Singapore

Country name: Singapore * * and the Republic of Singapore

Nickname: Sin Chew, Sing Tao

Capital: Singapore

National Day: August 9th

Located in the center of Malacca Strait, the shipping artery between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, and Southeast Asia, it is called "the crossroads of Asia" and its geographical position is very important. The national area is 626.4 square kilometers, and the urban area accounts for the vast majority, so it is called "city country".

climate: all of Singapore's territory lies within the 1st degree north latitude, only 137km away from the equator, and it has a tropical maritime climate. The climate is characterized by the warmest heat and humidity. The annual temperature is about 24℃ to 32℃, with little temperature difference between day and night, and the precipitation is about 24 mm. There is more rain from October to March, and less rain from April to September.

A brief history of the country: It is said that in ancient times, when Prince Oetama, a descendant of Alexander the Great, was sailing at sea, his ship was blown to the present Singapore island by a storm. On the island, the prince saw a monster, with red hair on his head and a pinch of white hair on his chest.

The entourage told the prince that it was a lion, and the prince called this unknown island "Singapore", which means lion. This name has been used ever since. Singapore was called "Simaxi" in ancient times, and it was a part of Johor Kingdom in Malaysia from 18th to 19th century.

In the 19th century, it became a British colony and became an important British trading port and military fortress in Asia. From 1942 to 1945, it was ruled by Japan and became a Japanese colony. In June 1956, an autonomous state was established and internal autonomy was implemented. It was merged into Malaysia in September 1963. On August 9, 1965, under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore was formally established from Malaysia.

Singapore is a city-state, which originally means the Lion City. According to Malay historical records, around 115 A.D., the prince of the kingdom of Srivastava, Sumatra, arrived on the island by boat and saw a black beast, which the locals told him was a lion, hence the name of "Lion City".

Singapore is the homonym of "Lion City" in Sanskrit. Because local residents are deeply influenced by Indian culture, they like to use Sanskrit as a place name. Lions are brave and vigorous, so it is natural to use them as place names. In the past, many overseas Chinese called it "Xila", which means "Strait" in Malay, and some called it Sin Chau and Sing Tao because of its small size.

Politics and Economy

Singapore is a member of the Commonwealth, with the President as the head of state, the President and his colleagues in Parliament exercising legislative power, and implementing the cabinet system of the Prime Minister. Traditionally, Singapore's economy is dominated by commerce, including entrepot trade, processing and export, shipping, etc. It is the largest seaport, an important commercial city and entrepot trade center in Southeast Asia, as well as an international financial center and an important aviation center. After independence, Singapore's economic development is remarkable, and it is known as one of the four little dragons in Asia. Tourism is one of the pillar industries of Singapore economy.

Nationalities and clans

The population of Singapore is 3.1 million, of which 76% are Chinese, Malays account for about 15%, and the others are Indians, Pakistanis, Tamils in Sri Lanka and Westerners. With more than 4, people per square kilometer, it is one of the countries with the largest population density in the world.

English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil are the official languages, Malay is the national language, government agencies use English, and English is the administrative language. Most Singaporeans can use English and Chinese. Malays and Pakistanis mostly believe in Islam, Indians believe in Hinduism, and Chinese and Sri Lankans believe in Buddhism. In addition, some people believe in Christianity.

Transportation

Singapore is an aviation center in Southeast Asia connecting Europe, America and Oceania, with routes reaching 54 countries (regions) and 127 cities. There are direct flights to Singapore from China, such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Xiamen and Shenzhen. Singapore changi airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and one of the largest airports in Southeast Asia. Singapore has developed transportation and advanced facilities, with trains and buses to and from major cities in Malaysia and Thailand. The long-distance bus terminal is located in Xinqiao Road, and there are several buses to Kuala Lumpur, Guan Dan and Malacca every day.

Subway

Subway is the most convenient means of transportation in Singapore. The subway is 67 kilometers long and has 42 stations, which are divided into two lines: the north-south line from Haibin Bay to Yishun and the east-west line from Brazil to Wenli. There are clearly marked road maps and instructions in each subway station. It is best to determine the fare and location before taking the subway. The north-south line is represented by "n", yellow indicates the northbound line and red indicates the southbound line; The east-west line is indicated by "W", green indicates eastbound line, and blue indicates westbound line; The downtown area is indicated by "c". To check the station name, just remember the color and number.

The operation of the subway station is fully automated, with computer-controlled ticket vending machines, passenger entrance and exit gates, etc. Put coins in front of the ticket vending machine and press the button to pay the fare at the same time. If there is any balance, the machine will automatically change the money and pay the ticket. There is a time limit for subway tickets. If you stay in the gate for more than half an hour, the tickets will be automatically invalidated, and passengers can no longer pass through the computer gate. If you want to come out, you must make up another ticket. The subway runs from 6 am to 12 pm.

