Introduction to Singapore

Quick Overview

Singapore is a flat island separated from and connected to neighboring Malaysia by a causeway across a one-kilometer strait. It is also just a few kilometers from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Almost its entire territory is urbanized, with one of the highest population densities in the world, centered around the hill that occupies its center and is the country's highest point at 166 m.

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: at the tip of the Malay Peninsula facing Indonesia.

• Latitude/longitude: 1°22' N, 103°48' E.

• Local time: Heure : 12828

• Capital: Singapore.

• Nature of the state: parliamentary republic.

• Official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil.

• Currency: Singapore dollar.

• Population: 5,995,991 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 719 km².

• Density: 8,339 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Bukit Timah (166 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 193 km.

• Driving: on the left.

Tourism

Welcome to another world! The "city-island-country" of Singapore has nothing in common with the rest of the region, with its (ultra) modern, sanitized, and highly regulated style. That said, it still holds appeal, especially for urban tourism enthusiasts or those looking for a quiet break during a long journey across Southeast Asia.

Thanks to this, as well as its air hub that attracts huge numbers of travelers (and increasingly its role as a cruise stopover), the island-state welcomed 14.673 million visitors in 2018. Most came from Indonesia, China, Malaysia, India, Australia, or Japan. As for the French, 190,000 visited Singapore in 2018.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner travelers.

• By air: France-Singapore.

• Entry requirements: passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned arrival date.

• Currency to bring:

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks: very low in terms of health and safety.

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★; Adventure ⊘; Culture ★★; Relaxation-holidays ★.

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 9/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $94,100 (2017)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +0.6% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 2.2% (2017)

• Population below the poverty line: ()

• Life expectancy: 85.5 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: 13.1 (2017)

• Population growth: +1.79% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 97% (2016)

• Urban population: 100% (2019)

• Press freedom: 151/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: flawed democracy (66/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook