Background

Singapore is composed of one main island with a further 63 surrounding islets. The main island has a total land area of 682 square kilometres. Despite its small size, Singapore has grown over the last 150 years into a thriving centre for commerce and industry. It is one of the busiest ports in the world, and is one of world’s major oil refining, distribution, and shipbuilding centres. It has now also become one of the most important financial centres in Asia. The EU Economic Report of May 2003 gave the GDP of Singapore as S$161 billion (approximately £54 billion).

Singapore has a population of almost four million citizens, comprising 77% Chinese, 14% Malays, 8% Indians and 1% Eurasians and people of other descent. While Malay is the national language, there are four official languages in Singapore: English, Malay, Tamil, and Mandarin. Most Singaporeans are bilingual and speak English alongside their mother tongue. The language of business and education is English. Singapore has a diverse religious background. The main religions are Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism.

Singaporean citizens enjoy a high standard of living. In The Economist report of March 2002, the quality of life for Singaporeans surpassed that of both London and New York. Factors that were taken into consideration included, amongst other things, political stability, personal freedom, air pollution, the quality of the healthcare system, schools, restaurants and theatres.