The Republic of Singapore is an autonomous state, which is a developed metropolis. It occupies islands concentrated in the region of the Malay Peninsula. The country's closest neighbors are Malaysia and Indonesia. The lands of the state are spread over the archipelago. It includes fifty tiny patches of land.

general information

Sentosa is the largest island. Singapore has an area of ​​over 580 square kilometers. Its maximum length is 42 km. Approximately half of the land belongs to parks, squares and forests. The landscape of Sentosa is flat, with minimal elevation changes. There are coral reefs in the southwestern tip of the island.

Scroll major islands Singapore:

• Ubin.
• Brani.
• Semakau.
• Tekong Besar.
• Sudong.
• Sentosa.
• Singapore.

The official languages ​​are Indian, Chinese and Malay. The latter was given the status of the state. Almost all the inhabitants of the archipelago speak English.

Administrative division

Singapore is divided into five equal districts. Each region is headed by an elected mayor. Its activities are overseen by the Community Development Board. Scroll administrative districts countries:

• Southwestern.
• Southeastern.
• Northwestern.
• Northeastern.
• Central.

The area of ​​the Southwestern District exceeds 210 square kilometers. The population of Singapore in this part of the state is 1,270,200 people. The density exceeds 6,000 inhabitants per km². The territory of the South-Eastern District is 103 km². The number of permanent residents is 952,280, the population density is 9,237 per km².

The lands of the Northwestern District extend over 107 km². The population of Singapore in the north of the country exceeds 764,920 people. Density - 7,128 per km². AT Northeastern District 1,007,216 islanders live. Its territory exceeds 151 km², the population density is 6,665 people per km². Central District occupies a site with an area of ​​142 km². It has 1,189,000 registered people and a density of 8,332 per km².

All of the districts listed are further divided into electoral communities, which are local municipalities. They are made up of districts.

Regions

In addition to districts, Singapore is divided into regions. Their boundaries are conditional. Descriptions of regions are used in the compilation of tourist and geographical directories, economic reports and statistical forecasts. The population of Singapore also uses this system of land gradation. List of regions of the country:

• Central.
• Oriental.
• Northern.
• Northeastern.
• West.

The total number of districts is 55. A similar system for dividing the country's territory was put into operation in 2000. Today it is used everywhere. It was compiled during the Singapore national census. AT Central region there are 22 municipalities. The largest is Bukit Merah. Its area exceeds 131 km². Population - 929,082 people.

There are 12 communities in the Western District, the largest of them is Jurong West. The area of ​​the province is 255 km². The population of Singapore in the west exceeds 893,000 inhabitants. There are seven municipalities in the Northeast. The leading district is Hogan. Its territory occupies 138 km², the number of islanders is 747,000. The eastern region is divided into six quarters. The Bedok area is considered the main one. Its area is 110 km². The population of Singapore in the east has nearly reached 700,000.

The northern region of the country is divided into eight communities, the main one being the Woodlands. The area of ​​the province exceeds 135 km², the population is 504,000. The largest is the Western Region. It includes a massive piece of land and many small islands.

Ethnic composition

On the territory of the countries of Southeast Asia, the republic is the smallest state. At the same time, the population density of Singapore is considered one of the highest. The first census of inhabitants on the islands was carried out in 1824. According to the information received, at that time about ten thousand people lived in the country. In 2003, this figure exceeded 4,600,000. In 2012, 5,310,000 inhabitants were registered on the territory of the state.

Migration flows have played a leading role throughout the history of the islands. Since ancient times, the city has attracted merchants and sailors. Most of the population of Singapore is represented by visitors from Asia. All of them are city dwellers, there are no peasants and farmers in Singapore. Europeans and representatives of other continental ethnic groups in the archipelago are in the minority.

Almost 80% are Chinese, 12% Malay, 7% Indian, 1% European and African. The demographic burden on the able-bodied population is minimal. The number of people of retirement age in the country is 7%. The group of people aged 15 to 64 exceeds 75%. The share of the young population of the country Singapore has reached a value of 17%.

