Is Singapore a Country?

An above view of the famous Gardens By the Bay in Singapore. Photo credit: Editorial credit: Fotos593 /

The identity of Singapore can be a bit confusing. Many people tend to get stuck as to whether Singapore is a country, a city, or an island. Interestingly, Singapore is all three. Singapore is actually a country-city-island, the only one of its kind in the world.

History of Singapore

Singapore was formerly a British colony. The British arrived in Singapore in as early as 1819 when the Raffles established themselves in the newly discovered island. However, it wasn't until 1826 when Singapore and other neighboring islands were declared to be British Colonies. The British dominated the country for approximately 144 years.

Singapore was merged with its neighbor Malaysia and became a Crown British Colony between 1946 and 1963. Before then, Singapore was under the Empire of Japan. It was after the Empire of Japan surrendered to the Allies at the end of World War II that the Island was brought under the control of Britain again. Singapore gained partial self-governance from the British Empire in 1955. Due to political and economic problems, on August 9, 1965, Singapore broke off from Malaysia, and formed the Republic of Singapore.

Geography of Singapore

The country of Singapore is located in Southeast Asia, off the southern tip of the Malaysian peninsular and on the eastern side of Indonesia.The country of Singapore is made up of over 60 islands and islets. The main and the most populated island, which also the capital city, is referred to as Singapore, or most precisely as Pulau Ujong.

The climate of Singapore is described as Tropical Rainforest. There are no distinct climates or diverse fluctuations in temperatures. This is simply because of its close proximity to the equator. It is located approximately 85 miles north of the equator. The temperatures of the country are generally warm. It averages to 31 degrees Celsius annually.

Government of Singapore

Singapore is a republic with a unicameral parliament. The government system is borrowed from the Westminster system. The executive powers of Singapore are vested on the cabinet, which is led by the prime minister, and president, who is not as dominant as the prime minister.

The president is a symbol of national unity. His or her presence is mostly ceremonial. The prime minister, who is in charge of the cabinet, is the head of the government. The role of the government officials and their limitations, together with the description of the government are outlined in the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore.


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