Facts of Singapore

Name: Republic of Singapore

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.