The geography of Singapore is quite interesting and unique. Partly for this reason, the country attracts a large number of tourists. After all, many would like to visit the island, enjoy the unique and unique landscapes, panoramic views of the water horizons.
Complex geography of Singapore
So the fate of the country was that geography of Singapore- these are 63 islands, which make up one integral country. Each island has its own special meaning. Interestingly, the highest point in the country Singapore located at a distance of 166 meters above sea level. Approximately 5-6% of Singapore's land is used as nature reserves. Previously, the islands had a lot of tropical forests, but recently their areas are rapidly decreasing due to the need to occupy territories for the construction of cities.
Singapore time
The country is located in a territory where the deviation of Greenwich Mean Time is 8 hours, or UTC / GMT +8 hours. Sometimes tourists who are not used to the change of time find it difficult to adapt. But this is not a big problem, travel is also very tiring, so the body quickly gets used to the change of scenery. Singapore time on this moment does not have a transition to the summer cycle, which further simplifies the situation for tourists.
Singapore climate
The country on the islands boasts the fact that summer reigns here all year round. Singapore climate very warm, but there is a lot of rainfall every year. Fluctuations in air temperature are not large. For example, the most low temperature- this is 20 degrees Celsius, which is very rare. And the highest is 36 degrees. The standard reading for thermometers is approximately 28-32 degrees Celsius.
Singapore weather
It is of great importance for the tourist. It is good that the country has many attractions, but it is even better when the weather conditions allow you to visit these places, take unforgettable photos, and also get a lot of pleasure from your stay in the country. That is why Singapore tourism is developing very actively.
Singapore nature
Very rich and unique. Here you can see and visit tropical forests, in many nature reserves. Do not forget that wide water horizons open up for tourists. This is what successful means. geography... From some islands you can see the neighboring land, and some are not so well located. But in any case, the views are very beautiful and exciting. Such a sight cannot be seen anywhere else.
The Republic of Singapore is a city-state located on an island in South-East Asia, separated from the southern tip of the Malacca Peninsula by the narrow Strait of Johor. It shares borders with the Sultanate of Johor, which is part of Malaysia and the Riau Islands, which is part of Indonesia. The name Singapore comes from the Malay singa (lion), borrowed from the Sanskrit siMha (lion), and the Sanskrit pura (city).
The area of Singapore is 710.2 square meters. km. (2008), incl. water - 10 km2. Coastline: 193 km .. The area is gradually increasing due to the land reclamation program in operation since the 60s. Territory includes main island Singapore and 58 small islands along its coast. The largest of them are Ubin, Tekong-Besar, Brani, Sentosa, Semakau and Sudong. The highest point is the Bukit Timakh hill (163.3 m).
Singapore occupies a rather insignificant area of the island of six hundred and fifty square kilometers, as well as sixty-three small islets at the southern tip of the Malacca Peninsula, from which the island of Singapore is separated by the kilometer-long Strait of Johor. Such a small width of the strait made it possible to build a bridge between the two banks. The Malacca and Singapore straits separate the island from the state of Indonesia.
Once upon a time, the island of Singapore was a continuous array of rainforest. But, unfortunately, not even half of this natural wealth has survived, only on the coast there are stunted evergreen thickets of mangrove trees, and in the northern part of the island, small areas of forest have been preserved, given for conservation for parks. The highest point of the island is the Bukit-Timakh low mountains with a maximum height of one hundred and sixty two meters above sea level. The central part of the island is characterized by the predominance of plains covered with light forests, and the eastern part is characterized by low hills.
Singapore is a parliamentary republic. Executive power belongs to the cabinet of ministers headed by the prime minister, the president plays a more representative role, but in some cases he can veto critical decisions.
Singapore has been politically dominated by the People's Action Party (PAP) since 1965. Critics have called Singapore a de facto one-party country and accused the PAP of crushing opposition. However, opposition parties such as the Labor Party and the Singapore Democratic Alliance are represented in parliament.) Reporters Without Borders ranks Singapore 140th in the Press Freedom Index for 167 countries.
Despite this, the Singapore government has established an extremely efficient and transparent market economic system... In addition, the government has a reputation for being honest and non-corrupt, with various researchers consistently ranking Singapore in the top ten least corrupt countries in the world and the highest in Asia for the absence of corruption (see Transparency International).
