This city-state is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations! Officially known as the Republic of Singapore, the country symbolizes a melting pot of culture and history and an extravaganza of culinary delights.
Singapore is one of the world’s most prosperous countries, a financial centre, and achievement in urban planning. To see why this city-state serves as a model for developing nations, check out these 50 fun facts about Singapore…
1. What exactly is Singapore?
Singapore is an island city-state in Asia.
Despite being a city-state, Singapore also includes more than 60 islets, although most of these are uninhabited.
2. It has famous neighbours.
Its nearest neighbours are Malaysia to the north and Indonesia to the east, south and west.
3. Want to spot it with a compass?
To explore this wonderful country and all that it has to offer, head for the coordinates of 1.3000° N, 103.8000° E.
4. Here’s its exact location.
The country is located 137 km (85 miles) north of the equator, and just south of Peninsular Malaysia. Singapore’s Strait in the south divides the island from Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago.
5. It’s small, but mighty.
Singapore is the smallest state in Southeast Asia occupying an area of 728 km², making it one of the 20 smallest countries in the world.
6. It is absolutely packed!
As of June 2024, Singapore’s population was 6.04 million. That makes Singapore one of the most densely populated countries in the world with more than 21,500 people per square mile!
7. It is its own capital!
As a city-state, Singapore is both the country and the capital.
8. Like monsoons?
Singaporeans enjoy a tropical climate with little temperature variation and two monsoon seasons; the northeastern monsoon season is from December to March, whilst the southwestern monsoon season runs from June to September.
9. Not actually that chilly…
The lowest temperature ever recorded in Singapore was 66.92°F on the January 31st 1934!
10. Scale the heights!
The tallest building in Singapore is the Tanjong Pagar Centre at 290 metres.
11. It’s not just buildings that are tall here.
The tallest indoor waterfall in the world is located in Singapore at the Gardens by the Bay, and it stands at a height of 35 metres.
12. Grab a bite!
The Complex Food Centre in Chinatown, with over 260 food stalls, is the largest seller centre in all of Singapore.
13. It’s in limited edition company!
There are only 3 city-states that exist in the world, and Singapore is one of them. The two others are Monaco and The Vatican.
14. Creatures come out at night – and you can see them all!
Singapore boasts the world’s first nocturnal zoo, where it is possible to go on night safari to fully immerse yourself in the world of nocturnal animals!
15. There’s an opulent fountain out here.
The Fountain of Wealth in Singapore is the largest fountain in the world and reportedly cost US$6 million!
16. There’s a reason why buildings aren’t generally that tall.
You are not allowed to build a structure higher than 280m in Singapore due to the low-flying air traffic.
The tallest natural point in Singapore, Bukit Timah Hill, is only 164 metres high.
17. All roads lead to Singapore!
There are over 3000 kilometres (1864 miles) of roads in Singapore.
18. It’s a multilingual country.
The official languages of Singapore are English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. A fifth local lingo, Singlish is also widely spoken by locals.
A total of 27 Singlish words have actually made it to the Oxford dictionary.
19. Take your time, but make your mind up!
Since 1905, Singapore has changed its time zones 6 times! Now, just to be in sync with Malaysia its time zone is GMT+8 even though it should be in the GMT +7.5 time zone.
20. It has a very interesting name.
The Palembang prince, Sang Nila Utama, thought he saw a lion on the island, hence the name Singapura, which means “lion city” in Sanskrit.
21. Head to the exchange and enjoy some cocktails!
If you hope to buy a Singapore Sling (an alcoholic cocktail) or a couple of jars of coconut jam whilst in Singapore, you’ll need to exchange your spending money for Singapore Dollars (SGD) – the official currency here.
This signature drink, the Singapore Sling was first served at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel in 1915.
22. Singapore is an honourable nation.
Singapore is the least corrupt city in Asia and the 5th least corrupt in the world.
23. Singapore values its armed forces.
Military service is mandatory for all men in Singapore for two years after finishing high school. And every year, servicemen need to return to train till they are 40 years of age.
24. Nearly 20% of people in Singapore are millionaires.
One out of every six people in Singapore has assets worth $1 million USD or more.