Chinese diaspora

The first guests from the Celestial Empire who arrived on the islands of the republic were residents of its eastern province. They spoke in a special dialect. It was used in Fujian. Today, 42% of all people from China are represented by residents of this eastern province. The remaining ethnic groups speak various dialects of Chaozhou. Their number does not exceed 23%. Visitors from Guangdong account for 9%, descendants of the inhabitants of Hainan Island no more than 6%.

Malay diaspora

The current inhabitants of Singapore of Malay origin are considered the heirs of the fugitives who arrived from the Malacca Sultanate and Johor. They also migrated from the colonies of East India. A large number of the population of the city of Singapore sailed from Riau, from the islands of Sulawesi, Java, Sumatra. Some ethnographers rank the descendants of merchants from Arab countries among the indigenous Malays.

Indian diaspora

Under the Indians in the state understand the whole community of people who belong to different nationalities. These are Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans. The majority of Indians in the population of Singapore are Tamils, who are the heirs of migrants who left the lands of Sri Lanka. Malayali, Punjabis, Telugu and Bengalis are in the minority.

Demography

As of January 2018, Singapore's population was 5,892,211. The number of men is 2,970,256, which is more than 50%. There are slightly fewer females. There are 2,921,956 of them. In the first weeks of 2018, 1,463 children were born on the islands. Approximately 115 babies are born per day. Died 715 inhabitants of the country. 56 people die per day. Issued migration cards for 2,347 foreigners. Every day the state receives 180 migrants.

Over the past year, the population of the republic increased by 113,491 people. The annual growth was almost two percent. The natural return is considered positive. The death rate is below the birth rate. According to experts, in 2018 the population growth rate will exceed 300 people per day. The age pyramid of Singapore belongs to the regressive type. The high standard of living of the population in Singapore explains the gradual aging of the inhabitants of the archipelago.

The total dependency ratio in the country exceeds 29%. This figure is considered low. The potential replacement ratio tends to 18%. The pension burden is estimated at 12%. Demographers expect that the average life expectancy in the republic in 2018 will exceed 82 years. At the same time, the employment of the population of Singapore has almost reached a 100% level.

Able-bodied youth does not work. Persons over fifteen but under twenty-five are studying at colleges and universities. After completing the student life, almost all young specialists take on labor obligations. At the moment, the average life expectancy of women is 85 years. Men die at 80. Literacy has almost reached 97%. Every person over the age of fifteen speaks one language in which he can write and read.

National features

The desire for order is a hallmark of the people of Singapore. Tobacco smoking in public places is strictly prohibited. The amount of the fine in terms of our usual currency is 60,000 rubles. There are special places for smokers, which are located near shopping and business centers. You will also have to fork out for crossing the carriageway in the wrong place and for garbage left on the street. Guests of the city are encouraged to use the urns.

Chewing gum is banned in Singapore. For its use on the territory of the state, a fine of 18,000 rubles threatens. Main National holiday- Independence Day. It is celebrated in the first half of August. Singapore is recognized as a multi-religious state. Representatives of different concessions coexist on its territory. Freedom of religion is enshrined at the constitutional level.

Religion

Buddhists make up 42%, Muslims - 15%, Christians - 10%. The proportion of adherents of Taoism is above 8%. The number of Catholics tends to 5%. There are 4% of people who identify themselves as Hindus. At the same time, in Singapore, the church is not separated from public life. Every citizen of the republic pays a small tax, which goes to the development of religious institutions.

Almost all Chinese living in Singapore practice Buddhism. Indians and Malays associate themselves with Islam. Most often they adhere to the Sunni direction. The largest Muslim prayer house on the islands is the Sultan Hussein Mosque.

Its mosaic minarets rise at the intersection of North Bridge Road and Arab Street. Jews attend the synagogues of Maghain Abot or Chesed El. Christians in Singapore are Europeans or descendants of mixed marriages. The country even has Armenian church. It was erected at the beginning of the 19th century. Its building is under state protection.

