Singapore is a small city-state located in Southeast Asia. It is an island country made up of 63 islands, with the main island being the largest and most populated. The country has a total land area of 728.3 square kilometers (281.2 square miles) and a population of approximately 5.7 million people.

Singapore is known for its highly developed economy, modern infrastructure, and cultural diversity. The country has a highly developed financial and commercial center, and is home to the world-renowned Marina Bay Sands integrated resort, which includes a luxury hotel, casino, shopping center, and entertainment complex. The country is also a major hub for international shipping and trade.

Singapore is also known for its strict laws and regulations, including a ban on chewing gum and restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. However, the country is also recognized for its clean streets, low crime rate, and efficient public transportation system.

The country is home to a diverse population, with a mix of ethnic Chinese, Malays, and Indians, as well as a significant number of expatriates from around the world. The official languages of Singapore are English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil, and the country has a rich cultural heritage that includes Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European influences.

Tourism is also a significant industry in Singapore, with attractions such as the Singapore Zoo, Sentosa Island, and the Gardens by the Bay drawing millions of visitors each year. Additionally, the country is known for its world-class cuisine, including its famous hawker centers, where visitors can sample a variety of traditional Singaporean dishes.

Telephone Code
65

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 995; Fire: 995; Police: 999

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons - northeastern monsoon (December to March) and southwestern monsoon (June to September); inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms

Currency (Code)
Singapore dollars (SGD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages
English, Mandarin, other Chinese dialects, Malay, Tamil

Major Religions
Buddhist 31.1%, Christian 18.9%, Muslim 15.6%, Taoist 8.8%, Hindu 5%

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Marina Bay Sands; Gardens by the Bay; Singapore Botanic Gardens; Singapore Zoo; Orchard Road; Singapore Flyer; Jurong Bird Park; Raffles Hotel; Tooth Relic Temple; National Orchid Gardens

Major Sports
Soccer, badminton, rugby, cricket, swimming, basketball

Cultural Practices
Do not be surprised if gifts are initially refused. It is common to turn down a gift out of modesty up to three times.

Tipping Guidelines
Despite restaurants including a service charge, it is standard to tip 10%. Hand wait staff cash directly while thanking them for their service. Round up taxi fares. Tip bellhops 1-2 Singapore dollars per bag.

Souvenirs
Merlion-themed figurines, gold-plated orchid jewelry, Tiger Balm ointment, Peranakan Kebaya sarong garments, five-stones games, dolls in traditional costumes, handmade quilts, silk paintings, liquor, candy and teas

Traditional Cuisine
Hainanese Chicken Rice — boiled chicken tossed in chili-ginger-garlic-soy sauce on high heat and served with rice boiled in coconut milk

Geography
Area
total: 719 sq km
land: 709.2 sq km
water: 10 sq km

Climate
tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons - northeastern monsoon (December to March) and southwestern monsoon (June to September); inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms

Natural resources
fish, deepwater ports

People and Society
Population
5,975,383 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Chinese 74.2%, Malay 13.7%, Indian 8.9%, other 3.2% (2021 est.)

Languages
English (official) 48.3%, Mandarin (official) 29.9%, other Chinese dialects (includes Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, Hakka) 8.7%, Malay (official) 9.2%, Tamil (official) 2.5%, other 1.4%; note - data represent language most frequently spoken at home (2020 est.)

Religions
Buddhist 31.1%, Christian 18.9%, Muslim 15.6%, Taoist 8.8%, Hindu 5%, other 0.6%, none 20% (2020 est.)

Population growth rate
0.9% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary republic

Capital
name: Singapore

Economy
Economic overview
high-income, service-based Southeast Asian economy; renowned for financial markets and Asian Infrastructure Exchange; business-driven regulations; low unemployment; electronics, oil, and chemicals exporter; continuing education investment

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$578.254 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$106,000 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
poultry, eggs, vegetables, pork, duck meat, spinach, pig offals, bird eggs, pig fat, cabbages

Industries
electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, biomedical products, scientific instruments, telecommunication equipment, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction, entrepot trade

Exports
$733.782 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
China 15%, Hong Kong 13%, Malaysia 9%, United States 8%, Indonesia 7%, India 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
integrated circuits, refined petroleum, gold, gas turbines, packaged medicines (2019)

Imports
$609.28 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 16%, Malaysia 11%, United States 9%, Taiwan 7%, Japan 5%, Indonesia 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
integrated circuits, refined petroleum, crude petroleum, gold, gas turbines (2019)