Singapore statistics
(as of 2012)
Singapore is part of such international organizations, like the Commonwealth of Nations, the UN and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Diplomatic relations with Russia (USSR) were concluded in 1968.
Singapore Island
the main island of the state - Singapore, makes up most of its territory. The island is home to most of the population of the state. Located 137 km from the equator. It is separated from the Malacca Peninsula by the Johor Strait just over 1 km wide. In the south, it is separated from Indonesia by the Singapore Strait, which connects Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. The island is 42 km long and 23 km wide. The area is 617.1 km2. Singapore is a flat island. Its highest point is Bukit Timah Hill (164 m), located among the preserved tropical forests of the state of Singapore. There are rivers flowing along the island: Singapore, which is 3 km long, Shangay Seletar, flows to the north, its length is 15 km. There is also the Kalang River. The city of Singapore is located in the south of the island. A large industrial center, the urban-type settlement Jurong, is located 15 km west of it.
Singapore is connected by two bridges to the Malacca Peninsula. Passes along them Railway and road transport is moving. In addition, there is international Airport Changi, as well as ferry connections with the neighboring Indonesian islands of Batam and Bintan.
Singapore climate
Singapore belongs to the tropical region monsoon climate... The annual temperature variation is even, without distinct maxima and minima. The average monthly air temperature ranges from +25.7 in December to +27.5 in May. At the same time, in the daytime, the air warms up to +30: 32, and at night it cools down to +20.
There is no dry season in Singapore. The amount of precipitation in any month exceeds 140 mm, and the most intense rainfall occurs in the period from November to January. About 2500 mm of precipitation falls annually. Their maximum number (about 300 mm) falls on December, the minimum (140 mm) - in June. Showers fall unexpectedly, but also end quickly. Thunderstorms are frequent, the largest number occurs in May and averages 19 days per month. The climate of Singapore is characterized by high humidity. In the morning hours, its value is about 90%, and by the middle of the day it decreases to 70-75%.
The city is located almost at the equator, so the temperature fluctuations in the climate are minimal. Average January temperature is 1 ° lower average temperature June (respectively, the coldest and hottest months). So climatic conditions stable throughout the year. That is, whenever you come to this country, the weather is always warm and humid. When during two months - from November to January - the northeast monsoon comes to the island, then you can expect torrential rains. Average annual quantity precipitation reaches one and a half thousand millimeters per year. One of the peculiarities of local torrential rains is that they start abruptly and unexpectedly and just like - suddenly - end. And just as quickly the warm sun shines again, as if there was no rain. The average daily air temperature reaches thirty degrees, dropping sharply to plus twenty-five. The moisture coefficient is high at seventy-five percent. The heat of the day is very easily tolerated thanks to the breezes constantly blowing from the sea - they bring long-awaited relief.
Flora and fauna
Singapore's natural vegetation is tropical rainforest, but much of it has been cleared away for agriculture, water reservoirs and urban development. The northern and northwestern regions remain the last untouched islands of equatorial vegetation, but most of them are cultivated and used as a garden and park zone. Forests also remain on the islands. The most large area Pristine forest is the Bukit-Timan Nature Reserve, where there are more than 800 varieties of native plants, including giant trees, ferns and flowering plants. It is also home to a large population of long-tailed macaques, lemurs, reticulated pythons, drongos and white-bellied sea eagles. The natural park Sungei-Bulokh, lying on wetlands, is a wintering place for migratory birds from all over the eastern part of the Asian continent.
Singapore Zoo, where animals are kept in natural conditions. Reserve "Bukit Tima" - 70 hectares of pristine rainforest, Jurong Bird Park, an area of 20 hectares, which is home to many tropical birds. Tourist island Sentosa with golf courses and other attractions.
Singapore is one of the largest international centers for ornamental fish export. The most important, dominant species in the export of ornamental fish in Singapore is the guppy (Poecilia reticulata), other important species are scalars (Pterophyllum scalare), mollienesia (Poecilia latipinna, P. sphenops), swordtails (Xiphophorus helleri), platies (X. maculatus), barbs, representatives of the haracin family and gourami.