Welfare of the population

Today, Singapore's per capita GDP exceeds most similar indicators in Southeast Asia. This is one of the most dynamically developing states. The average annual income of an ordinary citizen in 2000 before the transfer of funds to the pension and social funds was 42,000 US dollars (≈2,500,000 rubles). If the forecasts of analysts come true, then the inhabitants of the republic will become the wealthiest in the world in 2020. Their income will be $155,000 (≈8,700,000 rubles).

Already today there are more than 380 millionaires in the country. Plus, about 1,500 people have come close to this level. Five residents of Singapore have been recognized as billionaires. The average pension in the country exceeds 15,000 rubles. The minimum retirement age for men is 65, and for women - 60. As such, there is no minimum wage in the state. There are no maximum payout limits. In a year, the president of Singapore receives five times more than the head of the United States of America.

The average islander is five times richer than the average citizen Russian Federation. The difference between the salary of a surgeon and a waiter in the archipelago is ten times. The cost of living in the republic is one of the highest in the world.

The country has an extremely high level of medical care. Every year, about 400 thousand tourists visit Singapore (including 9.8 thousand from Russia), who indicated medical care as the main reason for visiting the country. Undoubtedly, factors such as convenience, safety, cleanliness of the environment, combined with world standards in the field of healthcare and high quality services are helping to make Singapore a leading medical tourism destination.

Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia, consisting of the main island, the islands of Pulau Ubin, Pulau Tekong, Sentosa and more than 60 tiny islands. The island of Singapore is separated from the Malay Peninsula by the narrow Strait of Johor (about 1 km wide), in the northern part it connects with Malaysia by a dam along which a highway passes. In the south, it is separated from Indonesia by the Singapore Strait, which connects the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. total area countries 692.7 sq. km.

The urban zone makes up almost 50% of its territory, while parklands, reserves, plantations and open military zones occupy 40%. The distance from west to east on the island of Singapore is 42 km, and from north to south - 23 km. Although there are built-up, high-density areas on all islands, the main urban area is located in the south, on the banks of the Singapore River. The central business district is located in the southern part of the delta. Chinatown joins the Central Business District from the south. North of the Singapore River is a colonial area that has many reminders of British rule. Further north are Little India and Arab Street. Garden Street (Orchard Street) runs northwest of the colonial district.

To the west of the island is Jurong, an industrial area with many interesting tourist attractions. To the east are some of the oldest residential areas, big beach with park and international Airport. The northeast has the most residential buildings, while the north central part of the island has the most undeveloped land and the remnants of rainforest. A 1 km causeway connects Singapore with Johor Bahru in Malaysia; in the west of the island, another causeway was built to facilitate communication between countries. The relief of the island is flat with low hills (the highest point of the country is the "mountain" Bukit-Timan, 166 m). In the northeastern part of the island large areas wet evergreen forests and swamps were drained and given over to agricultural areas (arable land occupies only 1.64% of the island's area), water reservoirs and urban development. The northern and northwestern regions remain the last untouched islands of equatorial vegetation, but most of them are cultivated and used as a garden and park area. New lands are being intensively developed for industrial facilities and urban areas, but at the same time, most of the land is reclaimed from the sea - long dams are being built, soil is being dumped and the island is being expanded through the construction of floating structures.

The remaining islands of the country rise above the sea to a height of no more than 100 m and are occupied mainly by pockets of equatorial forests, wastelands and rock masses that are heavily eroded.

Despite the small size of the country, the protection of nature is given great attention here. For the most part, city parks and botanical gardens are engaged in the preservation of the natural environment. But feature The country can also be considered the fact that almost all the inhabitants of the island are involved in the protection of the few remaining untouched islands of wildlife.

