value.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.asean.fta.govt.nz/brunei-foreign-and-trade |title= Brunei Foreign and Trade Relations: ASEAN |publisher=New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade |date=14 January 2009 |accessdate=18 February 2011}}</ref>
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| − | The first diplomatic contact with [[China]] was made in the 1970s, with full diplomatic relations being established in the 1990s. Since then the two countries have enjoyed a strong relationship, being major players in strengthening the ASEAN–China relationship.<ref>{{cite news|author=Zhang Xuegang|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90780/91342/6306042.html|title=Opening "window of opportunity" for China-Singapore cooperation|newspaper=People's Daily|location=Beijing|date=20 November 2007|accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref> Singapore and the [[United States]] share a long-standing and strong relationship, in particular in defence, the economy, health and education. The United States was Singapore's third largest trading partner in 2010, behind China (2nd) and Malaysia (1st).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mti.gov.sg/ResearchRoom/Documents/app.mti.gov.sg/data/article/24221/doc/A6.2__AES2010.pdf|title=Total trade by selected country at current prices|publisher=Ministry of trade and industry|year=2010|accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref> The two countries have a free-trade agreement, and Singapore views its relationship with the United States as an important counterbalance to China's influence.<ref name="diplomat20120214">{{cite news|url=http://the-diplomat.com/asean-beat/2012/02/14/singapore-eyes-u-s-balance/|title=Singapore Eyes U.S. Balance|work=The Diplomat|last=Matthew|first=David|location=Tokyo|date=14 February 2012|accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref> A Strategic Framework Agreement between the two signed in 2005 formalises security and defence cooperation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/jul/12jul05_nr/12jul05_fs.html|title=Factsheet – The Strategic Framework Agreement|publisher=MINDEF|date=14 May 2012|accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref> Singapore has pushed regional counter-terrorism initiatives, with a strong resolve to deal with terrorists inside its borders. To this end it has given support to the US-led coalition to fight terrorism, with bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism and counter-proliferation initiatives, and joint military exercises.<ref name="govt.nz" />
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| − | == Military ==
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| − | {{Main|Singapore Armed Forces}}
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| − | [[File:US Navy 100716-N-0995C-155 The Singapore navy guided-missile frigate RSS Steadfast (FFG 70) and the corvette RSS Vigilance (90) are underway during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore 2010.jpg|thumb|[[Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training|CARAT SINGAPORE 2010]], Republic of Singapore Navy's [[Formidable class frigate|RSS ''Steadfast'']] and [[Victory class corvette|RSS ''Vigilance'']] sailing line-abreast.]]
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| − | The Singaporean military is arguably the most technologically advanced in Southeast Asia.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdw/jdw100118_2_n.shtml|first=Trefor|last=Moss|date=18 January 2010|title=Buying an advantage|location= London|work=Jane's Defence Review}}</ref> It comprises the [[Singapore Army]], [[Republic of Singapore Navy]], and [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]].<ref name="CIA" /> It is seen as the guarantor of the country's independence.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/285586/1/.html|title=SAF remains final guarantor of Singapore's independence|work=Channel NewsAsia|location= Singapore|date=1 July 2007|accessdate=19 February 2011}}</ref> The nation's philosophy of defence is one of diplomacy and deterrence.<ref name="Mindef18Feb2008">{{cite press release|url= http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/resources/speeches/2008/18feb08_speech2.html|title=Speech by Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen|publisher=Ministry of Defence|date=18 February 2008|accessdate=19 February 2011}}</ref> This principle translates into the culture, involving all citizens in the country's defence.<ref name="MindefApr2005">{{cite press release|url= http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/apr/21apr05_nr2.html|title=Lunch Talk on "Defending Singapore: Strategies for a Small State" by Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean|publisher=Ministry of Defence|date=21 April 2005|accessdate=19 February 2011}}</ref> The government spends 4.9% of the country's GDP on the military<ref name="CIA" /> and one out of every four dollars of government spending is spent on defence.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20080215-49929.html|title=S'pore to boost expenditure, raise defence spending|work=AsiaOne|location =Singapore|date=13 October 2011|accessdate=13 October 2011}}</ref>
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| − | On independence, Singapore had two infantry regiments commanded by British officers. This force was considered too small to provide effective security to the new country, so the development of the military became a priority.<ref name="cs.uwec">{{cite web|url= http://cs.uwec.edu/~tan/saf_israel.htm|first= Amnon|last= Barzilai|title=A Deep, Dark, Secret Love Affair|publisher=University of Wisconsin (originally published by [[Haaretz]], July 2004)|accessdate=19 February 2011}}</ref> Britain pulled its military out of Singapore in October 1971, leaving behind only a small British, Australian and New Zealand force as a token military presence. The last British soldier left Singapore in March 1976. New Zealand troops were the last to leave, in 1989.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_1001_2009-02-10.html|title=British withdrawal from Singapore|author1=Marsita Omar|author2=Chan Fook Weng |publisher=National Library Board|date=31 December 2007|accessdate=24 August 2012}}</ref>
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| − | A great deal of initial support came from [[Israel]],<ref name="cs.uwec" /> a country that is not recognised by neighbouring [[Islamic|Muslim-majority]] Malaysia, Indonesia or Brunei.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5262490.stm|title=Israel alarm at UN force members |work=BBC News|accessdate=12 October 2011|date=18 August 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://geography.about.com/od/politicalgeography/a/israeldiplomacy.htm|title=Diplomatic and Foreign Relations of Israel|author= Rosenberg, Matt|publisher=About.com|accessdate=12 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14324943.stm|title=Malaysian FA apologises to Benayoun over racist abuse|work=BBC News|accessdate=12 October 2011|date=29 July 2011}}</ref> The main fear after independence was an invasion by Malaysia. [[Israel Defense Forces]] commanders were tasked with creating the Singapore Armed Forces from scratch, and Israeli instructors were brought in to train Singaporean soldiers. Military courses were conducted according to the Israel Defense Forces' format, and Singapore adopted a system of conscription and reserve service based on [[Conscription in Israel|the Israeli]] model.<ref name="cs.uwec" /> Singapore still maintains strong security ties with Israel and is one of the biggest buyers of Israeli arms and weapons systems.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jewish Virtual History Tour: Singapore|url= http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/singapore.html|publisher=Jewish Virtual Library|date=No date|accessdate=13 October 2011}}</ref> The [[MATADOR (weapon)|MATADOR]] is one example of recent Singapore-Israeli collaboration.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.palestine-studies.org/files/pdf/jps/10341.pdf|page=186|title=THE ISRAELI ARSENAL DEPLOYED AGAINST GAZA DURING OPERATION CAST LEAD|publisher=[[Institute of Palestine Studies]]|accessdate=10 July 2012}}</ref>
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| − | The SAF is being developed to respond to a wide range of issues, in both conventional and unconventional warfare. The [[Defence Science and Technology Agency]] is responsible for procuring resources for the military.<ref name="Mindef18Feb2008" /> The geographic restrictions of Singapore mean that the SAF must plan to fully repulse an attack, as they can not fall back and re-group. The small size of the population has also affected the way the SAF has been designed, with a small active force but a large number of reserves.<ref name="MindefApr2005" />
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| − | [[File:RSAF at Mountain Home AFB.JPG|thumb|left|Republic of Singapore Air Force's [[F-15SG]] Strike Eagle (Peace Carvin V) training detachment at [[Mountain Home Air Force Base]].]]