Festivals

There are four calendars printed on the Singaporean calendar: Gregorian calendar, China lunar calendar, Indian calendar and Malay calendar, and there are many festivals according to various calendars. While preserving the traditional cultures of all ethnic groups, the Singapore government encourages people to unify the evolution of national cultural customs in Singapore.

The main festivals are New Year, Indian Harvest Festival, Singapore River Raft Race, Indian Dabensen Festival, Islamic Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, Good Friday, Hazi Festival, Vesak Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Singapore Food Festival, National Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, Monkey King's Birthday, Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival, Indian festival of lights, Indian Nine Nights Festival, Nine Emperors' Celebration and Indian Festival.

Diet

Singaporean catering brings together local flavors and delicacies from all over the world, including Chinese food, malaysian cuisine, Thai food, Indonesian food, Indian food, western food and fast food. Due to historical reasons, Singapore has integrated the cooking characteristics of Malays and Chinese in terms of eating styles and habits, among which the most representative dish is "Nyonya Food". Nyonya refers to Chinese women who used to live in Singapore, Malacca and Penang. As far as taste is concerned, Nyonya food is one of the most special and exquisite traditional delicacies.

tourists who consume in restaurants and hotels have to pay 1% service charge, 3% government tax and 1% sightseeing tax. suburban restaurants or snack bars don't charge service charges and tips, and market food stalls don't have to pay extra tips. For the sake of public health, all air-conditioned restaurants will stop smoking.

Shopping

Singapore is rich in goods, with a wide range of goods from all over the world, ranging from classical and exquisite oriental handicrafts, fashionable European high-end fashion and leather products to advanced high-tech electronic equipment. The distinctive commodities in Singapore market mainly include Malay batik cloth, jewelry, antiques, ceramics, jade, calligraphy and painting, etc. The price level in Singapore is relatively high.

currency

the currency is Singapore dollar (S$), and 1 yuan is equal to 1 points. The face value of banknotes is 1 yuan, 2 yuan, 5 yuan, 1 yuan, 2 yuan, 5 yuan, 1 yuan, 5 yuan and 1, yuan; Coins have 1 cent, 5 cents, 1 cents, 2 cents, 5 cents and 1 cents.

Time difference

It is 8 hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time and the same as Beijing Time.

Singaporeans' hard-working, persistent and goal-oriented working attitude has won many top honors for Singapore, such as the world's number one airline (Singapore Airlines), the world's busiest port and transshipment port, the world's first night safari park, the world's highest artificial waterfall, the highest hotel-Swiss Hotel Stanford in Singapore, and the world's largest fountain-the fountain of wealth in Suntec City.

Singapore is not only the third largest oil refining center in the world, but also an important material distribution center. The main trading products are tin, rubber, coconut, oil, rice, wood, jute, spices and coffee. Singapore is also a financial center where the world's major banks gather, including Bank of America, ABN Amro, Deutsche Bank, Bank of Tokyo, etc., all of which use advanced communication equipment to contact commodity, stock and foreign exchange trading centers in Singapore and around the world.

Singapore is a small, beautiful, clean and green garden city with shady trees on both sides of its roads and small gardens and lawns everywhere. There are all kinds of flowers in Singapore, among which orchids, the national flower, are the most famous. These carefully cared orchids are bright in color and fragrant. The bougainvillea is full of streets and lanes, and even ugly telephone poles are entangled and decorated. The bright red or lavender flowers are attached to the freely extending branches and gently sway in the breeze, and can be opened everywhere even without artificial care.

Singapore is a famous free trade port, with world-class commodities. At the same time, as the center of Southeast Asia, there are countless commodities with local characteristics. The rich commodities and good shopping environment attract tourists from all over the world. There are both high-end shopping centers and antique old shops here; There are not only world famous brands, but also dazzling small commodities, which makes people dizzying.

Magic Merlion

At the mouth of the river in Singapore, under the Anderson Bridge, stands a ivory stone statue of "the lion's head and the fish's tail", which is the symbol and symbol of Singapore. Merlion was born in 1972 by Singaporean artist Lin Langxin, and has stood quietly at the mouth of the Singapore River for 3 years, guarding the ships coming and going at sea ...

Singapore is the capital of Singapore, located at the southern tip of Singapore Island, 136.8km south of the equator, with an area of about 98km2, accounting for about 1/6 of the island. Singapore is the national political, economic and cultural center, known as the "garden city", one of the largest ports in the world and an important international financial center. Singapore has a gentle terrain, with the highest point at 166 meters above sea level.

The downtown area of Singapore is located on the north and south banks of the estuary of Singapore, with a total length of 5 kilometers and a width of 1.5 kilometers from east to west. The south bank is a bustling business district with high-rise buildings surrounded by green trees. The north shore is an administrative area where flowers, trees and buildings crisscross, and the environment is elegant and quiet. Malay street is also in this area.

