| Local name: Republik
Singapura Singapore Kudiyarasu Hsin Chia P'o Kung Ho Kuo |
| Surface : 659.9
sq km (254.8 sq miles) - The island of Singapore is situated off the
southern extremity of the Malay Peninsula, to which it is joined by a
causeway carrying a road, railway and waterpipe. The Johor Strait
between the island and the mainland is about 1km (0.8 miles) wide. The
Republic of Singapore includes some 64 islets. It is a mainly flat
country with low hills, the highest being Bukit Timah at 163m (545ft).
In the northeast of the island, large areas have been reclaimed, and
much of the original jungle and swamp
covering the low-lying areas has been cleared. |
| Population : 4,185,200
inhabitants |
| Electricity: 220/240
volts AC, 50Hz. Plug fittings of the three-pin square type are in use.
Many hotels have 110-volt outlets |
PASSPORTS:
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond
date of departure required by all. VISAS:
Required only by the following:
nationals of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, China (PR), CIS, Egypt,
India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Myanmar, Pakistan,
Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Yemen and
holders of Palestinian Authority passports; those holding Refugee
Travel Documents issued by Middle Eastern countries; those holding
Hong Kong Document of Identity cards, holders of a Macau SAR Travel
Permit and Temporary Passports issued by the United Arab Emirates. |
| Climate: Warm
and fairly humid summer temperatures throughout the year (approximately
30ºC/86ºF during the day and 23ºC/74ºF in the evening). There is
no distinct wet/dry season. Most rain falls during the northeast
monsoon (November to January) and showers are usually sudden and heavy |
| Capital : Singapore |
| System
: Republic. Gained full independence from the
UK in 1965 - The parliament is
unicameral; executive power nominally rests with the President, but is
effectively wielded by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet: the
presidency is a largely ceremonial post whose incumbent is elected by
parliament to serve a six-year term. The 93-member Parliament is
elected for a five-year term; apart from nine presidential appointees,
its members are elected under a constituency system. |
| Languages : The
four official languages are Malay (the national language), English,
Chinese (Mandarin) and Tamil. Most Singaporeans are bilingual and
speak English, which is used for business and administration. |
| Religions : Taoist,
Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim. |
| Money : : Singapore
Dollar (S$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of S$10,000, 1000,
500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of S$1, and
50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents. |
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