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| − | Singapore has [[Conscription in Singapore|conscription]] for all able-bodied males at age 18, except those with a criminal record or who can prove that their loss would bring hardship to their families. Males who have yet to complete pre-university education or are awarded the Public Service Commission scholarship can opt to defer their draft. Though not required to perform military service, the number of women in the SAF has been increasing: since 1989 they have been allowed to fill military vocations formerly reserved for men. Before induction into a specific branch of the armed forces, recruits undergo at least 9 weeks of basic military training.<ref name="country-data">{{cite web|url=http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-11917.html|title=Singapore – Recruitment and Training of Personnel|publisher=Country-data.com|date=December 1989|accessdate=19 February 2011}}</ref>
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| − | Because of the scarcity of open land on the main island, training involving activities such as live firing and amphibious landings is often carried out on smaller islands, typically barred to civilian access. This also avoids risk to the main island and the city. However, large-scale drills are considered too dangerous to be performed in the area, and since 1975 have been performed in Taiwan.<ref name="country-data" /> Training is also held in about a dozen other countries. In general, military exercises are held with foreign forces once or twice per week.<ref name="MindefApr2005" />
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| − | Due to airspace and land constraints, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) maintains a number of overseas bases in [[Australia]], the United States, and France. The RSAF's 130 Squadron is based in [[RAAF Base Pearce]], [[Western Australia]],<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.airforce.gov.au/bases/pearce.aspx|publisher=Royal Australian Air Force|title= RAAF Base Pearce|accessdate=12 October 2011|year=2011 }}</ref> and its [[126 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force|126 Squadron]] is based in the [[Oakey Army Aviation Centre]], [[Queensland]].<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/1999/aug/20aug99_nr.html |title= Opening Ceremony of the RSAF Helicopter Detachment in Oakey, Australia |accessdate=5 July 2013 |date=20 August 1999 |publisher= Ministry of Defence}}</ref> The RSAF has one squadron – the 150 Squadron – based in [[Cazaux]] Air Base in southern [[France]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.mindef.gov.sg/cyberpioneer/backissuessep1.htm |title= Beyond Limits – Jet Training in France |accessdate=12 October 2011 |year=2011 |publisher=Ministry of Defence}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/singapore/rsaf-equipment-intro.htm |title= Equipment – Republic of Singapore Air Force |publisher= GlobalSecurity |accessdate=12 October 2011 |year=2011}}</ref> The RSAF also has a few overseas detachments in the United States, in [[San Diego]], [[California]], [[Marana, Arizona]], [[Grand Prairie, Texas]] and [[Luke Air Force Base]], among others.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.acc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123178824 |title= Singapore celebrates Peace Carvin V partnership with U.S. Air Force |accessdate=5 July 2013 |date=23 November 2009 |author=Reif, Jasmine |publisher=U.S. Air Combat Command}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://160.96.2.142/content/pmosite/mediacentre/inthenews/primeminister/2010/July/pm_gets_feel_of_rsafsnewjetatusbase.html |title=PM gets feel of RSAF's new jet at US base |accessdate=5 July 2013 |work=The Straits Times |location =Singapore |date=13 July 2010 |author=Chua Chin Hon}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref>
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| − | The SAF has sent forces to assist in operations outside the country in areas such as [[Iraq]]<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.singapore-window.org/sw03/031027af.htm|title=Singapore to send 192 military personnel to Iraq|work=Singapore Window|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=7 October 2003|accessdate=19 February 2011}}</ref> and [[Afghanistan]],<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/276527/1/.html|title=SAF to provide medical aid, set up dental clinic in Afghanistan|work=Channel NewsAsia|location= Singapore |date=16 May 2007|accessdate=19 February 2011}}</ref> in both military and civilian roles. In the region, it has helped stabilise [[East Timor]] and has provided aid to [[Aceh]] in Indonesia following the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]]. The SAF also helped in relief efforts during [[Hurricane Katrina]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/katrina.html|title= Katrina Relief Operations|accessdate=12 October 2011|year=2011|publisher=Ministry of Defence}}</ref> Singapore is part of the [[Five Power Defence Arrangements]], a military alliance with Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.<ref name="MindefApr2005" />
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| − | == Demographics ==
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| − | {{Main|Demographics of Singapore}}
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| − | [[File:1 bishan park panorama 2012.jpg|thumb|400px|High-rise HDB flats and condominiums overlooking [[Bishan Park]]]]
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| − | {{As of|2012}}, the population of Singapore is 5.312 million people, of whom 3.285 million (62%) are [[Singaporean nationality law|citizens]] while the rest (38%) are permanent residents or foreign workers/students. Twenty-three percent of Singaporean citizens were born outside Singapore (i.e. [[foreign born]] citizens). There are half a million permanent residents in Singapore in 2012. The resident population does not take into account the 11 million transient visitors who visit Singapore annually.<ref name="unpop" /><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/popn/c2010acr.pdf|archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/68v15isAU|archivedate= 5 July 2012|title =Census of population|publisher=Singapore Department of Statistics|year =2010|accessdate =2 July 2011}}</ref><ref name="singstat">{{cite web|url= http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/keyind.html|title =Key annual indicators|publisher=Singapore Department of Statistics|year =2011|accessdate =2 July 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref>
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| − | The median age of Singaporeans is 37 years old and the average household size is 3.5 persons. Due to scarcity of land, four out of five Singaporeans live in [[Public housing in Singapore|subsidised, high-rise, public housing apartments]] known as [[Housing and Development Board]] (HDB) flats, after the board responsible for public housing in the country.<ref name="hdb">{{cite web|url=http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10320p.nsf/w/HDBWinsUNAward?OpenDocument |title=HDB InfoWEB: HDB Wins the 2010 UN-HABITAT Scroll of Honour Award : |publisher=Hdb.gov.sg |date= |accessdate=14 October 2013}}</ref> Live-in [[domestic helpers]] are quite common in Singapore and there are nearly 200,000 domestic helpers there.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=11709|work=The Irrawaddy|author=Wong, Gillian|location =Chiang Mai, Thailand|title=Singapore Advocacy Groups Campaign 'Days Off' for Maids|agency=Associated Press|date=16 August 2008|accessdate=27 February 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref>
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| − | In 2010, three quarters of Singaporean residents live in properties that are equal to or larger than a four-room HDB flat or in private housing. Home ownership rate is at 87.2%.<ref name="Singapore Department of Statistics">{{cite web|url= http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/themes/people/popnindicators.pdf|title =Key demographic indicators, 1970–2010|publisher=Singapore Department of Statistics|year =2010|accessdate =2 July 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/popn/c2010acr/tA6.pdf|title =Resident Population by Place of Birth, Ethnic Group and Sex|publisher=Singapore Department of Statistics|year =2010|accessdate =2 July 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> [[Mobile phone]] penetration rate is extremely high at 1,400 mobile phone subscribers per 1000 people. Around 1 in 10 residents owns a car.<ref name="singstat" />
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| − | The [[total fertility rate]] is estimated to be .79 children per woman in 2013, the lowest in the world and well below the 2.1 needed to replace the population.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2127.html|title=The World Factbook|work=[[Central Intelligence Agency]]|accessdate=14 August 2013}}</ref> To overcome this problem, the Singapore government has been encouraging foreigners to immigrate to Singapore for the past few decades. The large number of immigrants has kept Singapore's population from declining.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/257208/1/.html|title=Singapore's birth trend outlook remains dismal|work=Channel NewsAsia|location =Singapore|date=7 February 2007|first= Julia|last =Ng|accessdate=22 April 2010}}</ref> Singapore traditionally has [[List of countries by unemployment rate|one of the lowest unemployment rates among developed countries]]. The Singaporean unemployment rate has not exceeded 4% in the past decade, hitting a high of 3% during the [[Late-2000s financial crisis|2009 global financial crisis]] and falling to 1.9% in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mom.gov.sg/statistics-publications/national-labour-market-information/statistics/Pages/unemployment.aspx|title =Unemployment|publisher=Ministry of Manpower|year =2010|accessdate =2 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1135224/1/.html|title =S'pore unemployment rate falls to three-year low|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|date =15 June 2011|author=Chan, Joanne|accessdate =2 July 2011}}</ref>
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| − | {{As of|2009}}, about 40% of Singapore's residents were foreigners, [[List of countries by foreign-born population in 2005|one of the highest percentage in the world]].<ref name="un.org">[http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/migration/UN_MigStock_2008.pdf "Trends in international migrant stock: The 2008 revision"], United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2009).</ref> The government is considering capping these workers, although it has been recognised that they are crucial to the country's economy,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/business-news/singapore-may-cap-low-skilled-foreign-workers-3346985|title=Singapore may cap low-skilled foreign workers|work=TV New Zealand|date=2 February 2010|accessdate=11 April 2011}}</ref> as foreign workers make up 80% of the construction industry and up to 50% of the service industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bca.gov.sg/publications/BuildabilitySeries/others/rscp_es.PDF|title=Executive summary|publisher=Building and Construction Authority|accessdate=11 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.asiaone.com/Business/News/Office/Story/A1Story20090222-123635.html|title= Singapore's phantom workers|last=Sudderuddin|first=Shuli|newspaper=The Straits Times|location =Singapore|date=22 February 2009|accessdate=11 April 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref>
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| − | In 2009, the government census reports that 74.2% of residents were of Chinese, 13.4% of Malay, and 9.2% of Indian descent,<ref name="Singapore Statistic">{{cite web|title= Population Trends 2009|url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/popn/population2009.pdf|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/63okaGChL|archivedate=10 December 2011|publisher=Singapore Statistics|accessdate=28 September 2009}}</ref> while [[Eurasians in Singapore|Eurasians]] and other groups form 3.2%. Prior to 2010, each person could register as a member of only one race, by default that of his or her father, therefore, mixed-race persons were solely grouped under their father's race in government censuses. From 2010 onward, people may register using a "double-barrelled" classification, in which they may choose one primary race and one secondary race, but no more than two.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1030142/1/.html|title=Singaporeans of mixed race allowed to 'double barrel' race in IC|work=Channel NewsAsia|location = Singapore|author=Hoe Yeen Nie|date=12 January 2010|accessdate=18 February 2011}}</ref>
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| − | | |
| − | === Religion ===
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| − | {{Main|Religion in Singapore}}
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| − | {{bar box
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| − | |title=Religion in Singapore ([[Pew Research Center|Pew Research]])<ref name=2010censuspercentage /><ref name=pew>[http://www.globalreligiousfutures.org/countries/singapore/religious_demography#/?affiliations_religion_id=0&affiliations_year=2010 Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project: Singapore]. [[Pew Research Center]]. 2010.</ref>
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| − | |titlebar=#ddd
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| − | |left1=Religion
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| − | |right1=Percent
