A Guide to The Culture and History of Singapore

The thought of Singapore will make you think of sky-high skyscrapers and amazing world-class boutiques. However, once you get past its front, you will understand that it is one of the most charming nations you can visit. Here you will find all you need to know about its culture, history, and some of its most interesting facts.

About Singapore

Singapore is an archipelago made up of more than 60 islands. It is located 85 miles from the equator in the southern part of Malaysia. This country is one of the busiest nations in the world. Once a colony of the British, it is now a member of the Commonwealth.

Singapore offers its tourists 4 nature reserves and around 300 parks, making it one of the greenest countries. Additionally, it also boasts a great mix of Eastern and Western cultures.

History

Singapore was initially described in China's historical records as the island at the end of the peninsula. It was called Temasek from 1298 to 1299 AD. Additionally, legends suggest that a royal prince caught a glimpse of an animal he had never seen before in Singapore, so he named it Singapura, which means the Lion City.

In the 19th century, the Lieutenant-Governor of Sumatra, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, visited Singapore and established a trading post. Due to its success, it attracted numerous immigrants from Malay, China, and India.

Singapore was ravaged during World War II when the Japanese attacked. In 1942, the British forces fell to the hands of the Japanese - an event known as the largest surrender of British forces in history. After Japan lost, Singapore was controlled by Britain once more.

In 1959, Lee Kuan Yew became the country's first prime minister. Singapore also joined Malaysia in 1963 alongside the neighbouring territories of Malaya, North Borneo, and Sarawak. However, Singapore became independent just two years later.

Economy

Singapore was one of the most successful trading posts of the British empire. Its economy also rapidly grew in the 1960s due to its many industries. Currently, Singapore is known as one of the strongest economies in Southeast Asia.

Culture

Singapore boasts a diverse culture which is a result of its history of migration. Some of its major groups include the Chinese, which makes up three-fourths of its total population, Malays, and Indians.

Because of its diversity, people speak a wide range of languages including Tamil, Chinese, Malay, English, and Mandarin. In government and commerce, English is predominantly used. Furthermore, Chinese is taught in one-third of its schools.

Singapore also has an eclectic mix of religions which includes Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. Additionally, Christianity and Hinduism are common in the country.

Fun Facts About Singapore

Gum Ban

People who like chewing gum might want to skip visiting Singapore. This is because chewing gum has been banned for more than 25 years. However, there is an exemption for therapeutic and dental purposes. Additionally, people can only buy gum from doctors and pharmacists. Visiting tourists can only bring two packs of gum in the country.

The ban on gum was used to make the country cleaner. Aside from chewing gum, littering, graffiti, urinating outside toilets, and expelling mucus from the nose are also banned.

Gardens by the Bay

Known as one of its top tourist destinations, Gardens by the Bay has achieved an iconic image not only in the country but around the world. In fact, it has been awarded the World Building of the Year award by the World Architecture Festival. You can find over 1,500,000 plants in Gardens by the Bay. Each solar-powered 'supertree' has over 163,000 plants.

Singapore is Buying Sand

You're probably no match for Singapore when it comes to love for the beach. The country has ignited controversies in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia because of buying too much sand. Furthermore, there have been many protests against Singapore after ships filled with sand left from Southeast Asian nations on their way toward Singapore.

Money

If you are curious about the national anthem of Singapore, you can just grab a $1000 bill. Singapore's bill has its national anthem written on its back.

Photo: SGD 1000 note (Source: https://aseanrecords.world/1000-note-singapore-the-only-note-that-has-national-anthem-lyrics-on-in-southeast-asia/)

Toilet

There's probably no other country that loves toilets more than Singapore. The country pioneered the formation of The World Toilet Organization in 2001, and also tabled the celebration of World Toilet Day in the UN. Now, it is celebrated in over 100 countries every November 19.

Photo: World Toilet Organization (Source: https://sensefullive.com/另類wto-（world-toilet-organization/)

Pulau Ubin

Singapore has a very interesting legend which suggests that the country was formed after an elephant, frog, and a pig had a bet on who could reach the shore of Johor first. When they all failed, these animals turned into a rock which formed the country of Singapore.

Fastest Pedestrian

Singaporeans have been hailed as the fastest pedestrians in the world. People here walk 30% faster compared to the 1990s.

Yakult

In Singapore, something awaits you aside from its skyscrapers - the biggest bottles of Yakult. It is also the only place in the world where you can get the apple, orange, and grape flavours of this cultured milk drink.

Photo: Different flavours of Yakult (Source: https://www.lazada.sg/products/yakult-assorted-cultured-milk-sg-i303620143.html)

Singapore's Zoos

If you love animals, you should visit the Singapore Zoo. This paradise is as big as 23 football fields and receives more than 1.7 million visitors annually. The zoo also has a night safari which is home to more than 2,500 animals. Here you will find night-blooming plants including orange blossoms and butterfly ginger.

Although it is small, Singapore is one of the most interesting countries to visit. This amazing country boasts more than its gorgeous skyline. Once you get past its picturesque and towering buildings, you will realize that it is one of the most captivating places filled with cultural experiences, possibilities for adventure, and breathtaking nature. Truly, the sky is the limit to what Singapore offers.