According to legend, the first to set foot here was a prince from Sumatra, who saw a creature with a lion's head and a fish's tail. The settlement he founded was named "Lion City", and a temple was erected for the mythical animal. Residents of Singapore, honoring tradition, call their city "The City of the Lion and the Temple."
Population of Singapore
Singapore is the second most densely populated country in the world. The population of 4.987 million in 2009 (4.42 million in 2005) differs in distribution from neighboring Malaysia. The majority of the population is Chinese - 76.8%. Malays of various origins make up 13.9%. Immigrants from India make up 7.9%, most of whom are Tamils, to a lesser extent Malayali, Punjabis and Bengalis. Small groups are Arabs, Jews, Thais, Armenians, Japanese and Mestizos (Eurasians).
Singapore is a multi-religious country. 40% of the population is Buddhist. The majority of the Chinese population follow traditional beliefs that combine Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and ancient animism. Most Muslims are Malays, but other peoples also practice Islam. Christianity is held by 14% of the population; both Catholicism and other confessions, in particular Orthodoxy, are represented. After the serious ethnic conflicts that broke out in Singapore in the 1960s, the government began to carefully monitor national relations and proclaimed the principle of harmony, which is followed by the education, housing, army and other social spheres. Since the 1970s, conflicts have practically ceased. It is currently prohibited to wear Islamic headscarves in schools. In October 2005, an Internet user was sentenced to a month in prison for racist comments.
The national language is Malay for historical reasons, and the national anthem Majulah Singapura is sung in Malay. The official languages are English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Since independence, the administration has been actively using English. A large-scale “Speak Mandarin” campaign was carried out to unite all dialects Chinese... Many advertisements, newspapers and publications are printed in English and Chinese only.
Historically, Chinese immigrants are divided into several groups and use several dialects, so different that it is almost impossible to understand each other: these are Hokkien or Hok-kyen, Yue or Cantonese, Hokchu, Chaoshan, Hakka and Hainanese.
Introduced through schools English also acquired a street form - the so-called "Singlish", to which you can also add a mixed Malay-English language "Manglish". However, Singaporean literature and official institutions use normative English.
Singapore has a number of ethnic areas such as Little India ("Little India") and "Chinatown". The districts came about as a result of Raffles' plan to accommodate new immigrants through national ghettos. Now these areas have lost their former significance, but they remain cultural centers where national goods are sold and national restaurants operate.
The government monitors compliance with the principle of tolerance, including freedom of religion. There are several Hindu, Buddhist and Taoist temples in Singapore, as well as mosques and Christian churches. Unorthodox religious groups are also present.
The cosmopolitan focus of Singaporean culture has resulted in a variety of arts, music and theater. In 2003, the new Esplanade Theater (shaped like the local durian fruit) was built and opened in Singapore with a large number of venues for performances and performances.
Source - http://singapyr.ru/
http://ru.wikipedia.org/
Economic and geographical location
Singapore is a city-state, a republic in Southeast Asia, which includes several islets located in the southern part of the Malacca Peninsula and along the coast of Singapore. Most large islands: Pulau-Ujong, Tekong-Besar, Pulau-Ubin, Brani, Semakau, Sentosa, Sudong. The islands are both natural volcanic and artificial. From all sides, Singapore is washed by the waters of the South China Sea.
Singapore is connected to Malaysia by two artificial dams (in the west and north). Railways and motorways pass along them.
From the north, Singapore is separated by the Johor Strait from Malaysia, and from the south by the Singapore Strait from Indonesia.
The total area of the territory is 718.3 sq. km. Thanks to the state reclamation program, the area of Singapore is constantly increasing. Additional soils are purchased from neighboring states. Are expanding big islands or several small ones combine. Singapore is one of the twenty smallest countries in the world.
Most of the territory has a flat relief and rises no more than 15 m. In the northwest, valleys and hills of sedimentary rocks prevail. The highest point of the country is Bukit Timakh (163.3 m).
The country's largest bays are Marina Bay and Cruise Bay. Largest natural harbors: Sherangun Harbor and Capel Harbor. Large natural lagoons: East Coast Lagoon, East Lagoon, Dolphin Lagoon.