Reserve Bukit Timan - the largest area of ​​untouched rainforest, left over from a huge green massif that once covered almost the entire island. There are over 800 varieties of native plants in the park, including giant trees, ferns and flowering plants. There is also a large population of long-tailed macaques, lemurs, reticulated pythons, drongos and white-bellied sea eagles.

The Sungei-Buloh Nature Park lies on wetlands and is a wintering ground for migratory birds from all over the eastern part of the Asian continent.

A small country called Singapore is located in Southeast Asia, it is separated from Indonesia by the Singapore Strait, and from Malaysia by the Johor Strait. The total area of ​​the state is 719.1 km², and every year it is gradually increasing due to the state program of land reclamation, which has been operating since the 1960s. This small country is expanding its territory by reclaiming it from the sea using material made from recycled household waste.

The territory of Singapore is 63 islands, most of which are not inhabited. The main part of the country is the island of Pulau Ujong, which is shaped like a diamond. largest islands- Jurong Island, Pulau Tekong Island, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa. The highest point in Singapore is Bukit Timah hill, its height is 165 meters, and it consists of igneous rocks and granite.

About reservoirs

Singapore is not rich in natural lakes, they are not here at all, but there are artificial reservoirs - reservoirs. They were specially built to accumulate and store fresh water. However, artificial reservoirs are still not enough for the normal functioning and life of the city, which is why most of the fresh water has to be imported from neighboring countries - Malaysia and Indonesia.

The largest reservoirs are man-made reservoirs, the Singaporeans nicknamed their "lakes":

• Eco-lake (Eco-Lake) -
• Lake Jurong (Jurong Lake) - located near the Chinese garden (Chinese Garden) -
• Swan Lake is located in botanical gardens(Botanic Gardens)
• Symphony Lake - located in the Botanical Gardens, where the amphitheater stage is located -

Their "lakes" are located on the nearby islands of the country. Singapore is dominated by a wetland environment but has been harmoniously transformed into the Wetlands of the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. In the beginning. 20th century in the state opened Sembawang Hot Spring (Sembawang Hot Spring) is thermal springs, mineral water received from them have medicinal properties. When they were discovered, this place became a favorite for the inhabitants of the city. The Jurong waterfall, which is located in the bird park of the same name, has also become an attraction. This waterfall is recognized as the highest artificial waterfall in the world, its height reaches 30 meters.

Population of the country

The Republic of Singapore is the 2nd country in the world in terms of population density. According to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs: Population Division for 2016, the population of Singapore is more than 5.72 million people. The number of male and female population is practically the same (the male half is more by 0.8% than the female). The indigenous inhabitants of the island are the Malays. At the time of the founding of the British colony, trade developed rapidly, and quite a lot of immigrants from China, India, Europe and other countries settled on the island. Today, the main part of the population of Singapore is represented by the Chinese (76.7%), only 14% are Malays, 7.9% are Indians and 1.4% are Pakistanis, Sri Lankans and others.

In the 1960s, the state had a very high birth rate, so the government began to implement a strict birth control policy, which led to population figures being reduced by almost half. However, in order to prevent a shortage of labor resources and a deterioration in the country's age structure in the future, such a demographic policy has changed since the late 1980s. Since that time, the government has set the task of stimulating the birth rate, applying measures to increase it selectively.

The birth rate in 2015 was 8.95 per 1,000 people (women give birth mostly at the age of 30-34, with a small margin of age 25-29). The mortality rate in 2015 was 4.75 (people die mostly at the age of 40-60 years). It can be seen that the birth rate in the country is still twice as high as the death rate. According to World Organization health care life expectancy in the country for 2016 is 83 years: 80 years for men, 85 years for women.

What language do they speak?

However, Singapore is a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural country, so there are 4 state languages ​​here: English (now it is the main one), Chinese, Malay and Tamil. When the country gained independence, the government of Singapore began to use English everywhere. So, almost all newspapers, magazines, ads are published only in English and Chinese. Wherever you are - in a cafe, shop, theater, taxi or subway, hotel or just on the street - everywhere in Singapore they speak English (though each with his own accent, especially the Chinese). English is the language of instruction in schools and universities, the language of business and government. On the restaurant menu shopping malls, in the subway you will find inscriptions in both English and Malay, and also in Chinese (hieroglyphs). On TV, news, films and various programs are all either in English or in Chinese. However, Singaporean English is very different from British English. in English. Here it is called Singlish.