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| − | |float=right
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| − | |bars=
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| − | {{bar percent|[[Buddhism in Singapore|Buddhist]]|orange|34}}
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| − | {{bar percent|[[Christianity in Singapore|Christianity]]|blue|18}}
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| − | {{bar percent|[[Irreligion in Singapore|None]]|black|16}}
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| − | {{bar percent|[[Islam in Singapore|Muslim]]|green|14}}
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| − | {{bar percent|[[Taoism in Singapore|Other<br />(mostly Taoist)]]|gray|10}}
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| − | {{bar percent|[[Hinduism in Singapore|Hindu]]|gold|5}}
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| − | {{bar percent|[[Chinese folk religion|Folk]]|red|3}}
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| − | }}
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| − | [[Buddhism in Singapore|Buddhism]] is the most widely practised religion in Singapore, with 33% of the resident population declaring themselves adherents at the most recent census. The next-most practised religion is [[Christianity in Singapore|Christianity]], followed by [[Islam in Singapore|Islam]], [[Taoism in Singapore|Taoism]], and [[Hinduism in Singapore|Hinduism]]. 17% of the population did not have a religious affiliation. The proportion of Christians, Taoists, and non-religious people increased between 2000 and 2010 by about 3% each, whilst the proportion of Buddhists decreased. Other faiths remained largely stable in their share of the population.<ref name=2010censuspercentage>{{cite press release|url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/news/news/press12012011.pdf|title=Census of population 2010: Statistical Release 1 on Demographic Characteristics, Education, Language and Religion|publisher=Singapore Statistics|date=12 January 2011|accessdate=16 January 2011}}</ref>
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| − | | |
| − | There are monasteries and Dharma centres from all three major traditions of Buddhism in Singapore: [[Theravada]], [[Mahayana]], and [[Vajrayana]]. Most Buddhists in Singapore are Chinese and are of the Mahayana tradition.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/?id=GBdX2ELnkXQC&pg=PR8&dq=buddhism+singapore#v=onepage&q&f=false|title=State, society, and religious engineering: toward a reformist Buddhism in Singapore|author=Khun Eng Kuah|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|location = Singapore|accessdate=1 November 2010|isbn=978-981-230-865-8|year=2009}}</ref> Chinese Mahayana is the most predominant form of Buddhism in Singapore, with missionaries coming into the country from Taiwan and China for several decades. However, [[Thailand]]'s Theravada Buddhism has seen growing popularity among the people (not only the Chinese) in the past decade. [[Soka Gakkai International]], a Japanese Buddhist organisation, is practised by many people in Singapore, but mostly by those of Chinese descent. [[Tibetan Buddhism]] has also made slow inroads into the country in recent years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a789141932|title=Modernity in south-east Asia|publisher=Informaworld|date=2 December 1995|accessdate=1 November 2010}}</ref>
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| − | | |
| − | === Languages ===
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| − | {{Main|Languages of Singapore}}
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| − | {{bar box
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| − | |title=Native languages (mother tongues) of Singaporeans<ref name="singstat1" />
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| − | |titlebar=#ddd
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| − | |left1=Language
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| − | |right1=Percent
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| − | |float=right
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| − | |bars=
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| − | {{bar percent|Chinese|yellow|49.9}}
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| − | {{bar percent|English|blue|32.3}}
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| − | {{bar percent|Malay|gray|12.2}}
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| − | {{bar percent|Tamil|green|3.3}}}}
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| − | Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.<ref name="statutes.agc.gov.sg">{{cite web |url=http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;ident=7655e14f-c579-47a2-b7a9-fffc9fea4815;page=0;query=DocId%3A%222cc15e67-cf27-44b1-a736-f28ab8190454%22%20Status%3Apublished%20Depth%3A0;rec=0 |title=Republic of Singapore Independence Act, s.7}}</ref> English is the common language of the nation and is the language of business, government, and the medium of instruction in schools.<ref name="Britishcouncil">{{cite web|url=http://www.britishcouncil.org/eumd-partnership-webzine-october-2010-country-focus.htm#singapore|title=Education UK Partnership – Country focus|date=October 2010|publisher=British Council|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/speeches/2010/04/19/speech-by-mr-s-iswaran-at-the-apec-relc-int-seminar-opening-ceremony.php|title= Speech by Mr S. Iswaran, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Education|date =19 April 2010|publisher=Ministry of Education}}</ref> [[Singapore Civil Service|Public bodies in Singapore]] conduct their businesses in English, and official documents written in a non-English official language such as Chinese, Malay or Tamil typically have to be translated into English to be accepted for submission. The [[Constitution of Singapore]] and all laws are written in English,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_retrieve.pl?&actno=Reved-CONST&date=latest&method=part|title =Constitution of the Republic of Singapore. Part I|year =2010|accessdate =2 July 2011}}</ref> and translators are required if one wishes to address the [[Judicial system of Singapore|Singaporean Courts]] in a language other than English.<ref>{{cite web|title= What do I do if I can't speak English? |url= http://app.subcourts.gov.sg/criminal/page.aspx?pageid=64541#faq13-9|accessdate=11 October 2011|publisher=Singapore Subordinate Courts}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Dependant's Pass – Before you apply|url= http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/passes-visas/dependant-pass/before-you-apply/Pages/default.aspx|publisher =Ministry of Manpower|accessdate=11 October 2011}}</ref> However, English is the native tongue for only one-third of all Singaporeans, with roughly a third of all Singaporean Chinese, a quarter of all Singaporean Malays and half of all Singaporean Indians speaking it as their native tongue. Twenty percent of Singaporeans cannot read or write in English.<ref name=2010censuspercentage /><ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite web|url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/popn/c2010sr1/t47-57.pdf|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5wdAIB8hG|archivedate=20 February 2011|publisher=Singapore Statistics|title=Census of Population|year=2010|accessdate=19 February 2011}}</ref>
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| − | | |
| − | Many, but not all, Singaporeans are bilingual in English and another official language, with vastly varying degrees of fluency. The official languages ranked in terms of literacy amongst Singaporeans are English (80% literacy), Mandarin Chinese (65% literacy), Malay (17% literacy), and Tamil (4% literacy).<ref name=2010censuspercentage /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/popn/c2010sr1/t39-46.pdf|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5wpMAuagj|archivedate=28 February 2011|title=Census of Population 2010|publisher=Singapore Statistics|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref> [[Singapore English]] is based on [[British English]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.nlb.gov.sg/ask/children/481|title=What are some commonly misspelled English words?|publisher=National Library Board|location= Singapore|date=18 April 2008|accessdate=18 February 2011}}</ref> and forms of English spoken in Singapore range from "[[Singapore English#Standard Singapore English|Standard Singapore English]]" to a [[pidgin]] known as "[[Singlish]]". Singlish is heavily discouraged by the government.<ref>{{cite news|author=Tan Hwee Hwee |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,501020729-322685,00.html|title=A war of words is brewing over Singlish|newspaper=Time|location =New York|date=22 July 2002|accessdate=18 February 2011}}</ref>
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| − | | |
| − | Chinese is the language that is spoken as the native tongue by the greatest number of Singaporeans, half of them.<ref name="singstat1">{{cite web|url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/Publications/publications_and_papers/cop2010/census_2010_release1/indicators.pdf |title=Census of Population 2010:Key Indicators of the resident Population|year=2010|accessdate=3 September 2013}}</ref> [[Singaporean Mandarin]] is the most common version of Chinese in the country,<ref name="BBC">{{cite news|last=Oi|first=Mariko|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11468401|title=Singapore's booming appetite to study Mandarin|work=BBC News|date=5 October 2010|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref> with 1.2 million using it as their home language. Nearly half a million speak other Chinese dialects, mainly [[Hokkien]], [[Teochew dialect|Teochew]], and [[Cantonese]], as their home language, although the use of these is declining in favour of Mandarin and English.<ref name="singstat.gov.sg">{{cite web|title= Chapter 2 Education and Language|url= http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/popn/ghsr1/chap2.pdf|archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/68v13p3aH|archivedate= 5 July 2012|year =2005|work=General Household Survey 2005, Statistical Release 1: Socio-Demographic and Economic Characteristics|publisher=Singapore Statistics|accessdate=11 November 2010}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref>
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| − | | |
| − | Malay was chosen as the national language by the Singaporean government after independence from Britain in the 1960s to avoid friction with Singapore's neighbours — Malaysia and Indonesia — which are Malay-speaking.<ref name=fromthirdworldtofirst>{{cite book|title= From Third World to First|last= Lee|first= Lee Kuan Yew|year= 2000|publisher= Marshall Cavendish|location= Singapore}}</ref> It has a symbolic rather than functional purpose.<ref name="statutes.agc.gov.sg" /><ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/?id=CQgjrpgdU6gC&pg=PA42&dq=malay+singapore+national+language+historical#v=onepage&q=malay%20singapore%20national%20language%20historical&f=false|title=Language and society in Singapore|publisher=Singapore University Press|first1 = Evangelos A.|last1 = Afendras|first2 = Eddie C.Y.|last2 = Kuo|year = 1980|isbn = 978-9971-69-016-8|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/?id=LMZm0w0k1c4C&pg=PA2018&lpg=PA2018&dq=malay+national+language+symbolic#v=onepage&q=malay%20national%20language%20symbolic&f=false|title= Sociolinguistics: An international handbook of the science of language and society|publisher=Walter de Gruyter|location = Berlin|first1 = Ulrich|last1 = Ammon|first2 = Norbert|last2 = Dittmar|first3 = Klaus J.|last3 = Mattheier|volume = 3|year = 2006|isbn = 978-3-11-018418-1|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref> It is used in the national anthem "Majulah Singapura",<ref>{{Singapore legislation|title=Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Act|cap=296|ed=1985}}</ref> in citations of [[Singaporean orders and decorations]], and in military commands. Today, in general, Malay is spoken within the Singaporean Malay community, with only 16.8% of all Singaporeans literate in Malay<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/papers/people/c2000adr-literacy.pdf|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5oFD4Gdnx|archivedate=15 March 2010|title=Literacy and Language|publisher=Singapore Statistics|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref> and only 12% using it as their native language.<ref name="singstat1" />
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| − | Around 100,000, or 3%, of Singaporeans speak Tamil as their native language.<ref name="singstat1" /> Tamil has official status in Singapore and there have been no attempts to discourage the use of other Indian languages.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/admissions/returning-singaporeans/mother-tongue-policy/|publisher=Ministry of Education|title=Returning Singaporeans – Mother-Tongue Language Policy|accessdate=13 October 2010}}</ref>
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| − | == Infrastructure ==
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| − | === Science and technology ===
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| − | [[Internet in Singapore]] is provided by [[internet service provider]]s (ISPs) that offer residential service plans of speeds up to 1 [[Data rate units#Gigabit per second|Gbit/s]]. In Singapore, the rise of Gigabit Networks increased exports and created 80,000 jobs in 2006.<ref>{{cite news |author=Burns, Simon |url= http://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/news/1971440/singapore-outlines-gigabit-broadband-plans |title= Singapore outlines gigabit broadband plans |work=V3.co.uk |location =London |date=20 June 2006 |accessdate=6 June 2013}}</ref>