25. You probably won’t be able to take your own car here.
The Singapore government heavily discourages people having private vehicles. Car owners in Singapore have to pay a tax 1.5 times the value of the car to get their vehicles certified!
26. You’ll never forget the words!
Not sure what the words of the national anthem are? They can be found on the back of each S$1000 note!
27. Cuts down on sticky sidewalks!
Only those with a medical prescription can chew gum in Singapore, otherwise, it’s banned!
28. Free films and a flight? Off we go!
You can enjoy free movie screenings 24/7 at Singapore’s Changi Airport. Terminals 2 and 3 for 2D movies, and Terminal 4, for 4D cinema.
29. That’s some record-breaking nutrition.
The largest size of Yakult bottles in all of Southeast Asia can be found in Singapore.
30. Try and keep up!
Collectively, Singaporeans are the fastest walkers in the world, at a speed of about 6.15 km. per hour!
31. Singaporeans love Tintin!
There’s an official Tintin shop in Singapore’s Chinatown.
32. You’d better flush…
There is an actual law against not flushing the public toilet after using it in Singapore, and you will be fined 150 SGD if you get caught.
33. Trim those locks!
In the 1970s, the government imposed a ban on long hair for males, afraid of the growing hippie culture across the globe.
34. They go all out on entertainment here!
Standing 165 metres high, the Singapore Wheel is the second-highest in the world, losing first place ranking to ‘The High Roller‘ in Las Vegas, USA by only 2 metres!
35. A great way to give back.
There’s a National Tree Planting Day in Singapore. It’s officially celebrated on the November 7th.
36. However, you might have to brace yourself.
Beating is still a legal form of punishment in Singapore.
37. What on earth is a Merlion?
The mythical creature Merlion, the ambassador of Singapore, is a half lion and a half fish.
38. Gardening is a huge deal out here.
The first-ever park devoted exclusively to gardening is the HortPark in Singapore.
39. F1 made big steps here.
The Singapore Grand Prix Racing Circuit is not only the first one in all of Asia but also boasts of having held the first-ever F1 night race in 2008.
40. You’ll love boarding here.
The Changi Airport in Singapore has been voted as the World’s Best Airport … not once, but eight times in a row!
41. The shipping industry is all-encompassing.
The entire economy of Singapore is based on shipping, and everything from sand to freshwater is imported.
42. Many, many people own homes here.
The highest homeownership rate in the world is in Singapore at 92%!
Today, about 80% of the Singaporean population is living in government-subsidized houses.
43. They keep their armories stocked.
Singapore is the 5th largest arms importer in the entire world, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
44. Now that’s an umbrella!
Singapore has the biggest retractable dome in the world, with a diametre of 312 metres, and the ability to easily shelter 55,000 spectators from sun and rain.
45. They’re keen on cuisine.
On average, two new restaurants open every day in Singapore.
46. Singaporeans have a lot of freedoms.
Citizens of Singapore do not need a VISA to go to China, South Korea, North Korea, or the United States.
47. Always bin your trash!
Littering is a huge offence in Singapore. If found littering small items, you will have to pay 300 SGD as a fine.
48. Don’t talk about politics.
Certain topics are out of bounds for discussion in the public, and you will land in trouble if you choose to speak about them, like criticizing the government.
49. Singaporean film is yet to breakthrough.
The only Singaporean feature film to have been awarded the Camera d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival is Ilo Ilo, directed by Anthony Chen.
50. Here’s what they grow and export in Singapore.
Singapore grows fruit, copra, rubber, and orchids; they also rear poultry.
Its industry consists of chemicals, electronics, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, and financial services.
Singapore exports machinery and equipment, chemicals, consumer goods, and mineral fuels.
FAQs about Singapore
Is Singapore a city or a country?
It’s both! It is a city state, meaning that it is its own capital, too.
Is Singapore part of the UK?
No, but it was once a British colony.
Is Singapore nice to live in?
Many people enjoy living in Singapore because it is bright, colourful, and generally pleasant.
Do you know any fun facts about Singapore? Share them in the comments below!
