Singapore is located on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, which is in Southeast Asia. This is south of Johor, which is in Malaysia, and north of the Riau island chain that is part of Indonesia. In total, Singapore consists of 63 islands, leading north from the mouth of the Singapore River. The natural landscape of Singapore consists of tropical rain forests and can be found wherever urban landscapes have not been developed.
Before 1819, natives of the area occupied Singapore. Then, British explorers landed on the main island in the chain and colonized it. It instantly became a major trading post for Europe, and would be a strategic point during the world wars. During World War II, the Japanese seized control of Singapore, which was counted as one of the major losses for England in the war. Afterwards, it became a independent nation within Great Britain before it declared complete independence and joined as a city of Malaysia. Not long after, it seceded and became the independent city-state it is today.
Of all the nations in Southeast Asia, Singapore is officially the smallest in terms of total area. The size of the nation is 707.1 square kilometers, which equates to 270 square miles. The highest point in the geography of Singapore is Bukit Timah Hill, standing at 166 meters. Of all of the islands that make up Singapore, the largest are mainland Singapore, Sentosa, Jurong Island and Pulau Tekong.
Since it announced itself as an independent nation, Singapore has grown into an economic powerhouse and one of the most important nations in Asia. It is a member of both the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations, which makes it a major player in global politics. It has a focus on tourism and the manufacturing of electronics and petrochemicals. As a cultural center, Singapore offers traditional entertainment as well as international fares that attract travelers and help to spread Asian culture to those who visit.
Singapore features a parliamentary democracy, which was kept from the time when it was a colony of Great Britain. A prime minister and an appointed cabinet head it, but there is also a president. The president, however, is mainly a ceremonial figurehead with only minor powers to veto laws. The nation has its own military, which has been deployed mainly in humanitarian relief, but was created for defense. A national police force and civil defense force are also present.