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| − | [[Telecommunications in Singapore]] include [[4G]] [[mobile phone]] services for over 6 million subscribers.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}}
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| − | === Education ===
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| − | {{Main|Education in Singapore}}
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| − | [[File:Singapore Management University 22, Aug 06.JPG|thumb|right|The [[Lee Kong Chian School of Business]] of the [[Singapore Management University]], one of five [[List of universities in Singapore|public universities in Singapore]]]]
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| − | Education for primary, secondary, and tertiary levels is mostly supported by the state. All institutions, private and public, must be registered with the [[Ministry of Education (Singapore)|Ministry of Education]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/private-education/|title = Private Education in Singapore|publisher=Ministry of Education|year = 2011|accessdate =2 July 2011 }}</ref> English is the language of instruction in all public schools,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/admissions/international-students/general-info/|title=International Student Admissions: General Information on Studying in Singapore|publisher=Ministry of Education|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref> and all subjects are taught and examined in English except for the "[[Mother tongue]]" language paper.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/scholarships/asean/faq/|title=ASEAN Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions|publisher=Ministry of Education|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref> While the term "Mother Tongue" in general refers to the first language internationally, in Singapore's education system, it is used to refer to the second language, as English is the first language.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/speeches/2003/sp20030215a.htm|title=Speech by Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Education at the Seminar on "The Significance of Speaking Skills For Language Development", organised by the Tamil Language and Culture Division of Nie On 15 February 2003|publisher=Ministry of Education|date=2 January 2008|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1065927/1/.html|title=Mandarin is important but remains a second language in S'pore MM Lee|work=Channel NewsAsia|location = Singapore|date=26 June 2010|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref> Students who have been abroad for a while or who struggle with their "Mother Tongue" language are allowed to take a simpler syllabus or drop the subject.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/admissions/returning-singaporeans/mother-tongue-policy/|title=Returning Singaporeans – Mother-Tongue Language Policy|publisher=Ministry of Education|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/press/2004/pr20040109.htm|title=Refinements to Mother Tongue Language Policy|publisher=Ministry of Education|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref>
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| − | Education takes place in three stages: primary, secondary, and pre-university education. Only the primary level is compulsory. Students begin with six years of primary school, which is made up of a four-year foundation course and a two-year orientation stage. The curriculum is focused on the development of English, the mother tongue, and maths.<ref name="Primary">{{cite web|url= http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/|title= Primary Education|publisher=Ministry of Education|year= 2011|accessdate=2 July 2011}}</ref> There are four standard subjects taught to all students: English, the mother tongue, mathematics, and science.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/curriculum/|title= Primary School Curriculum|publisher=Ministry of Education|year=2011|accessdate=2 July 2011}}</ref> Secondary school lasts from four to five years and is divided between Special, Express, Normal (Academic), and Normal (Technical) streams in each school, depending on a student's ability level.<ref name="Secondary">{{cite web|url = http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/secondary/|title = Secondary Education|publisher=Ministry of Education|year = 2011|accessdate =2 July 2011}}</ref> The basic coursework breakdown is the same as in the primary level, although classes are much more specialised.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/secondary/express/|title= Special/Express Courses Curriculum|publisher= Ministry of Education|year= 2011|accessdate=2 July 2011 }}</ref> Pre-university education takes place over two to three years at senior schools mostly called Junior Colleges.<ref name="Pre-university">{{cite web|url= http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/pre-u/|title= Pre-University Education|publisher=Ministry of Education|year= 2011|accessdate=2 July 2011}}</ref>
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| − | Some schools have a degree of freedom in their curriculum and are known as autonomous schools. These exist from the secondary education level.<ref name="Secondary" />
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| − | {{bar box
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| − | |title=Educational attainment of non-student Singaporeans above 15 years old in 2005<ref name="Chap2" />
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| − | |titlebar=#ddd
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| − | |width=350px
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| − | |left1=Highest qualification
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| − | |right1=Percentage
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| − | |float=right
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| − | |bars=
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| − | {{bar percent|No education|yellow|18}}
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| − | {{bar percent|[[Primary School Leaving Examination|Primary school]]|blue|45}}
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| − | {{bar percent|[[Singapore-Cambridge GCE Ordinary Level|Secondary school]]|red|15}}
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| − | {{bar percent|Post-secondary diploma|gray|8}}
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| − | {{bar percent|Degree|green|14}}}}
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| − | National examinations are standardised across all schools, with a test taken after each stage. After the first six years of education, students take the [[Primary School Leaving Examination]],<ref name="Primary" /> which determines their placement at secondary school. At the end of the secondary stage, [[Singapore-Cambridge GCE Ordinary Level|GCE "O"-Level]] exams are taken; at the end of the following pre-university stage, the [[Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level|GCE "A"-Level]] exams are taken. Of all non-student Singaporeans aged 15 and above, 18% have no education qualifications at all while 45% have the Primary School Leaving Examination as their highest qualification. 15% have the GCE 'O' Level as their highest qualification and 14% have a degree.<ref name="Chap2">{{cite web|url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/popn/ghsr1/chap2.pdf|title=Education and Language|publisher=Singapore Statistics|accessdate=11 April 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref>
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| − | Singaporean students consistently rank in the top five in the world in the two major international assessments of mathematics and science knowledge. Singaporean students were ranked first in the 2011 [[Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study]] conducted by the [[International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement]] and have been ranked top three every year since 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nces.ed.gov/timss/table07_1.asp|title=Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study|publisher=IEA|accessdate=2 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://nces.ed.gov/timss/table07_3.asp|title=Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study|publisher=IEA|accessdate=2 November 2011}}</ref> Singaporean students were also ranked top five in the world in terms of mathematics, science, and reading in the 2009 [[Programme for International Student Assessment]] conducted by the [[OECD]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/54/12/46643496.pdf|title=Comparing countries' and economies' performance|publisher=OECD|location =Paris|accessdate=27 October 2011}}</ref> The country's two main public universities — the [[National University of Singapore]] and [[Nanyang Technological University]] — are among the top 50 in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2012|title=Universities' ranking|publisher=QS|accessdate=2012}}</ref>
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| − | === Health ===
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| − | {{Main|Healthcare in Singapore}}
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| − | Singapore has a generally efficient healthcare system, even with a health expenditure relatively low for developed countries.<ref name="Wyatt">{{cite web|year = 2010|url=http://www.watsonwyatt.com/europe/pubs/healthcare/render2.asp?ID=13850|title=The Singapore health system – achieving positive health outcomes with low expenditure|author=Tucci, John|publisher=Towers Watson|accessdate=16 March 2011}}</ref> The [[World Health Organization|World Health Organisation]] ranks Singapore's healthcare system as 6th overall in the world in its [[World Health Report]].<ref name="WHO">{{cite press release|url= http://www.who.int/whr/2000/media_centre/press_release/en/index.html|title=World Health Organization Assesses the World's Health Systems|date=21 June 2000|publisher=World Health Organization|location=Geneva|accessdate=2 November 2011}}</ref> In general, Singapore has the [[List of countries by infant mortality rate|lowest infant mortality rate in the world]] for the past two decades.<ref name="singstat" /> Life expectancy in Singapore is 80 for males and 85 for females, placing the country [[List of countries by life expectancy#List by the World Health Organization (2011)|4th in the world for life expectancy]]. Almost the whole population has access to improved water and sanitation facilities. There are fewer than 10 annual deaths from HIV per 100,000 people. There is a high level of immunisation. Adult obesity is below 10%.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|url=http://www.who.int/gho/countries/sgp.pdf|title=Singapore: Health Profile|publisher=World Health Organization|date=13 August 2010|accessdate=16 March 2011}}</ref>
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| − | The government's healthcare system is based upon the "3M" framework. This has three components: Medifund, which provides a safety net for those not able to otherwise afford healthcare, [[Medisave]], a compulsory health savings scheme covering about 85% of the population, and Medishield, a government-funded health insurance scheme.<ref name="Wyatt" />
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| − | Public hospitals in Singapore have autonomy in their management decisions, and compete for patients. A subsidy scheme exists for those on low income.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.who.int/whr/2000/en/whr00_en.pdf|title=The World Health Report|publisher=World Health Organization|page=66|year=2000|accessdate=16 March 2011}}</ref> In 2008, 31.9% of healthcare was funded by the government. It accounts for approximately 3.5% of Singapore's GDP.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://apps.who.int/whosis/database/core/core_select_process.cfm|title=Core Health Indicators Singapore|publisher=World Health Organisation|date=May 2008|accessdate=16 March 2011}}</ref>
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| − | == Culture ==
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| − | {{Main|Culture of Singapore}}
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| − | The country has strict laws against drug use and has one of the lowest rates of drug use in the world.<ref>{{cite press release|title=The Singapore Government's Response To Amnesty International's Report "Singapore – The Death Penalty: A Hidden Toll Of Executions"|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs|url= http://www.mha.gov.sg/basic_content.aspx?pageid=74|date=30 January 2004|accessdate=22 April 2010}}</ref>
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| − | | |
| − | Foreigners also make up 42% of the population<ref name="un.org" /><ref name="singstat.gov.sg" /> and have a strong influence on Singaporean culture. The [[Economist Intelligence Unit]] in its "[[quality-of-life index|Quality-of-Life Index]]" ranks Singapore as having the best quality of life in Asia and eleventh overall in the world.<ref>[http://www.economist.com/media/pdf/QUALITY_OF_LIFE.pdf "The Economist Intelligence Unit's quality-of-life index"], 2005.</ref>
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| − | === Languages, religions, and cultures ===
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| − | [[File:Chinese New Year market.jpg|thumb|A scene in a street market in [[Chinatown, Singapore]], during the [[Chinese New Year]] holidays.]]