The Port of Singapore is a bunkering center for ships, the largest port in the world.
Air routes from Europe to Japan and Australia pass through the state. Singapore is an important link in the air and sea communications linking the Pacific coast of the United States and Canada with the Middle East, South Asia, east coast Africa. The country has convenient transport links with the countries of Southeast Asia.
Singapore is a major market for coconut, natural rubber, fruits, spices, coffee, timber, oil and tin.
Remark 1
Singapore occupies a favorable economic and geographical position, which served as a powerful impetus for the development of the country and its transformation into an international center of communication, trade and tourism.
Natural conditions
The climate is equatorial, without pronounced seasons. Differences in seasons are determined by the direction of the winds (monsoons), which determine the annual regime and the amount of precipitation.
On the territory of Singapore, during the year, a relatively constant temperature regime- + 26º С - + 28º С. The average temperature in January is 1 ºС lower than the average temperature in June. Temperature maximum - + 37.8 ° С, minimum - + 18.4 ° С.
The country has a constant high humidity (about 65-70%), due to the proximity to the sea. Average annual rainfall - up to 2400 mm - 170-250 mm per month. Rains are common. Most precipitation falls in November-February in the western regions of the country. Cloudiness significantly lowers the air temperature.
Weather conditions in eastern regions hotter and drier.
Monsoons are observed twice a year - rainy seasons:
- October to March (northeastern),
- June to September (southwestern).
October, April, May are transitional seasons, which are characterized by weak variable winds.
In the section between Malacca and Singapore in the Strait of Malacca during the southwest monsoon, there are powerful short storms (sumatra) in the form of squalls carrying heavy rainfall.
The water temperature in the South China Sea is kept at the level of 27 ° С - 29 ° С all year round.
Natural resources
There are no natural reservoirs, rivers, lakes in the country. Artificial canals and reservoirs have been created. The main sources of water replenishment are the use of precipitation, desalination sea water and wastewater filtration. The largest canals are Kallang (10 km), Serangun (8 km), Singapore (3 km), as well as Alexandra, Pelton, Jilang, Siglap, Rohor. The largest freshwater reservoirs are: Jurong Lake, Eco Lake, Swan Lake and Symphony Lake. Inside the parks and recreation areas, many reservoirs have been transformed into reservoir parks: Upper Pier, Lower Pier, Bedok, Upper Seletar, Lower Seletar.
Water bodies in Singapore also include:
- thermal springs Sembawang Hot Spring;
- the natural swamps of the Sungei Bulokh Nature Reserve, the confluence of three rivers, a nature park located on the coast in the northeastern region of Singapore; natural habitat of many reptiles and birds.
- A 30-meter artificially created waterfall in the Jurong Bird Park is a bird sanctuary, a habitat for the most beautiful birds from all over the planet.
Singapore has only construction mineral resources... There are small deposits of graphite. The country imports all other mineral raw materials.
Fish resources and seafood are significant.
Flora and fauna
Natural a tropical forest preserved in a small part of the territory (northern and northwestern regions) 5% of the land is nature reserves... Separate groups of evergreen mangrove thickets have survived on the coast. Forest centers are present on individual islands.
The high degree of economic activity and high population density have led to the extinction of many plant species.
Protected areas:
- Reserve Bukit-Timan is the most large area untouched forest. There are more than 800 plant species (ferns, flowering plants). The reserve is inhabited by lemurs, reticulated pythons, long-tailed macaques, drongos, white-bellied sea eagles.
- Sungei-Bulokh Park is a wintering place for migratory birds from the Asian continent (its eastern part).
- Buki Tima - Singapore Zoo, an area of pristine rainforest. Here animals are kept in natural conditions, in open enclosures. The animals are separated from visitors by glass barriers and ditches.
Ornamental fish are bred for export in Singapore. In particular demand are: guppies, scalars, mollienesia, swordtails, platies, barbs, gourami, representatives of the haracin family.
Capital
Time ahead of Moscow by 5 hours.
Square- 648 sq. km.
Population- 3 million 164 thousand people. The population density is 4884 people per 1 sq. km.
Ethnic groups
The indigenous inhabitants of the island are Malays. After founding British colony thanks to the development of trade, a large number of immigrants from Europe, China, India and other countries settled here.
