Singapore is truly a city like no other, a world of possibilities. With its friendly and welcoming people, state-of-the-art infrastructure and something new happening everyday, your stay will be a memorable mix-and-match of all the things you have always wanted to do.

Singapore, a dynamic city rich in contrast and color where you'll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. A bridge between the East and the West for centuries, Singapore, located in the heart of fascinating Southeast Asia, continues to embrace tradition and modernity today. Brimming with unbridled energy and bursting with exciting events, the city offers countless unique, memorable experiences waiting to be discovered. Come and enjoy countless fascinating experiences, and take away memories that are uniquely Singapore.

The Republic of Singapore is an independent nation in Southeast Asia. Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, separated only by the narrow Strait of Johor from the mainland, it is a prosperous nation whose people enjoy one of the highest standards of living in Asia. Singapore's resident population of over 4.2 million inhabitants is comprised of 77% Chinese, 14% Malay, 8% Indian and 1% others. Common languages English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. English is widely spoken.

Sitting just about 110 km (70 mi) north of the equator, the nation has a tropical, wet climate: hot, humid, and rainy with little seasonal change. Annual average temperatures range from a high 28 degrees C (82 degrees F) to a low 23 degrees C (73 degrees F).

The beginnings of Singapore are steeped in local Malay legend. The island is said to have received its name from a visiting Sumatran prince Sang Mila Utama (or Sri Tri Buana), ruler of Palembang, landed at Temasek one day while seeking shelter from a storm in the 14th century, who saw a fearsome creature - later identified to him as a lion - on his arrival.

Taking this as a good omen, the prince founded a new city on the spot, changing the name of the island from Temasek to Singapura. In Sanskrit, "singa" means lion and "pura" means city. Thus the Lion City was born, and today the symbol of the Merlion - a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish - is a reminder of Singapore's early connections to this legend and the seas.

Written accounts of the early history of Singapore are sketchy and the names used to refer to the place are varied. A Chinese account of the third century refers to Singapore as Pu-luo-chung, translating the Malay words Pulau Ujong that refers to it as the 'island at the end' of the peninsula.

The 1365 Javanese epic poem Negarakretagama identified a settlement called Tamasek, Water Town, on Singapore Island. Chinese trader, Wany Mayan, who visited Singapore around 1330 and referred to the settlement as Danmaxi, reported that there were also some Chinese livings on the island. The Sejarah Melayu or Malay Annals has the most colorful account of how Singapore got its present name.

During the 14th century, Singapore was caught in the struggle between Siam (now Thailand) and the Java-based Majapahit Empire for control over the Malay Peninsula. According to Sejarah Melayu, Singapore was defeated in one Majapahit attack. Later a prince of Palembang, Iskandar Shah, also known as Parameswara, killed the local chieftain and installed himself as the island's new ruler. Shortly after, he was driven out, either by the Siamese or by the Javanese forces of the Majapahit and fled north to Malacca where he founded the Malacca Sultanate. Singapore remained an important part of the Malacca Sultanate; it was the fief of admirals, including Hang Tuah.

In the early 15th century, Singapore was a Thai vassal state, but the Malacca Sultanate which Iskandar had founded quickly extended its authority over the island. After the Portuguese seizure of Malacca in 1511, the Malay admiral fled to Singapura and established a new capital at Johor Lama, keeping a port officer in Singapura. The Portuguese destroyed Johor Lama in 1587 and the subsequent obscurity of Singapura probably dates from 1613 when the Portuguese reported burning down a Malay outpost at the mouth of the river.

In 1819, Singapore was established as a trading station by Sir Stamford Raffles under an agreement between the British East India Company and the Sultan of Johor and the Malay ruler of the island. In 1824, Singapore was ceded in perpetuity to the East India Company by the Sultan.

During World War II, Singapore was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 to 1945. Following the surrender of Japan, Singapore was re-occupied by the Allied Forces.

In August 1958, the State of Singapore Act was passed in the United Kingdom Parliament providing for the establishment of the State of Singapore. Singapore achieved internal self-government on 3 June 1959. On 1 September 1962, 73 percent of the electorate voted in favour of merger with Malaysia. Singapore became a part of the Federation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963. The union was short-lived and Singapore separated from Malaysia on 9 August 1965 becoming a fully independent and sovereign nation.

Singapore became the 117th member of the United Nations on 21 September 1965. On 22 December 1965, the Constitution Amendment Act was passed under which the Head of State became the President and the State of Singapore became the Republic of Singapore.