The state is located in the heart of Southeast Asia, near the island of Malacca, from which it is separated by the Strait of Johor. From all sides it is washed by the waters of the Singapore Strait and the Indian Ocean. The territory of the state is the island of Singapore and 58 small islands in the territorial waters.

The name of the country comes from the Sanskrit "sinha" - "lion" "puram" - "city".

Official name: Republic of Singapore

Capital:

The area of ​​the land: 692.7 sq. km

Total population: 5 million people

Administrative division: No.

Form of government: Parliamentary republic.

Head of State: The president.

Composition of the population: 77% - Chinese, 15% - Malays, 7% - Indians.

Official language: English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, Tamil

Religion: 30% - Buddhists, 20% - Christians, 18% profess Islam, 15% - Confucianism, 5% - Taoism.

Internet domain: .sg

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +65

Country barcode: 888

Climate

Singapore belongs to the tropical monsoon climate. The annual course of temperature is even, without clearly defined maxima and minima. The average monthly air temperature ranges from +25.7 in December to +27.5 in May. At the same time, during the daytime, the air warms up to +30:32, and at night it cools down to +20:23.

There is no dry season in Singapore. The amount of precipitation in any month exceeds 140 mm, and the most intense rains occur during the period from November to January. About 2500 mm of precipitation falls per year. Their maximum number (about 300 mm) occurs in December, the minimum (140 mm) - in June. Downpours fall unexpectedly, but also end quickly. Thunderstorms are frequent, the largest number occurs in May and averages 19 days per month.

The climate of Singapore is characterized by high humidity. In the morning, its value is about 90%, and by the middle of the day it decreases to 70-75%.

Geography

The city-state of Singapore is located on island of the same name and adjacent small islands. There are more than 50 islands in total, the largest among them is Sentosa Island. Singapore is separated from Malaysia by the Strait of Johor, through which a dam was built, and from Indonesia by the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

Singapore has an area of ​​581 sq. km. Its length from west to east is 42 km, and from north to south - 23 km. About 40% of the territory is occupied by park areas, reserves, plantations and forests. Almost half of the land has the status of residential, commercial and industrial value. The relief of the island is flat, there are no places exceeding 180 m in height. The coastal regions are low-lying, often marshy. The southwestern shores have coral reefs.

The Kalang and Singapore rivers flow through the island.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

Singapore's natural vegetation is tropical rainforest, but most of it has been cleared and given over to agriculture, water tanks and urban development. The northern and northwestern regions remain the last untouched islands of equatorial vegetation, but most of them are cultivated and used as a garden and park area.

Foci of forests have also been preserved on the islands. The largest area of ​​untouched forest is the Bukit Timan Nature Reserve, home to over 800 varieties of native plants, including giant trees, ferns and flowering plants.

Animal world

There is also a large population of long-tailed macaques, lemurs, reticulated pythons, drongos and white-bellied sea eagles. The Sungei-Buloh Nature Park, lying on wetlands, is a wintering ground for migratory birds from all over the eastern part of the Asian continent.

Attractions

Singapore is one of the most unusual cities in Asia. The largest trade center of the region and one of the main ports of Asia, it has attracted the attention of millions of visitors from all over the world since its foundation. Old colonial quarters and ultra-modern skyscrapers, temples and green parks, busy shopping streets and one of the largest seaports in the world - all this is concentrated here in a relatively small area, forming the unique aura of this city-state.

Banks and currency

Singapore dollar ( international designation- SGD, within the country - S $), equal to 100 cents. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 10,000 Singapore dollars, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1 dollar. Also, free circulation in the country has the Brunei dollar, equivalent to the Singaporean.

Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9.30-10.00 to 15.00, on Saturday - from 9.30-11.00 to 13.00. Many branches of large banks on Orchard Road are open on Sundays from 9.30 to 15.00. Exchange offices are located in most shopping centers, but they are open from 10.00-11.00 to 17.00, some - until 20.00-21.00. Therefore, you should worry about currency exchange in advance.

Foreign currency and traveler's checks can be exchanged at most banks and specialized exchange offices. The course is stable and practically the same everywhere. To avoid additional costs due to fluctuations in the exchange rate, it is recommended to take traveler's checks in pounds sterling with you.

Credit cards are the most widely used and are the main means of payment. Singapore even plans to switch in the near future when paying for goods and services only to non-cash means of payment. All establishments accept American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa, as well as local bank cards. ATMs can be found in all establishments, even in tiny cafes or private shops.

Useful information for tourists

Singapore - perfect place for recreation, with a well-developed entertainment industry, excellent climate and attractions. Life in Singapore is strictly regulated by strictly enforced laws that guarantee the safety and prosperity of tourism. Local residents have no right to neglect such an item of state income, because it gives the lion's share of the profits. Singapore is one of the few countries where the annual number of tourists exceeds the population.

To maintain the image of an exemplary state, the largest fines and severest penalties for violation of laws are provided here. Drug use and importation, for example, are punishable by death. For smoking in public places, throwing garbage on the ground, chewing gum collect astronomically large fines. All these rigor is more than paid off: Singapore is an absolutely clean and completely safe city.

Details about the country, climate, transport, currency, holidays, etc.

Singapore is an amazing island state, balancing on the verge between nature and man. On the one hand, a huge number of gardens and parks, on the other hand, more than half of the entire territory of the country is built up with ultra-modern skyscrapers. On one side, white beaches under palm trees, traditional tropical paradise, on the other hand - a modern tourist infrastructure, which many other countries in the region will envy.

Some will like the business districts, chic malls and entertainment center here, while others will be attracted by ethnic quarters, museums and excursions. Enough natural and historical sights are concentrated on a small territory of the country to occupy the most demanding guests during their vacation. Add to this the general order and cleanliness, the impeccable courtesy of the attendants and the service high class in hotels and restaurants, and you will understand why this city is so famous.

Geographical position of the country and climate

Singapore is a state located on islands (the largest one is of the same name, and about 50 small ones). Neighbouring countries- Malaysia and Indonesia. The size of Singapore is small: only 42 km long (from east to west) and 23 km wide (from north to south), while in fact half of the territory is occupied by residential and industrial complexes. The relief is monotonous, flat, not higher than 180 meters above sea level; coastal lands are swampy. The climate in Singapore is monsoonal tropical, so the monthly rainfall is high. From November to January there are the heaviest showers, and in May there are most often thunderstorms - up to 20 per month!

Fluctuations of the average daily temperature differ slightly in winter and summer: in December it is + 25, in May - +28. Day and night temperatures differ much more strongly: at night it is about 20-23 degrees of heat, in the daytime - up to 30-33.

State structure and population

Singapore is a parliamentary republic. The city-state is headed by a president (re-elected every 6 years); Legislative power is in the hands of parliament, executive power is in the hands of the government and the prime minister. In total, about 2.8 million people live in Singapore: 74% of them are Chinese, 14% are Malays, 7% are Indians, there are also Europeans and Arabs. The official languages ​​are English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil. Most of the country's inhabitants are bilingual and speak not only their native language, but also English.

Religion

Singapore has the most Buddhists, Confucianists and Muslims, there are also Christians (mostly Catholics).

