Singapore

The Republic of Singapore (Simplified Chinese: ??????; Pinyin: X?nji?p? Gònghéguó, Malay: Republik Singapura; Tamil: ??????????? ????????), is an island city-state in Southeast Asia, situated on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, south of the Malaysian state of Johor and north of the Indonesian Riau Islands. Its coordinates are {{coor dm|1|17.583|N|103|51.333|E|region:SG_type:city(4425720)}}, just 137 km north of the Equator. The name Singapore was derived from Malay word singa (lion), which itself is derived from the Sanskrit word ???? siMha of the same meaning, and the Sanskrit word ??? pura (city) {{ref|sanskrit}}.

Related Topics:
Simplified Chinese - Pinyin - Malay - Tamil - Island - City-state - Southeast Asia - Malay Peninsula - Malaysian - Johor - Indonesian - Riau Islands - Equator - Sanskrit

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Established as a trading port by the British in the early 19th century, Singapore became a centre of British influence in Southeast Asia. Upon achieving independence from Malaysia in 1965, Singapore rapidly developed into a successful free-market economy with one of the highest GDP per capita gross domestic products in the world, and is a major finance, transport and medical hub in the region. Singapore has a low crime rate and has been consistently rated by Transparency International as one of the least corrupt countries in the world.

Related Topics:
British - 19th century - Malaysia - 1965 - Free-market economy - Gross domestic product - Transparency International

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Practices such as the ban of imports of chewing gum and heavy fines for littering, spitting, and not flushing of public toilets have led some to label Singapore a "nanny state". National service in Singapore is mandatory for all male citizens and male children of permanent residents. Even though it has not been engaged in any military conflict, the Singapore Armed Forces maintains a 100,000-strong active force and 350,000-strong reserve force. Singapore has relatively warm relations with Malaysia especially since the recent changes of leadership in both countries. However, disputes still exist over issues such as the sale of water and territorial claims over Pedra Branca.

Related Topics:
Ban of imports of chewing gum - Public toilet - Nanny state - National service - Singapore Armed Forces - Reserve - Malaysia - Pedra Branca

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