History:

The name Singapore is derived from the word "Singapura" or "Lion City" as legend has it that a Sumatran prince sighted a beast that looked like a lion when he first set foot on the island in the 14th century. In the year 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles established a British trading station on this island. Singapore gained its independence as a sovereign and democratic nation on 9 August 1965.

It was admitted to both the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations in the same year. Every year, Singapore celebrates the 9th of August as its national day - the day when the whole island lights up in jubilation and patriotic fervor.

Geography:

The island of Singapore is situated off the southern extremity of the Malay Peninsula; a causeway carrying a road, railway and water pipe joins it. The Johor Strait between the island and mainland is about 1km 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.

National Symbols:

o The Merlion is the national symbol of Singapore. This mythical creature has the head of a lion and the body of a fish, symbolizing a 'marine lion', which hails from a water borne region. Legend has it that the "Singa" or lion represents the creature that a Sumatran prince had spotted which resembles a lion. The fish is tribute to Singapore's history as "Temasek", the ancient sea town. The contemporary name 'Singapore' has been derived from 'Singapura', which literally translates into lion city.

o Agnes Joaquim, an American lady, first discovered the national flower of Singapore, Vanda Miss Joaquim, in 1893. This orchid epitomizes Singapore's quest for progress and excellence in all aspects of life.

o The colors of the Singapore flag represent red for brotherhood and equality; white for purity and virtue. The crescent moon represents a young nation on the rise. The five stars stand for Singapore's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

o The Singapore Dollar (SGD) is the national currency of Singapore. All major international credit cards and traveler's cheques are accepted throughout the island

Time:

GMT/UTC+8

Electricity:

220-240V, 50 Hz

Country Code:

+65

Mobile Phone Network:

GSM 900, GSM 1800

Weights & Measures:

Metric with local variations

Singapore Public Holidays

1st January - New Year's Day
10th January - Hari Raya Haji
29th January - Chinese New Year
14th April - Good Friday
1st May - Labour Day
12th May - Vesak Day
9th August - National Day
21st October - Deepavali
24th October - Hari Raya Puasa
25th December - Christmas Day

Singapore Hotline

Emergency Ambulance	995
Non-emergency Ambulance	1777
FIRE	995
Police Emergency	999
Police Hotline	1800 - 2550000
Civil Defence	1800 - 2865555
SGH Hotline	1800 - 3213591
MOH Emergency	1800 - 3339999
AVA Hotline	1800 - 2262250
Blackout	1800 - 7788888
NEA Hotline	1800 - 2255632
Dengue Hotline	1800 - 9336483
Weather Hotline	65427788
Drugs & Poison (non-emergency)	64239119