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| − | [[File:The Sultan Mosque at Kampong Glam, Singapore (8125148933).jpg|thumb|[[Masjid Sultan|Sultan Mosque]] in Singapore]]
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| − | [[File:A day of devotion – Thaipusam in Singapore (4316108409).jpg|thumb|[[Thaipusam]] is a Hindu festival celebrated by Singapore's [[Tamil people|Tamil]] community]]
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| − | Singapore is a very diverse and young country. It has many languages, religions, and cultures for a country its size.<ref name="singapore21">{{cite web|url=http://www.singapore21.org.sg/speeches_050599.html|title=Speech by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong on Singapore 21 Debate in Parliament|publisher=singapore21|date=5 May 1999|accessdate=27 October 2011}}</ref> Due to the many languages and cultures in the country, there is no single set of culturally acceptable behaviours.
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| − | When Singapore became independent from the United Kingdom in 1963, most of the newly minted Singaporean citizens were uneducated labourers from Malaysia, China and [[India]]. Many of them were transient labourers who were seeking to make some money in Singapore and they had no intention of staying for good. A sizeable minority of middle-class, local-born people, known as the [[Peranakan]]s, also existed. With the exception of the Peranakans (descendants of late 15th and 16th-century Chinese immigrants) who pledged their loyalties to Singapore, most of the labourers' loyalties lay with their respective homelands of Malaysia, China and India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aseanfocus.com/a_short_history_of_south_east_asia/history_singapore.html|title=A Short History of Southeast Asia: Singapore|publisher=ASEANfocus, Peter Church|date=10 July 2009|accessdate=27 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/singapore/6.htm|title=Crown Colony|publisher=U.S. Library of Congress|date=10 July 2009|accessdate=27 October 2011}}</ref> After independence, the process of crafting a Singaporean identity and culture began.
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| − | Former Prime Ministers of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong have stated that Singapore does not fit the traditional description of a [[nation]], calling it a society-in-transition, pointing out the fact that Singaporeans do not all speak the same language, share the same religion, or have the same customs.<ref name="singapore21" /><ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/443304/1/.html|title=MM Lee says Singapore needs to do more to achieve nationhood|work=Channel NewsAsia|location =Singapore|date=5 May 2009|accessdate=27 October 2011}}</ref> Even though English is the first language of the nation, according to the government's 2010 census 20% of Singaporeans, or one in five, are [[illiterate]] in English. This is a marked improvement from 1990 where 40% of Singaporeans were illiterate in English.<ref name="singstat_a">{{cite web|url= http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/popn/c2010sr1/findings.pdf|archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/5wdAICz5j|archivedate= 20 February 2011|title=Findings|publisher=Singapore Statistics|date=5 May 2010|accessdate=27 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/popn/c2000adr/chap4.pdf|archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/63V8fYL8f|archivedate= 27 November 2011|title=Literacy and language|publisher=Singapore Statistics |date=5 May 2010|accessdate=27 October 2011}}</ref>
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| − | Unlike many other countries, languages, religions and cultures among Singaporeans are not delineated according to [[skin colour]] or [[ancestry]]. Among Chinese Singaporeans, one in five is [[Christian]], another one in five is [[atheist]], and the rest are mostly [[Buddhists]] or [[Taoists]]. One-third speak English as their home language, while half speak Mandarin Chinese as their home language. The rest speak other [[mutually unintelligible]] [[Chinese dialects|Chinese languages]] at home.<ref name="singstat_a" /> Singaporean Indians are much more religious. Only 1% of them are atheists. Six in ten are Hindus, two in ten Muslims, and the rest mostly Christians. Four in ten speak English as their home language, three in ten Tamil, one in ten Malay, and the rest other [[Languages of India|Indian languages]] as their home language.<ref name="singstat_a" />
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| − | Each Singaporean's behaviours and attitudes would therefore be influenced by, among many other things, his or her home [[language]] and his [[religion]]. Singaporeans who speak English as their native language tend to lean toward [[Western culture]], while those who speak Chinese languages as their native language tend to lean toward [[Chinese culture]] and [[Confucianism]]. Malay-speaking Singaporeans tend to lean toward [[Ethnic Malays|Malay culture]], which itself is closely linked to [[Islamic culture]]. Those who speak Indian languages as their native language would probably lean toward [[Culture of India|Indian culture]].
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| − | === Attitudes and beliefs ===
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| − | Singapore, as a country, in general is conservative socially, but some liberalisation has occurred.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.singapore-window.org/sw04/040724hc.htm|title=Singapore filmmaker takes Cut at censors|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|location = Texas|date=24 July 2004|accessdate=27 February 2011|first = Jake|last = Lloyd-Smith|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> At the national level, [[meritocracy]], where one is judged based on one's ability, is heavily emphasised.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pmo.gov.sg/content/pmosite/mediacentre/inthenews/ministermentor/2009/April/old_and_new_citizensgetequalchancesaysmmlee.html|title=Old and new citizens get equal chance, says MM Lee|publisher=PMO|date=5 May 2010|accessdate=27 October 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref>
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| − | Racial and religious harmony is regarded by the government as a crucial part of Singapore's success and played a part in building a Singaporean identity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.singaporeunited.sg/cep/index.php/web/Our-News/PM-Lee-on-racial-and-religious-issues-National-Day-Rally-2009|title=PM Lee on racial and religious issues (National Day Rally 2009)|publisher=Singapore United|date=16 August 2009|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref> Singapore has a reputation as a [[nanny state]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/3861209.stm|title=Singapore slings a little caution to the wind|work=BBC News|date=16 August 2004|accessdate=27 February 2011|first=Andrew|last=Harding}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/23/business/worldbusiness/23casino.html?pagewanted=all|title=The Nanny State Places a Bet|work=New York Times|date=16 August 2004|accessdate=27 February 2011|first=Wayne|last=Arnold}}</ref> The national flower of Singapore is the [[Vanda Miss Joaquim]]. Many national symbols such as the [[Coat of arms of Singapore|National Coat of Arms]] and the [[Lion head symbol of Singapore|Lion Head symbol]] make use of the [[lion]], as Singapore is known as the 'Lion City'. [[Public holidays in Singapore]] cover major Chinese, Western, Malay and Indian festivals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mystory.sg/content/1572/National_Symbols_Overview.html|title=National Symbols|publisher=mystory.sg|date=16 August 2009|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref>
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| − | Singaporean employees work an average of around 45 hours weekly, relatively long compared to many other nations. Three in four Singaporean employees surveyed stated that they take pride in doing their work well, and that doing so helps their self-confidence.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.chinapost.com.tw/business/asia/singapore/2010/01/12/240437/Survey-finds.htm|title=Survey finds that workers in Singapore put in longest hours|work=China Post|location =Taipei|date=16 August 2009|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref>
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| − | === Cuisine ===
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| − | {{Main|Singaporean cuisine}}
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| − | Dining, along with shopping, is said to be the country's national pastime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.www.sg/where/default.aspx|title=Singapore Dining|publisher=App.www.sg|accessdate=2 November 2010}}</ref> The focus on food has led countries like Australia to attract Singaporean tourists with food-based itineraries.<ref>{{cite news |author=Yue, Karen |title=Business Events Australia to target tummies of Singapore planners |url= http://www.ttgmice.com/article/business-events-australia-to-target-tummies-of-singapore-planners/ |work=TTGmice |location= Singapore |date=14 May 2013}}</ref> The diversity of food is touted as a reason to visit the country,<ref name="Foodways">{{cite book |url= http://www.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=p5Mw_WTLhiYC&oi=fnd&pg=PA161&dq=singapore*+cuisine&ots=Tz9V0Aw5Bm&sig=XQXRScIGhgsydpe9R7DSrHoA2hQ#v=onepage&q=singapore*%20cuisine&f=false |title=Changing Chinese foodways in Asia |author1= Wu, David Y.H. |author2= Chee Beng Tan |pages=161 ff. |publisher=Chinese University Press |location= Hong Kong |isbn= 978-962-201-914-0 |year = 2001 |accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref> and the variety of food representing different ethnicities is seen by the government as a symbol of its multiculturalism.<ref name="Martini">{{cite journal|author1 = Martini, Fadhel|author2 = Wong Tai Chee|url = http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst?docId=5002403690|pages = 161–164|title = Restaurants in Little India, Singapore: A Study of Spatial Organization and Pragmatic Cultural Change|journal=Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia|year = 2001|volume = 16}}</ref> The "national fruit" of Singapore is the [[durian]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.timeoutsingapore.com/restaurants/feature/in-durian-love |title=In durian love |work=Time Out Singapore |date=23 August 2008 |accessdate=7 May 2011}}</ref>
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| − | In popular culture, food items belong to a particular ethnicity, with Chinese, Malay, and Indian food clearly defined. However, the diversity of cuisine has been increased further by the "hybridisation" of different styles (e.g., the Peranakan style, a mix of Chinese and Malay cuisine).<ref name="Foodways" />
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| − | === Arts ===
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| − | [[File:Theatre and Concert Hall, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore - 20110528.jpg|thumb|alt=Domed black building with bumps reminiscent of those on a Durian|The [[durian]]-shaped Esplanade, performing arts centre, stands out in front of the Marina Square area.]]
