Singapore

Singaporean cuisine is an example of diversity and cultural diffusion in Singapore, with a fusion of Chinese, Indian, Malay and Tamil influences.

In Singapore's hawker centres traditionally Malay hawker stalls selling halal food may serve halal versions of traditionally Tamil food.

Chinese food stalls may introduce indigenous Malay ingredients or techniques.

An annual arts festival is also organized by the National Arts Council that incorporates theatre arts, dance, music and visual arts, among other possibilities.

The architecture of Singapore is varied, reflecting the ethnic build-up of the country.

Singapore has several ethnic neighbourhoods, including Chinatown and Little India. These were formed under the Raffles Plan to segregate the immigrants. Historically, the demand for high-end buildings has been in and around the Central Business District (CBD).

After decades of development, the CBD has become an area with many tall office buildings. These buildings comprise the skyline along the coast of Marina Bay and Raffles Place.

No building in Singapore may be taller than 280 metres.

About Singapore

Country flag
Short Name
SGP
Capital
Singapore
Language
English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
Population
4,608,167
Area
707.1 km²
Calling Code
+65

National Olympic Committee

Country flag
NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
Singapore National Olympic Council
NOC President
Recognition Year
1948
Address
3 Stadium Drive, #01-02, Singapore 397630

Sports

The country has a strong love of sports, including football, cricket, swimming, badminton, basketball, rugby union, volleyball and table tennis.

In February of 2008 Singapore began hosting a race in the Formula One World Championship at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. It was the first night race in Formula One circuit.

The new Singapore Sports Hub will be opening in 2012, ready for when Singapore hosts the 27th Southeast Asia Games in 2013.

The new 55,000 capacity stadium features a tournament standard Aquatic Centre, a 400m warm up track, a multi-purpose indoor arena which is flexible in layout and 41,000 sq m of commercial space.

Along with the 27th Southeast Asia Games, Singapore has the honour of hosting the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010.

Climate

Having a tropical rainforest climate means that Singapore has little to distinguish its seasons, although June and July are the hottest months with the monsoon season occurring in November and December.

The country sees high humidity (90% in the morning and 60% in the afternoon), plentiful rain and temperatures range from 22 °C to 34 °C throughout the year.

It has been known for the humidity levels to reach 100% during the heavier, more prolonged rains.

Religion

Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%, Hindu 4%, Catholic 4.8%, other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none 14.8%

Culture

Singaporean cuisine is an example of diversity and cultural diffusion in Singapore, with a fusion of Chinese, Indian, Malay and Tamil influences.

In Singapore's hawker centres traditionally Malay hawker stalls selling halal food may serve halal versions of traditionally Tamil food.

Chinese food stalls may introduce indigenous Malay ingredients or techniques.

An annual arts festival is also organized by the National Arts Council that incorporates theatre arts, dance, music and visual arts, among other possibilities.

The architecture of Singapore is varied, reflecting the ethnic build-up of the country.

Singapore has several ethnic neighbourhoods, including Chinatown and Little India. These were formed under the Raffles Plan to segregate the immigrants. Historically, the demand for high-end buildings has been in and around the Central Business District (CBD).

After decades of development, the CBD has become an area with many tall office buildings. These buildings comprise the skyline along the coast of Marina Bay and Raffles Place.

No building in Singapore may be taller than 280 metres.