Singapore's urban roads are wide, with leafy street trees and various flowers planted on both sides of the sidewalks, and lawns and flower beds are mixed with small parks, making the city clean and tidy. On the bridge, climbing plants are planted on the fence, and colorful flowerpots are placed on the balcony of the house. With more than 2, kinds of higher plants, Singapore is known as the "Garden City of the World" and the "Health Model" of Southeast Asia.

Country Name: The Republic of Singapore

Country Name Origin: Singapore is a city country, which originally means the Lion City. According to Malay historical records, around 115 A.D., the prince of the kingdom of Srivastava, Sumatra, arrived on the island by boat and saw a black beast, which the locals told him was a lion, hence the name of "Lion City". Singapore is the homonym of the Sanskrit "Lion City". Because local residents are deeply influenced by Indian culture, they like to use Sanskrit as a place name. Lions are brave and vigorous, so it is natural to use them as place names. In the past, many overseas Chinese called it "Xila", which means "Strait" in Malay, and some called it Sin Chau and Sing Tao because of its small size.

Independence Day: August 9th (1965)

National flag: It consists of two equal horizontal rectangles, with the ratio of length to width of 3∶2. There is a white crescent moon and five white five-pointed stars in the upper left corner. Red represents human equality, and white symbolizes purity and virtue; The new moon symbolizes the country, and the five stars represent the country's idea of building democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. The combination of the new moon and the five stars is close and orderly, symbolizing the spirit of unity and mutual assistance of the people of Singapore.

national emblem: it is composed of a coat of arms, a lion and a tiger. The red shield is inlaid with a white crescent moon and a five-pointed star, which have the same meaning as the national flag. On the left side of the Red Shield is a lion, which is a symbol of Singapore, which means "Lion City" in Malay. On the right is a tiger, which symbolizes the historical connection between Singapore and Malaysia. Below the red shield are golden palm branches and leaves, and the blue ribbon at the bottom reads "Go ahead, Singapore!" in Malay.

National anthem: Go ahead, Singapore

National flower: Hu Jihua named Zhuo Jin Wan Dailan is the national flower. Southeast Asia generally calls orchids Hu Jihua. Zhuo Jin Wan Dailan is cultivated by Ms. Zhuo Jin, with beautiful and dignified flowers and strong vitality, which symbolizes the temperament of Singaporeans and the spirit of hard work and courageous struggle.

State dignitaries: Senior Minister lee kuan yew, who served as Prime Minister for a long time after Singapore's independence in 1965, resigned as Prime Minister in November 199 and became Senior Minister of the Cabinet; Prime Minister goh chok tong, who became prime minister in November 199; Lee Hsien Loong, the current Prime Minister, was sworn in as the third Prime Minister of Singapore on August 12, 24. He was elected as the new Secretary General of the People's Action Party in December, re-elected as Prime Minister of Singapore in May 26 and sworn in on May 3. President s.r. nathan was elected President of Singapore on August 18th, 1999, formally sworn in on September 1st, and was re-elected in September 25.

Important festivals: Chinese New Year: Lunar New Year in January or February every year; Mid-Autumn Festival: August 15th of the lunar calendar; Eid al-Fitr: when the new moon appears in Muharram October; Tamil New Year: April and May; Dabaosen Festival: January and February in the Tamil calendar; Fire Festival: October and November. Vesak Day: the full moon in May; Christmas Day: December 25th; Easter: the Sunday after the full moon on March 21st.

Physical geography: Located in Southeast Asia, it is a tropical island city at the southernmost tip of Malay Peninsula. Covering an area of 647.5 square kilometers, it is adjacent to Malaysia across the Johor Strait in the north, connected with Johor Bahru in Malaysia by a long embankment, and facing Indonesia across the Singapore Strait in the south. Located at the entrance and exit of the Straits of Malacca, the shipping artery between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, it consists of more than 5 islands, and Singapore Island accounts for 91.6% of the national area. It has a tropical maritime climate with high temperature and rainy all the year round, with an average annual temperature of 24-27℃.

population: 3,217,5 (June 1999), of which 77.2% are Chinese; Malays account for 14.1%; Indians account for 7.4%, and the rest are Pakistanis and Sri Lankans. Malay, English, Chinese and Tamil are the official languages. The national language is Malay. English is the administrative language. No state religion. Chinese and Sri Lankans mostly believe in Buddhism, Malays and Pakistanis believe in Islam, and Indians believe in Hinduism. There are also people who believe in Christianity.

brief history: Temasek in ancient times. Founded in the 8th century, it belongs to the late Sri Lankan dynasty in Indonesia. It was a part of the kingdom of Johor in Malaya from the 18th century to the early 19th century. In 1819, an Englishman named Stanford Raffles arrived in New Zealand.