Location
South-East Asia.
Area
697.1 sq km (269 sq miles).
Population
4.8 million (official figure 2009)
(Statistics Singapore: http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/keyind.html#demoind)
Population Density
6,814 per sq km.
Capital
Singapore City State.
Government
Republic. Gained full independence in 1965.
Language
English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.
English is used as the main language of communication.
Religion
Taoist, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim.
Time
GMT + 8.
Social Conventions
The shaking of hands is the usual form of greeting. Visitors are expected to remove their shoes upon entering a private home, a temple or a mosque. For private visits, a gift is usually appreciated and a company souvenir appropriate for business meetings.
The dress code in Singapore is generally informal, with smart casual attire required of most fine dining restaurants.
Laws relating to jaywalking, littering and the chewing of gum are strictly enforced. Littering and smoking in places where it is forbidden can lead to an immediate fine.
Electricity
220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plug fittings of the three-pin square type are in use. Many hotels have 110-volt outlets.
Public Holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period
| 2009 |
|
| 1 Jan |
New Year's Day.
|
| 26-28 Jan |
Chinese New Year. |
| 10 Apr |
Good Friday. |
| 1 May |
Labour Day |
| 2 May |
Vesak Day (Birth of the Buddha). |
| 9 Aug |
National Day. |
| 20 Sep |
Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan). |
| 17 Oct |
Deepavali. |
| 27 Nov |
Hari Raya Haji (Feast of the Sacrifice). |
| 25 Dec |
Christmas Day. |
| 2010 |
|
| 1 Jan |
New Year's Day.
|
| 26-28 Jan |
Chinese New Year. |
| 10 Apr |
Good Friday. |
| 1 May |
Labour Day |
| 2 May |
Vesak Day (Birth of the Buddha). |
| 9 Aug |
National Day. |
| 20 Sep |
Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan). |
| 17 Oct |
Deepavali. |
| 27 Nov |
Hari Raya Haji (Feast of the Sacrifice). |
| 25 Dec |
Christmas Day. |
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