The English name of Singapore is derived from the Malay "Singapura" (singa = lion, pura = city) hence the customary reference to the nation as the Lion City. Lions probably never lived there - the beast seen by Sang Nila Utama, founder of ancient Singapore, who gave the city its name, was most likely a tiger...
Modern Singapore was founded as a trading post of the East India Company by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819 with permission from the Sultanate of Johor. The British obtained full sovereignty over the island in 1824 and Singapore became one of the British Straits Settlements in 1826. It became internally self-governing in 1959. Singapore united with other former British territories to form Malaysia in 1963 and became a fully independent state two years later after separation from Malaysia.
About 40 percent of Singapore's residents are foreigners, one of the highest percentage in the world. Foreign workers make up 80% of the construction industry and up to 50% in the service industry.
Singapore is one of only two cities with a protected reserve of primary rainforest within their boundaries (the other is Rio de Janeiro).
As a visitor to Singapore, you can get a refund of the 5 percent Goods & Services Tax (GST) you pay on purchases that you are taking home if you spend S$100 or more in a single estalishment.
The chewing gum ban in Singapore was enacted in 1992. It bans the import and sale of chewing gum in Singapore. This law was created because people disposed of gum incorrectly by sticking it under places like chairs or tables.
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Location:Singapore, Singapore
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