Cities and resorts

Singapore. The city itself is considered a model of the most skillful urban planning, architectural monument built according to a thoughtful and beautiful plan. Here, modern buildings coexist with ethnic areas (for example, "Chinatown" or "Little India") and extensive parks - they occupy about 40 percent of the island's territory. From entertainment, you can recommend a visit to the local zoo, a cruise on the Singapore River or a trip on the Orient Express. This train runs every three months between Singapore and Bangkok - the length of the route is about 1200 km, the duration is three days; Excursions are offered at every stop for passengers. The interior decoration of the composition of elite woods, silk and bronze, excellent cuisine and high-class service, compartments, reminiscent of hotel rooms(with air conditioning, shower and toilet) - all this makes the trip as comfortable and memorable as possible.

Sentosa, or "Island of Tranquility". Sentosa is located south of Singapore, you can get there by bridge or ferry, and, most interestingly, by cable car. The first thing worth visiting here is the Sky Tower, an observation platform at an altitude of 135 meters, which offers a magnificent view of the island and its surroundings. Then you can choose an excursion for every taste:

• cycling and walking among tropical greenery (by the way, it is prohibited on Sentosa car traffic, but about 50 km of bicycle and pedestrian paths have been laid);
• visiting the aquarium Undersea world", which is an underwater tunnel with glass walls with a length of more than 80 meters;
• visiting museum expositions (there is a Maritime Museum, the Museum of Rare Stones and the Museum of Terracotta Warriors);
• a visit to the Asian village (this is a reconstruction of the dwellings of various Asian peoples, next to which are souvenir shops and cafes, as well as a cultural show for the guests of the village);
• sightseeing of Fort Siliso;
• visiting a variety of gardens and parks (there is a Park of insects and butterflies, a park of spices, a terrace of flowers, a garden of fountains).

Sentosa is also famous for its white sand beaches. If you want to soak up the sun, swim in the gentle sea or go in for water sports - luxury hotels, hotels of various levels and campsites are at your service.

Pulau Ubin. Gourmets come to this island: the main local attraction is the most colorful restaurants with sea ​​food in the Kelong fishing villages.

Semak. The only "garbage" island of its kind - tropical vegetation, animals and birds on the surface, and 63 million cubic meters of garbage at the base! Waste is placed in special cells, closed on top with a plastic membrane and covered with a layer of fertile soil. It is believed that this is an example of one of the most environmentally friendly and interesting ways to dispose of garbage on Earth.

southern islands. Supporters of "wild" outdoor recreation and adherents come here active species recreation. During the monsoon season on the islands good conditions for windsurfing and yachting.

Entertainment, attractions and excursions

beach holiday. The main resorts for lovers of the sea and the sun are the islands of Sentosa and Bintan. In addition to white sand beaches and warm clear waters, gardens and jungles, sports fields and golf courses, spas and wellness massages await you here.

Shopping. The best time in order to come to Singapore for shopping - the period from May to July. At this time, the "Great Singapore Sale" is taking place, a sale in all shopping malls during which discounts reach 80 percent! Among the brands participating in the sale are "Gucci", "Chanel", "Apple", "Sony".

The most popular products are textiles, electronics and electrical appliances, cosmetics, perfumes and ... orchids (it's not for nothing that Singapore is sometimes called the "paradise of golden orchids".

Excursion rest. The main attractions of interest to tourists are concentrated in Singapore itself and on Sentosa Island: parks, museums, observation decks and walking routes.

Currency

The monetary unit in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (equal to 100 cents). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Also, sometimes you can pay in euros or US dollars, but the exchange rate for the buyer will be unprofitable. You can exchange money at the airport, in banks, hotels, supermarkets and exchange offices that have a license for this.

Tipping in Singapore is not customary, especially in hotels and at the airport. In cafes and restaurants, a 10% service charge is sometimes included in the bill.

Office hours:

• banks are open: Monday-Friday (10:00 - 15:00) and Saturday (9:30 - 11:30);
• shops are open: Monday-Friday (10:00 - 21:00), on weekends - until 22:00.

Power supply: 220V, 50Hz.

Calling emergency services:

• ambulance, fire department - 995;
• police - 999.

