Political Overview
Singapore is a sovereign city-state and parliamentary republic, governed under a framework established upon its independence in 1965. The People’s Action Party (PAP) has been the dominant political party since then, ensuring a high degree of policy continuity and political stability. The government operates through a unicameral legislature, the Parliament of Singapore, whose members are elected every five years. Singapore’s legal system is grounded in English common law, and the nation has built a reputation for strict rule of law, low corruption levels, and efficient public administration. These factors, together with a meritocratic civil service, have contributed to Singapore’s consistent top rankings in global competitiveness, ease of doing business, and human development indices.
Cultural Heritage and Identity
Despite its compact size, Singapore is a richly diverse tapestry of ethnicities, languages, and religions. The main communities Chinese, Malay, Indian, and others coexist harmoniously, each contributing distinct traditions to the national identity. Four official languages (English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil) reflect this multicultural ethos, with English serving as the lingua franca in government, business, and education. Cultural festivals such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, and Christmas are celebrated as public holidays, while hawker centres showcase Singapore’s famed food heritage, blending Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines. This syncretic environment fosters a shared sense of “Singaporean-ness,” even as various communities maintain their unique customs.
Geographical Landscape, Area, and Climate
Covering roughly 728.6 square kilometres, Singapore lies at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, strategically positioned along one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. The main island is surrounded by 63 smaller islets, with Jurong Island as its largest. The terrain is predominantly flat with a gently undulating central region, topped by Bukit Timah Hill at 163.63 metres the country’s highest point. Singapore experiences a tropical rainforest climate: uniformly hot and humid year-round, with temperatures typically between 25 °C and 31 °C. Rainfall is abundant, averaging about 2,340 mm annually, and there is no true dry season, though February and March are relatively drier. The monsoon cycles North-East (December to early March) and South-West (June to September) bring variations in wind patterns and precipitation.
