Singapore Visas & Citizenship Information

The country is officially known as the Republic of Singapore, with the city of Singapore as its capital. There is an interesting story behind Singapore's modern day name. During the 14th century, the visiting Prince Sri Vijayan spotted an animal he mistook for a lion, and thus gave the place a new name - 'Singha Pura' or ' Lion City'!

Singapore lies off the southernmost extremity of the Malay Peninsula and comprises of a main island with more than 60 surrounding islets. It has a land area of about 640 sq. km. Over the years, Singapore has attracted thousands of migrants, and its population o 3 million is made up of 77.3% Chinese, 14.1% Malays, 7.3% Indians and 1.3% people of other descent. Singapore has four official languages, Malay, Mandarin, English and Tamil.

The government is strict to the point of being paternalistic. Littering is regarded as an offence and carries a fine, usually in excess of S$500. At the same time, however, the government is faster and more responsive than anything we are used to. Approvals are very fast in coming, especially where applications for doing business, making investments, etc., are concerned.

Today, Singapore is a thriving centre of commerce and industry. It is one of the world's major oil refining and distribution centres. It is also a prominent supplier of electronic components and is in the forefront in shipbuilding and repairing. Apart from being the busiest port in the world. Singapore boasts the world's best airport, the best airlines and the best workforce. A modern metropolis with a dynamic economy, a high standard of living, ever-increasing career opportunities and a Garden-city living environment, make Singapore an ideal place to work and live in. And, yet, all this despite a density of population of almost 5,000 people per sq. km!