Singapore was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles as a trading post for the British East India Company. It rapidly became a major port and trading hub, and in 1867 became a crown colony of the British Empire. Singapore remained under British rule until 1963 when it became part of the Federation of Malaysia. In 1965, Singapore seceded from Malaysia and became a fully independent state.
Singapore is a thriving city-state with a highly developed economy. It is a major financial, business, and transportation hub for the Asia-Pacific region. The country has a high standard of living and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to do business in the world.
Singapore is a multi-cultural society with a diverse population. The majority of the population is ethnic Chinese, but there are also significant Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities. English is the official language, but Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil are also widely spoken.
Singapore is a popular tourist destination. The country is home to a number of world-class attractions, including the Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Zoo, and the Universal Studios Singapore theme park. Singapore is also known for its shopping, food, and nightlife.
