Singapore is a rich city state in south-east Asia. Once a British colonial buying and selling publish, these days it’s a thriving international financial hub and described as one among Asia’s economic “tigers”. It’s additionally popular for its conservatism and strict native regulations and the country prides itself on its steadiness and security.
Chinese account for greater than 75% of Singapore’s multi-racial inhabitants, with Malays and Indians making up so much of the remainder.
Densely-populated, so much of its folks reside in public-housing tower blocks. Its industry-pushed economic system is closely supported through overseas staff. In 2013, the government forecast that by way of 2030, immigrants will make-up more than 50% of the population.
The People’s Action Celebration has dominated politics on account that the country declared independence from Malaysia in 1965. Issues equivalent to the rising price of residing, immigration and income inequality are best demanding situations dealing with the government.
See more us of a profiles – Profiles compiled via BBC Monitoring
KEY DETAILS
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Halimah Yacob used to be sworn in as Singapore’s first feminine president in 2017. As a member of the Muslim Malay minority, she is also the rustic’s first Malay leader in FORTY SEVEN years.
She was the only real contender while the two different potential applicants didn’t meet eligibility requirements. it’s the first time the presidency has been reserved for a specific ethnic staff, as authorities are looking for to foster unity in a multicultural society ruled by way of ethnic Chinese.
She was once the Speaker of parliament before taking on the in large part ceremonial put up of president.
Presidential applicants run as people as a result of Singapore’s head of state is supposed to be non-partisan.
Prime minister: Lee Hsien Loong
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The eldest son of Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew, Lee Hsien Loong has been in place of business on the grounds that August 2004.
A former army officer and Cambridge-educated mathematician, he adopted his father into politics in 1984 at the age of 32.
As high minister, Mr Lee has introduced insurance policies to construct a competitive economy, introducing new programmes to improve the training system, making an investment in analysis and building and transforming town-state.
Mr Lee has been concerned about an overly public feud along with his siblings over their father’s will.
MEDIA
As the media hub for south-east Asia, Singapore is a strategic centre for the region’s English-talking audience.
Its tightly-controlled media setting method self-censorship among journalists is common. There also are curbs on on-line content.
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TIMELINE
Some key dates in Singapore’s historical past:
Symbol copyright Getty Photographs Symbol caption British administrator Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles oversaw the status quo of Singapore
1819 – Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles establishes Singapore as a buying and selling post for the British East India Company.
1942 – Singapore falls to Japan all the way through 2D International Conflict. The island is renamed Syonan-to or “Light of the South Island” in Jap.
1945-46 – Jap forces surrender. Singapore turns into a British colony.
1959 – Singapore holds first normal election.
1963 – Singapore joins the Federation of Malaya, Sabah (North Borneo) and Sarawak within the Federation of Malaysia.
1965 – Publicizes independence from the Federation of Malaysia.
1990 – Singapore’s founding father Top Minister Lee Kuan Yew stands down after 31 years.
1993 – Singapore holds its first presidential election.
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