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| − | Since the 1990s, the government has been promoting Singapore as a centre for arts and culture, in particular the performing arts, and to transform the country into a cosmopolitan "gateway between the East and West".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mica.gov.sg/renaissance/FinalRen.pdf|title=Culture and the Arts in Renaissance Singapore|publisher=[[Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts]]|accessdate=1 May 2006|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060524013952/http://www.mica.gov.sg/renaissance/FinalRen.pdf|archivedate = 24 May 2006}}</ref> One highlight was the construction of [[Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay]], a performing arts centre opened in October 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Singapore/Singapore-1495679/Things_To_Do-Singapore-Esplanade_Theatres_by_the_Bay-BR-1.html|title=Virtual Tourist: Reviews of Esplanade (Theatres by the Bay)|accessdate=28 March 2006}}</ref> The national orchestra, [[Singapore Symphony Orchestra]], plays at the Esplanade. The annual [[Singapore Arts Festival]] is organised by the National Arts Council. The stand-up comedy scene has been growing, with a weekly [[open mic]].<ref>{{cite news|last = Chee|first = Frankie |title = Stand-up is back|newspaper=The Straits Times|location = Singapore|date = 12 July 2009 }}</ref> Singapore hosted the 2009 [[Genee International Ballet Competition]], a [[classical ballet]] competition promoted by London's [[Royal Academy of Dance]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rad.sg/updates.html|title= Updates|publisher=Royal Academy of Dance|date=12 September 2009|accessdate=23 August 2010}}</ref>
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| − | === Sport and recreation ===
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| − | {{Main|Sport in Singapore}}
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| − | [[File:Stadium-Closing-Ceremony-Panorama.jpg|thumb|National Stadium of Singapore|alt=Closing ceremony for the National Stadium]]
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| − | Popular sports include football, basketball, cricket, swimming, sailing, table tennis and badminton. Most Singaporeans live in public residential areas (known as "HDB flats", as [[Singapore#Demographics|mentioned above]]) near amenities such as public swimming pools, outdoor [[basketball court]]s and indoor sport complexes. Water sports are popular, including sailing, [[kayaking]] and [[water skiing]]. [[Scuba diving]] is another popular recreational sport. The Southern island of [[Pulau Hantu]], particularly, is known for its rich [[coral reef]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.pulauhantu.org/about/|publisher=The Hantu Bloggers|title = About us|accessdate =2 July 2011 }}</ref>
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| − | Singapore's football (soccer) league, the [[S-League]], formed in 1994,<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.sleague.com/Web/main.aspx?ID=f716b261-83ec-4f12-9c0f-c6705c44c556|title= About S-League|publisher=Football Association Singapore|year= 2008|accessdate=2 July 2011 }}</ref> currently comprises 12 clubs including foreign teams.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.goal.com/en/news/1276/south-east-asia/2010/01/21/1754349/french-and-chinese-teams-join-singapores-s-league|title = French And Chinese Teams Join Singapore's S-League|date = 21 January 2010|work=goal.com}}</ref> The [[Singapore Slingers]], formerly in the [[Australian National Basketball League]], is one of the inaugural teams in the [[ASEAN Basketball League]], founded in October 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/arti.asp?newsid=29263|title = ASEAN Basketball League takes off|date = 20 January 2009|work=FIBA Asia}}</ref>
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| − | Singapore began hosting a round of the [[Formula One World Championship]], the [[Singapore Grand Prix]], in 2008. The race takes place on the [[Marina Bay Street Circuit]] and was the inaugural F1 night race<ref name="News – Singapore confirms 2008 night race">{{cite press release|title= Singapore confirms 2008 night race|publisher=[[Formula1.com]]|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/6063.html|archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20070613015932/http://www.formula1.com/news/6063.html|date = 11 May 2007|archivedate=13 June 2007|accessdate=18 May 2007}}</ref> and the first F1 street race in Asia.<ref name="1stStreet">{{cite press release|title=SingTel to sponsor first Singapore Grand Prix|publisher=[[Formula1.com]]|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/11/7101.html|accessdate=10 December 2007|date=16 November 2007}}</ref> The Singapore Grand Prix will remain on the F1 calendar through at least 2017, after race organisers signed a contract extension with [[Formula One Group]] on the eve of the 2012 event.<ref>{{cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|title=Singapore confirms F1 contract extension to 2017|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2012/09/22/singapore-confirms-f1-contract-extension-2017/|publisher=Formula 1 Fanatic|accessdate=22 September 2012|date=22 September 2012|quote="The Singapore Grand Prix will remain on the F1 calendar for at least the next five years."}}</ref>
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| − | [[Kranji Racecourse]] is run by the [[Singapore Turf Club]] and hosts multiple weekly meetings and many important local and international races, notably the prestigious [[Singapore Airlines International Cup]].