Currently, 77.3% of the population are Chinese, 14.1% are Malays, 7.3% are Indians, 1.3% are Pakistanis, Sri Lankans and others.
National language
Official language- Malay; official languages- Chinese, Tamil, English, Mandarin.
National currency: Singapore dollar equal to 100 cents.
Religion: Buddhism - 29%, Christianity - 19%, Islam - 16%, Taoism - 13%.
Historical reference
The early history of Singapore is unknown. Javanese and Chinese chronicles until the end of the 14th century. the island was called Tumasik (from the Javanese "masek" - sea). It is believed that the city of Singapore was founded in 1299. It is known that in 1275 the island was attacked by the troops of the Javanese king Kertanagara, in 1349 - by the warships of Siam, in the 14th century. the island belonged to the Indonesian empire of Majapahit, and at the beginning of the 15th century. the king of the Thai state of Sukhothai bore the title of ruler of Singapore, Malacca and Malaya. In 1819, the island, which at that time belonged to the Sultan of Johor, passed to the English East India Company (secured by the treaty of 1824). In 1826, Singapore with Penang and the city of Malacca was united into the English colony of Straits Settlements. From the beginning of the 20th century. Singapore is a major center of the anti-imperialist struggle in Southeast Asia. In 1942-45, during World War II 1939-45, Singapore was occupied by Japanese troops. After the war, amid the collapse of the British colonial empire, the anti-imperialist movement has intensified in Singapore. Political parties emerged [People's Action Party (MHP), founded in 1954, and others], which demanded changes in the statute of Singapore. After the Anglo-Singaporean talks in 1956-58, Singapore in 1959 achieved the status of a "self-governing state" within the Commonwealth, headed by Great Britain; the decision of questions of defense, foreign relations and partly internal security remained with Great Britain. In 1959, the government of Singapore was formed, headed by the leader of the MHP (representing the interests of the moderate elements of the local bourgeoisie) Lee Kuan Yew. In 1963, Singapore joined the Federation of Malaysia. On August 9, 1965, due to contradictions between the government of Singapore and the federal government of Malaysia, Singapore withdrew from the Federation. In September 1965 he became a member of the UN. On December 22, 1965, Singapore was proclaimed a republic. Diplomatic relations between Singapore and the USSR were established on June 1, 1968. In the 1972 elections, the MHP won all the seats in parliament. The most significant opposition party, the Socialist Front (Barisan Sosialis, founded in 1961), has lost many supporters due to leftist mistakes, and its political role has diminished. The leading trade union organization is the National Congress of Trade Unions (founded in 1961), controlled by the PND.
Geographical position
The Republic of Singapore, a city-state in Southeast Asia, part of the Commonwealth led by Great Britain. The country's territory includes the small island of Singapore (42 km long and 23 km wide), as well as several neighboring islets located at the southern tip of the Malacca Peninsula.
Relief
Highest point The island of Singapore is considered to be the Bukit-Timah hill with a height of 162 m, overgrown with tropical forests. Central part the islands fill the plains and forests, and the eastern zone of low hills and valleys. The southeastern part of the island is mainly made up of plateaus. Singapore is linked to Peninsular Malaysia by a kilometer-long dam.
Minerals
Oil and natural gas on the shelf off the coast of the Malacca Peninsula. Tin is found in Singapore.
Inland waters
The island of Singapore is separated from the Malacca Peninsula by the Johor Strait, through which a dam is laid; The Straits of Malacca and Singapore separate it from the islands of Indonesia. The shores are low-lying, largely swampy, with estuary-type bays; along the southwestern shores there are coral reefs.
Climate
The climate of the territory is humid tropical, with high temperatures during the whole year. The average annual temperature is 26 ° C, and the temperature difference between the coldest (January) and the warmest (May) months does not exceed 1 ° C. The average annual precipitation is 2400 mm.
Vegetable world
In some places the territory is swampy and covered with tropical forests that previously occupied the entire island; off the coast there are mangroves.
Ferns and bamboos are unusually diverse on the island, and the abundance of orchids amazes.
Animal world
The fauna of Singapore, first of all, is distinguished by a variety of birds. From mammals monkeys and rare animals - lemurs live.
