Singapore at a glance
The Republic of Singapore is a highly developed country considered to be the melting pot of Southeast Asia. Singapore has a pluralistic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious society that blend altogether harmoniously. Having been a former British territory, East and the West combine in terms of culture, lifestyle and businesses. While it is a relatively small island, nestled on the Malaysian peninsula near Indonesia, Singapore is an economic powerhouse. Singapore is a leading tourist destination in Asia with top attractions like the Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest Giant Observation wheel, and Sentosa “Asia’s favorite playground”. Malls are everywhere and all of the luxury American and European brands well represented. Singapore is renowned worldwide for offering expatriates an extraordinary quality of life, and consequently it is a favored destination for Westerners to live, work and/or retire.
People and Culture
While English is the most prevalent language in Singapore, the local variation “Singlish” , adds a pleasant flavor to conversation. With an estimated 4 four million people in population, the country is composed of Chinese, Malays, Indians and other Asians as well as the Westerners especially in the workforce.
Singaporeans are fun-loving but also quite courteous and generous. When riding the trains and subways, it is common to see youngsters giving up their seats for the elderly or pregnant. Singapore has gained notoriety for its cleanliness and order, aided by fairly strict laws against littering and chewing gum.