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| − | Singapore also hosted the inaugural [[2010 Summer Youth Olympics]].<ref name="Singapore to host first edition of the Youth Olympic Games in 2010">{{cite press release|url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/media_centre/press_release_uk.asp?release=2492|publisher=International Olympic Committee|archiveurl= http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20090311003132/http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/media_centre/press_release_uk.asp?release=2492|archivedate=11 March 2009|date = 21 February 2008|title= Singapore to host first edition of the Youth Olympic Games in 2010|accessdate=16 March 2011}}</ref>
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| − | === Media ===
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| − | {{Main|Media of Singapore}}
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| − | Companies linked to the government control much of the domestic media in Singapore.<ref name="freedomhouse_a">{{cite web|url= http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=22&country=7915&year=2010|title=Country Report 2010 Edition|publisher= Freedom House|year=2010|accessdate=7 May 2011}}</ref> [[MediaCorp]] operates most [[Television in Singapore|free-to-air television channels]] and [[List of radio stations in Singapore|free-to-air radio stations]] in Singapore. There are a total of seven free-to-air TV channels offered by Mediacorp.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mda.gov.sg/POLICIES/POLICIESANDCONTENTGUIDELINES/TV/Pages/FreetoAirTV.aspx|title= Free-to-Air Television|year= 2011|publisher=MDA|accessdate=17 October 2011}}</ref> The channels are [[MediaCorp Channel 5|Channel 5 (English channel)]], [[Channel NewsAsia|Channel News Asia (English channel)]], [[Okto]] (English channel), [[MediaCorp Channel 8|Channel 8 (Chinese channel)]], [[MediaCorp Channel U|Channel U (Chinese channel)]], [[MediaCorp Suria|Suria (Malay channel)]] and [[MediaCorp Vasantham|Vasantham (Indian channel)]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/tv/silverlight-tv-guide.aspx|title= TV listings|year= 2011|publisher=XIN MSN|accessdate=17 October 2011}}</ref> [[Starhub]] Cable Vision (SCV) also offers cable television with channels from all around the world<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mda.gov.sg/POLICIES/POLICIESANDCONTENTGUIDELINES/TV/Pages/CableTV.aspx|title= Cable Television|year= 2011|publisher=XIN MSN|accessdate=17 October 2011}}</ref> and [[Singtel]]'s MioTV provides an [[IPTV]] service.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mda.gov.sg/POLICIES/POLICIESANDCONTENTGUIDELINES/TV/Pages/IPTV.aspx|title= Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)|year= 2011|publisher=XIN MSN|accessdate=17 October 2011}}</ref> [[Singapore Press Holdings]], a body with close links to the government, controls most of the newspaper industry in Singapore.<ref name="BBC Media">{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1143240.stm|title=Singapore country profile|work=BBC News|date=16 November 2010|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref>
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| − | Singapore's media industry has sometimes been criticised for being too regulated and lacking in freedom by human rights groups such as [[Freedom House]].<ref name="freedomhouse_a" /> In 2010, [[Reporters Without Borders]], a France-based international non-governmental organisation, ranked Singapore 136 out of 178 in its [[Press Freedom Index]], just below [[Mexico]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://en.rsf.org/spip.php?page=classement&id_rubrique=1034|title= Press Freedom Index|year= 2010|publisher=Reporters Without Borders|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref>
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| − | The [[Media Development Authority]] regulates Singaporean media, claiming to balance the demand for choice and protection against offensive and harmful material.<ref name="Mica">{{cite web|url= http://www.mica.gov.sg/mica_business/b_media.html|archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20060910233826/http://www.mica.gov.sg/mica_business/b_media.html|archivedate=20 September 2006|title= Media: Overview|date=16 March 2005|publisher=Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref> Private ownership of TV satellite dishes is banned.<ref name="BBC Media" /> Television is censored, and shows like [[Sex and the City]] and [[Queer as Folk (UK TV series)]] are banned. There are 3.4 million users of the internet in Singapore,<ref name="BBC Media" /> one of the highest internet penetration rates in the world. The Singapore government does not engage in widespread censoring of the internet,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://opennet.net/research/profiles/singapore|title=Singapore|publisher=OpenNet Initiative|accessdate=7 May 2011}}</ref> but it maintains a list of one hundred websites (mostly pornographic) that it blocks as a 'symbolic statement of the Singaporean community's stand on harmful and undesirable content on the Internet'.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_622871.html|archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110119042223/http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_622871.html|archivedate=19 January 2011|title=Impossible for S'pore to block all undesirable sites|author=Wong, Tessa|work=The Straits Times|location =Singapore|date=11 January 2011|accessdate=17 August 2011}}</ref> As the block covers only home internet access, users may still visit the blocked websites from their office computers.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.asiaone.com/Digital/News/Story/A1Story20080523-66562.html |title= MDA bans two video-sharing porn sites |date=23 May 2008 |author= Chua Hian Hou |work=The Straits Times |location =Singapore |archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080524215638/http://www.asiaone.com/Digital/News/Story/A1Story20080523-66562.html |archivedate=24 May 2008}}</ref>
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| − | == Transport ==
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| − | {{Main|Transport in Singapore}}
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| − | [[File:singapore port panorama.jpg|thumb|centre|800px|alt=The Port with a large number of shipping containers and the ocean visible in the background|The Port of Singapore with [[Sentosa]] island in the background]]
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| − | {{clear}}
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| − | Since Singapore is a small island with a high population density, the number of private cars on the road is restricted so as to curb pollution and congestion. Car buyers must pay for duties one-and-a-half times the vehicle's market value and bid for a Singaporean [[Certificate of Entitlement]] (COE), which allows the car to run on the road for a decade. The cost of the Singaporean certificate of entitlement alone would buy a [[Porsche Boxster]] in the United States. Car prices are generally significantly higher in Singapore than in other English-speaking countries and thus only one in 10 residents owns a car.<ref name="singstat" /><ref name="BloombergBMW">{{cite news|url= http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-16/bmw-3-series-costs-260-000-as-singapore-tax-keeps-cars-for-rich.html|title =BMW Costing $260,000 Means Cars Only for Rich in Singapore as Taxes Climb|work=Bloomberg|location =New York|accessdate =2 July 2011|first=Kristine|last=Aquino|date=17 February 2011}}</ref> As with most Commonwealth countries, vehicles on the road and people walking on the streets keep to the left.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.expatsingapore.com/content/view/1147|title=Once you're here: Basic Road Rules and Regulations|publisher=Expat Singapore|date=16 August 2009|accessdate=27 February 2011}}</ref>
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| − | [[File:ERPBugis.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Electronic Road Pricing gantry at North Bridge Road]]
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| − | Most Singaporean residents travel by foot, bicycles, [[Bus transport in Singapore|bus]], [[taxis]] and [[train]] ([[Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)|MRT]] or [[Light Rail Transit (Singapore)|LRT]]). Two companies run the public bus and train transport system – [[SBS Transit]] and [[SMRT Corporation]]. There are almost a dozen [[Taxicabs of Singapore|taxi companies]], who together put out 25,000 taxis on the road. Taxis are a popular form of public transport as the fares are relatively cheap compared to many other developed countries.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.lta.gov.sg/corp_info/doc/Taxi%20Info%20for%20LTA%20Website%202010.pdf|archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/63V8ft4Fx|archivedate= 27 November 2011|title =Taxi info|publisher=Land Transport Authority|year =2010|accessdate =2 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.taxiprices.com/taxi-fares-in-asia/taxi-fares-in-singapore.html|title =Taxi fares in S'pore|publisher=LTA|year =2010|accessdate =2 July 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref>
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| − | Singapore has a [[road transport in Singapore|road system]] covering {{convert|3356|km|mi|0}}, which includes {{convert|161|km|mi|0}} [[expressways of Singapore|of expressways]].<ref name="CIA" /><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.lta.gov.sg/corp_info/doc/Average_Daily_Public_Transport_Ridership.pdf|archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/5naJXRUjU|archivedate= 16 February 2010|title = Public transport ridership|publisher=Land Transport Authority|accessdate=2 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.lta.gov.sg/public_transport/pt_rail_tracing.htm|title= Tracing our steps|publisher= Land Transport Authority|accessdate=2 July 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> The [[Singapore Area Licensing Scheme]], implemented in 1975, became the world's first [[congestion pricing]] scheme, and included other complementary measures such as stringent car ownership quotas and improvements in mass transit.<ref>{{cite book|last= Small, Kenneth A.; Verhoef, Erik T.|year= 2007|title= The Economics of Urban Transportation|publisher= Routledge|location =London|isbn= 978-0-415-28515-5|page= 148}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last= Cervero|first= Robert|year= 1998|title = The Transit Metropolis|page = 169|publisher= Island Press|location =Washington DC|id= Chapter 6/The Master Planned Transit Metropolis: Singapore|isbn= 1-55963-591-6}}</ref> Upgraded in 1998 and renamed [[Electronic Road Pricing]], the system introduced [[electronic toll collection]], electronic detection, and video surveillance technology.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.lta.gov.sg/motoring_matters/index_motoring_erp.htm|title= Electronic Road Pricing|publisher= Land Transport Authority|accessdate=16 April 2008|archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080410143342/http://www.lta.gov.sg/motoring_matters/index_motoring_erp.htm <!--Added by H3llBot-->|archivedate=10 April 2008}}</ref>
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| − | Singapore is a major international [[transport hub]] in Asia, positioned on many sea and air trade routes. The [[Port of Singapore]], managed by port operators [[PSA International]] and [[Jurong Port]], was the world's second-busiest port in 2005 in terms of [[shipping]] tonnage handled, at 1.15 billion [[gross ton]]s, and in terms of [[container (cargo)|containerised]] traffic, at 23.2 million [[twenty-foot equivalent unit]]s (TEUs). It is also the world's second-busiest, behind Shanghai, in terms of cargo tonnage with 423 million tons handled. In addition, the port is the world's busiest for [[transshipment]] traffic and the world's biggest ship refuelling centre.<ref>{{cite news|title=Singapore remains world's busiest port|url= http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-01/12/content_4045562.htm|date=12 January 2006|agency= Xinhua|work=China View|location= Beijing|accessdate=22 April 2010}}</ref>
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| − | Singapore is an aviation hub for Southeast Asia and a stopover on the [[Kangaroo Route]] between Sydney and London.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/qantas-celebrates-60-years-of-the-kangaroo-route-761078.html|title= Qantas celebrates 60 years of the 'Kangaroo Route'|first= Kathy|last= Marks|newspaper=The Independent|location= London|date= 30 November 2007}}</ref> There are eight airports in the country,<ref name="CIA" /> and [[Singapore Changi Airport]] hosts a network of 80 airlines connecting Singapore to 200 cities in 68 countries. It has been rated one of the best international airports by international travel magazines, including being rated as the world's best airport for the first time in 2006 by [[Skytrax]].<ref>{{cite web|title=2006 Airport of the Year result|accessdate=1 June 2006|url=http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards-2006/AirportYear-2006.htm|archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20061231160516/http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards-2006/AirportYear-2006.htm|publisher=World Airport Awards|archivedate=31 December 2006}}</ref> The [[Flag carrier|national airlines]] are [[Singapore Airlines]], [[SilkAir]] and [[Scoot]].<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.brandrepublic.com/news/201303/BRAND-HEALTH-CHECK-Singapore-airlines---Turbulence-ahead-Singapore-flag-carrier/|title= Turbulence ahead for Singapore flag carrier|first= Jimmy|last= Yap|date=30 January 2004|work=BrandRepublic|publisher=Haymarket Business Media|location= London }}</ref>