Zapovedniks and National parks
I strongly advise you to look under this link!
Zoo- the "open type" zoo with 2000 animals is very beautiful and has an international reputation.
Jurong bird park- Jurong Bird Park is located on 20 hectares with thousands of colorful birds.
Sentosa island- Sentosa Island - A fashionable amusement park for all ages.
Underwator world - Underwater world- Asia's largest tropical oceanarium.
Haw Par Villa Tiger Balm Gardens- Gardens of Hau Par Villa Tiger Balm - hundreds of statues of heroes of ancient Chinese mythology and legends have come to life with the help of electronic devices.
Tang Dynasty City- City of the Tang Dynasty - you can travel to China in the 7th century, during the reign of the Tang Dynasty - a cultural and historical theme park.
Botanic garden - Botanical gardens- for those who like to retire and merge with a beautiful tropical nature- spread over 52 hectares near the city center.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve- Bukit Tima Forest Reserve - a carefully protected lush virgin rainforest with an area of 81 hectares.
Add to this coastal parks and unspoiled natural belts and it becomes clear why Singapore is famous for its cleanliness, greenery, tropical environment.
Economy
Thanks to the important strategic location at the crossroads of sea routes between Europe, Asia and Australia, Singapore has become one of the leading shopping centers the world. In relation to other countries of Southeast Asia, it traditionally plays the role of a "marketplace" - goods produced in neighboring countries ah - for example, rubber and tin from Malaysia, rice from Thailand, which are then sent to other regions. At the same time, manufactured goods from the USA, Europe, Japan are brought here and distributed between neighboring countries. When these countries began to build seaports suitable for vessels with large draft, Singapore's importance as a reseller has diminished. To compensate for the losses, the country's government began to stimulate the development of its own industry, attracting foreign direct investment for this. Since Singapore does not have natural resources, mainly the manufacturing industries are developing, as well as the assembly of products from imported finished parts. The chemical, oil refining, electronic assembly, radio and electrical industries, as well as shipbuilding are of great importance. The tin-smelting industry and rubber processing have retained their importance on a regional scale. In the 1980s, Singapore began to develop knowledge-intensive industries, specializing in advanced technologies not only in manufacturing (upper levels of mechanical engineering), but also in the field of intellectual services (information, financial, technological, medical). Despite the availability of highly qualified and educated local personnel, there are relatively few national entrepreneurs in the country. Almost all investment and business initiatives come from abroad. Foreign investors are attracted by the availability of highly qualified work force, trade union weakness and political stability. The leading role in the development of a development strategy and control over the implementation of indicative plans remains with the state.
Singapore has become a major financial center and a source of technical and commercial information for neighboring countries. After the discovery of oil and natural gas on the shelf off the coast of the Malacca Peninsula, the headquarters of energy companies were located in Singapore.
Singapore is one of the world's largest ports (second in the world in terms of cargo turnover). It is equipped with berths for vessels of various types, serves 250 lines and receives 150 vessels daily. Singapore Airport is a major hub for international airlines, equipped for 24/7 flights in all weather conditions. It is one of the most modern and comfortable airports in the world, and Singapore Airlines is trusted by passengers around the world. Singapore receives 6-8 million tourists annually.
Holidays
New Year - January 1st Chinese New Year- January February
Ponggal and Thaipusam - January / February
Good Friday - Easter week - March / April
Hari Raya Puasa - April / May
Birthday of the Third Prince - May
Dragon Festival - May
Labor Day - May 1
Vesak (festival in honor of Buddha) - May 6
Kin Min Festival - Spring
Hari Raya Haji - June 1
National Day - August 9
Hungry Ghost Month - August
Moon Cookie Festival - August
Navaratiri Festival - October
Timiti Holiday - October
Feast of the Nine Divine Emperors - October / November
Divapali (Indian Festival of Lights) - October / November
Christmas Day - December 25
Holidays in Singapore are celebrated by the whole world, although each nation has its own religion.
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When compiling a description of the country, materials from the sites were used:
http://www.krugosvet.ru/aMenu/1.htm
http://www.gold-pelican.spb.ru/countrys.php
http://tours.belti.ru/all_maps.php
http://www.oval.ru/encycl.shtml
