First Inhabitants of Singapore

Archaeological evidence indicates the earliest known inhabitants were the Orang Laut ("Sea People"), a maritime nomadic group present around 1000 BCE. They lived along coasts and rivers, engaging in fishing and trade.

By the 13th century, Malay settlers established the port city of Singapura (1299). Later, the Portuguese (1511) and British (1819) arrived. Singapore became independent in 1965.