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| − | {{clear}}
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| − | {{wide image|Panoramic view of the Central Business District, Singapore, and ships - 20100712.jpg|900px|Ships in the ocean with Singapore visible in the background|Ships anchored at Singapore's Eastern Anchorage off the [[East Coast Park]].}}
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| − | | |
| − | == See also ==
| |
| − | {{Portal|Singapore|Asia|Geography}}
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| − | * [[Index of Singapore-related articles]]
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| − | * [[International rankings of Singapore]]
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| − | * [[Outline of Singapore]]
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| − | | |
| − | == References ==
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| − | ;Notes
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| − | {{Reflist|30em}}
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| | | | |
| − | ;Bibliography
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| − | {{Refbegin|30em}}
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| − | * {{cite book|last=Hill|first=Michael|editor=Kwen Fee Lian|title=The Politics of Nation Building and Citizenship in Singapore|year=1995|publisher=Routledge|isbn=0-415-12025-X}}
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| − | * {{cite book|last=King|first=Rodney|title=The Singapore Miracle, Myth and Reality|year=2008|publisher=Insight Press|isbn=0-9775567-0-0}}
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| − | * {{cite book|author=Mauzy, Diane K.; Milne, R.S.|title=Singapore Politics: Under the People's Action Party|publisher=Routledge|year=2002|isbn=0-415-24653-9}}
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| − | * {{cite book|author=Tan, Kenneth Paul|title=Renaissance Singapore? Economy, Culture, and Politics|publisher=NUS Press|year=2007|isbn=978-9971-69-377-0}}
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| − | * Lee Kuan Yew (2000). ''From Third World To First: The Singapore Story: 1965–2000''. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 0-06-019776-5
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| − | * {{cite book|author=Worthington, Ross|title=Governance in Singapore|publisher=Routledge/Curzon|year=2002|isbn=0-7007-1474-X}}
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| − | * {{cite web|title=Census of Population (2000)|work=Singapore Department of Statistics|url=http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/popn/cop2000admin.pdf|accessdate=11 January 2000|format=PDF}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}
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| − | * {{cite web|title=Key Facts & Figures|work=Ministry of Transport, Singapore|url=http://www.mot.gov.sg/|accessdate=11 January 2003}}
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| − | * {{cite web|title=Nation's History|work=Singapore Infomap|url=http://app.www.sg/who/4/Our-History.aspx|accessdate=11 January 2004}}
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| − | * {{cite web|title=MOE-PRIME|work=Programme For Rebuilding and IMproving Existing schools (PRIME)|url=http://www.moe.gov.sg/prime/prime.htm|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070823024237/http://www.moe.gov.sg/prime/prime.htm|archivedate=23 August 2007|accessdate=15 May 2007}}
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| − | * {{Cite press release|title=Eight More Schools to Benefit from Upgrading|url=http://www.moe.gov.sg/press/2007/pr20070214.htm|date=14 February 2007|publisher=Ministry of Education|accessdate=15 May 2007}}
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| − | {{Refend}}
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| − | == External links == | + | <center><div style="width:800px; text-align:left;">'''ON A MISSING PAVILION; OR, EVERYWHERE THE LITTLE RED DOT''' |
| − | {{Sister project links|Singapore}}
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| − | {{Library resources box|onlinebooks=yes|by=yes}}
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| − | ;Government
| + | It is in front of you. Tall, broad, strong: wider than any other. The pavilion beyond all pavilions. Only you cannot see it. Not because it is not there. But because, at any one point, someone is blind to it. Today it is you. Perhaps it even chose you. But let me see it for you. |
| − | * [http://www.sgdi.gov.sg/ Singapore Government Directory Interactive]
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| − | * [http://www.gov.sg/ Singapore Government Online Portal]
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| − | * [http://www.ecitizen.gov.sg/ Gateway To All Government Services]
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| − | * [http://www.ns.sg/nsPortal/index.jsp Singapore National Service Portal]
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| − | * [http://www.acra.gov.sg/ Singapore Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority]
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| − | * [http://www.cia.gov/library/publications/world-leaders-1/world-leaders-s/singapore.html Chief of State and Cabinet Members]
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| − | * [http://www.sedb.com/ Singapore Economic Development Board]
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| − | ;General information
| + | You walk in. Quite immediately, turn. Not because you choose to—it is just how the path blows you along. A certain lightness; one not usually associated with a place known for harshness, being calculating, methodical—draconian even. Ironic considering it is a place of transit, movement, flows. But, it is not a flow for the sake of drifting, not an appreciation of flowing. Instead, it is the embodiment of the very moment of art—not of aesthetics, let alone beauty, but the transfer, transmission, transaction, of the works. |
| − | * {{CIA World Factbook link|sn|Singapore}}
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| − | * [http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/for/singapore.htm Singapore] from ''UCB Libraries GovPubs''
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| − | * {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/Singapore}}
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| − | * [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15961759 Singapore profile] from the [[BBC News]]
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| − | * [http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/545725/Singapore Singapore] at ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]''
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| − | * [https://opencrs.com/document/RS20490/ Singapore: Background and U.S. Relations] [[Congressional Research Service]]
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| − | * [http://www.sg/ Singapore Infomap]
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| − | * {{wikiatlas|Singapore}}
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| − | * [http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=1345015&x=103819427&z=11&l=0&m=a WikiSatellite view of Singapore at WikiMapia]
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| − | * [http://app.www.sg/ Official Gateway To Singapore]
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| − | * [http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/experience.html Official Singapore Tourism Website]
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| − | * [http://www.ifs.du.edu/ifs/frm_CountryProfile.aspx?Country=SG Key Development Forecasts for Singapore] from [[International Futures]]
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| − | :*''This article incorporates public domain text from the websites of the <span class="plainlinks">[http://www.singstat.gov.sg/ Singapore Department of Statistics]</span>, the [[United States Department of State]], the [[Library of Congress|United States Library of Congress]] and the [[The World Factbook|CIA World Factbook]].''
| + | The pavilion doesn’t need you to see it. It has disappeared. For, it is no longer needed: the biennale itself is Singapore. |
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| + | From http://venicebiennale2013.ideologicalguide.com/pavilion/singapore/</div></center> |
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| − | '''[[Geographic coordinate system|Lat. <small>and</small> Long.]] {{Coord|1|22|N|103|48|E|display=inline}}'''
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| − | {{Countries of Asia}}
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| − | {{Countries and territories of Southeast Asia|collapsed}}
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| − | {{Singapore ties}}
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| − | [[Category:Singapore| ]]
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| − | [[Category:Capitals in Asia]]
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| − | [[Category:Chinese-speaking countries and territories]]
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| − | {{Link FA|km}}
| + | [[Category:Design Interactions]] |
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The central premise of my world is that instead of moving milimetres at a time, land masses are able to move a few metres in a year. This explains why Los Angeles was able to detach itself from US and Rio De Janeiro was able to detach itself from Brazil, and for them to float together to form Rilao.
In this world, all islands are in constant danger of floating into and joining other landmasses. Larger islands are prone to losing parts of themselves to the Drift. Thus, the countries in this world experience geopolitics in constant motion.
In his keynote speech to the 2005 Art Association of Australia & New Zealand Conference:
I envision Rirao as a new transnational space dominated by the Asian “Other” - the orientalised Americas, the Asianised West. Its name in Chinese is "日绕", which means “the sun revolves around it”. The initial mispronunciation of its name in Chinese has become its dominant pronunciation. The increase in Chinese/Asian Migration into Rirao not only results in cultural displacement to both the migrants and 'native' populations in Rirao, but there is also the danger of reductionist condensations of what it means to be oriental or asian. Ethnicity, race, and nationality are all performances.
This is not strictly about being Asian or presenting something that is "oriental" as opposed to "occidental". It is hard for me to know what I have to do as a so-called "chinese" or "southeast asian" or "singaporean", or the relevance of my so-called asian "heritage" - just as it is equally hard for me to unlearn my westernised education and years of studying continential critical theory.
I suspect that in the end, in our attempts to articulate a topsy-turvy model of a western city dominated by the Asian "Other", Rirao is not really going to be Asian. It is going to end up being a non-place, a terrifying altermodernity.
The Venice Biennale is a monumental, sprawling all-year affair in which countries display their art, presumably to one another, in various pavilions and venues in and around the city of Venice. Every two years, it becomes a global meeting point, a prestigious and international stage for cultural exchanges and discourse, but also a place of contradictions, in which artists might be seen more as representatives of their country, effectively tasked with producing and showing work for displays of some form of national identity, even though national borders are very tired and outdated boundaries for one’s imagination, and artists may also be migratory, of mixed heritage, or may not even necessarily be rooted or resident in their countries of origin.
Looming over this, is also the larger question of who, or which national agencies gets to decide which artist and which artworks have the ultimate ability to represent each nation. Whilst it is certainly not a straightforward issue, the selection process at work at the Venice Biennale also has the ability to produce some interesting artistic results, for this system does allow for each country (or region, or group of people) to approach it from very different ways, allowing for the possibility for alternative narratives, and even minority and counterhegemonic voices to be heard on an international stage. On the other hand, one could perhaps read a decision not to participate as selective mutism, or perhaps as a kind of statement on its own. However, these are only speculative readings.
My project is concerned with curating/designing Rilao's submission for the Venice Biennale.
In 2013 there was no Singapore Pavilion. However, there is an interesting entry written for it in the Ideological Guide to Venice Biennale, a work by artist Jeremy Fernando.