Other useful phones:

• information for tourists - 330-04-31, 330-04-32;
• taxi - 250-07-00.

Precautionary measures

In light of the nationwide love of Singaporeans for order, the state has high fines for its violators:

• for smoking in public places - $1,000;
• for crossing the road in the wrong place - $ 500;
• for spitting on the sidewalk or trash thrown past the bin - $ 500;
• for the import and use of chewing gum - $ 300;
• for food and drink in unspecified places - $ 300;
• for a trip in a car with an unfastened seat belt - $ 120.

Features of the mentality

Singaporeans are polite and very pedantic in keeping order. In order not to offend someone, always stick to the queue (you buy a souvenir or wait for a taxi); and do not litter on the streets - locals trying to keep the city in a state of perfect cleanliness.

Visa and customs regulations

If you are visiting Singapore for up to 36 hours, you do not need a visa. On the more time stay visa is issued, for this you need:

• international passport (valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip);
• two photographs (size 3 by 4 cm);
• completed form;
• original tickets (fixed date).

The cost of a visa is about $35 plus a consular fee ($15), the processing time is 3-7 days. You cannot enter the country on a tourist visa for more than 2 weeks.

Currency is imported and exported duty-free. You can also import without duty:

• chocolate and other confectionery (up to SGD 50);
• 1 liter of alcohol of different strengths;
• 200 cigarettes;
• personal electronics (cameras, video cameras, radios).

It is forbidden to import: firecrackers, toys in the form of banknotes and coins, lighters in the form of weapons, meat and meat products, pornography. If you are importing chewing gum or chewing tobacco, be sure to notify the customs staff. For the importation of drugs - the death penalty.

Transport

The transport infrastructure of Singapore is well developed, besides, the traffic is organized in such a way that there are almost no traffic jams. To move around the country, you can use: metro (working hours - from 6:00 to 0:00), a system of elevated high-speed trains(with an interval of movement of 3-10 minutes), by bus or trolleybus. Local taxis are quite cheap and one of the most convenient ways to get around. The cars are air conditioned and most of the drivers speak English.

To rent a car, you need to have: a valid license, a driving experience of at least a year, be at least 21 years old, and also present a passport. Pleasure is expensive: from $ 200 per day for a car.

singapore cuisine

For gourmets, special tasting routes are held around the city. There really is something to try here, because Singaporean cuisine is a mixture of culinary traditions from all over the world. Among the numerous bars, restaurants and cafes, everyone will find an institution to their taste, because they offer such a wide "palette" of dishes that their eyes run wide. Indeed, in what other city, for example, European, Japanese, Indian and Mexican cuisine can coexist on the same street? Most popular dishes:

• chili crabs (fried crabs with garlic, soy sauce, tomato paste and red pepper);
• chicken with satay rice;
• fried noodles "me goreng";
• rojak salad.

Among the desserts, the most original is "ice kachang" - ice chips, poured with various syrups. Among drinks, Singaporeans prefer Chinese tea, gin cocktails with juice and cognac.

Holidays:

• New Year - January 1;
• Chinese New Year - January-February;
• The end of the Muslim fast in the month of Ramadan - the date is determined by the lunar calendar;
• Labor Day - 1 May;
• Buddha Festival, Vesak - 6 May 9 (may vary depending on the position of the moon);
• day of pilgrimage to Mecca - the date is determined by the lunar calendar;
• National Day - August 9;
• Divapali Festival of Lights - November 13 (may vary depending on the position of the moon);
• Christmas - 25 December.

Also in July, there is a food festival with carnival processions and cooking classes for everyone.

Hotels

approximate cost hotel rooms in Singapore for 1 night (for 1 person):

• hotel 3 *** - 160-240 dollars;
• hotel 4 **** - 240-350 dollars;
• hotel 5***** - 300-800 dollars.

When to go

You can come to Singapore at any time of the year, but you should consider two things: firstly, the rainy season, which lasts from November to February, and secondly, if you are interested in shopping, it is better to go here from May to July