Introduction

Capital: Singapore Largest City: Singapore Area: 699 sq km. Official Languages: Malay (National Language), English, Mandarin, Tamil Government: Parliamentary Republic Prime Minister: Lee Hsien Loong Population: 4,326, 000 (July 2005 est.) Currency: Singapore Dollar Calling Code: +65 Electricity Standard electrical current is 220 volts AC (50 cycles). Emergencies For police dial tel. 999 Language Singapore's four official languages are Malay, Chinese (Mandarin dialect), Tamil, and English Smoking It's against the law to smoke in public buses, elevators, theaters, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, shopping centers, government offices, and taxi queues. Water Tap water in Singapore passes World Health Organization standards and is potable. Time Zone Singapore Standard Time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Dynamic Singapore is an island, a city and a country all at the same time. Its blend of Asian cultures and Western attitudes has made it the most stable economy in the region and the logical gateway to Southeast Asia.

Singapore skyline - more than a cityThe country is rightly proud of its efficiency, cleanliness and highly developed infrastructure. The luxury shopping centres and world-class restaurants that grace Singapore City's modern business district could take their place in any large Western conurbation. But there is also ample evidence of Singapore's rich cultural heritage in the fascinating districts of Little India, Arab Street and Chinatown.

Other distractions include ever-popular Sentosa Island, the tranquillity of the Chinese Gardens, the bonsai-sized reserve of Bukit Timah and the world-renowned Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo.

Increasingly thought of as a holiday destination in itself, Singapore is an ideal introduction to the kaleidoscopic cultures of Southeast Asia and a wonderful place to spend a few days or so, exploring the exciting blend of excellent food, shopping and diverse, hospitable people.

Coming of Age

A massive industrialization program was launched with the extension of the Jurong industrial estate and the creation of smaller estates in Kallang Park, Tanjong Rhu, Redhill, Tiong Bahru and Tanglin Halt. The Employment Act and the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act were passed in 1968 to promote industrial peace and discipline among the workforce.

The Economic Development Board was reorganized in 1968 and the Jurong Town Corporation and the Development Bank of Singapore were set up in the same year In 1970, the Monetary Authority of Singapore was established to formulate and implement Singapore's monetary policies.

In 1979, after the shock of two oil crises, the Government started a program of economic restructuring. This was achieved by modifying education policies, expanding technology and computer education, offering financial incentives to industrial enterprises and launching a productivity campaign.

Public housing was given top priority. New towns sprang up and Housing and Development Board apartments were sold at a low cost. To encourage home ownership, Singaporeans were allowed to use their Central Provident Fund savings to pay for these apartments.

With the British Government's sudden decision in 1967 to withdraw its armed forces from Singapore by the end of 1971, Singapore set out to build up its own defence forces. The Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute was established in 1966 and compulsory national service was introduced in 1967. A Singapore Air Defense Command and a Singapore Maritime Command were set up in 1969. In August 1967, Singapore joined Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand to form the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Singapore entered the 1970s as a politically stable state with a high rate of economic growth. The one-party Parliament that emerged from the 1968 general election became the pattern, with the PAP winning all seats in 1972,1976 and 1980. In the 1984 and 1991 general elections, the PAP won all but two and four seats respectively.

On 28 November 1990, a new chapter opened in Singapore's modern history Goh Chok Tong became the second Prime Minster of Singapore when he took over the office from Lee Kuan Yew who resigned after having been Prime Minster since 1959.

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