Fascinating facts about Singapore
If you are planning a trip to the glorious beaches, shops and restaurants of Singapore, then why not learn a bit about it before you jet off? Here are some fascinating facts about this historically and politically fascinating island.
Singapore is made up of 64 islands but the main one is the focus of most of the commerce, culture, hustle and bustle. The majority of the other 63 islands are uninhabited.
Of the 249 states in the world recognised as sovereign territories, Singapore is the 190th in size. Just to put it in perspective, the world's largest country, Russia is 510,071,300 km² larger.
Singapore is, however, the second most densely populated country in the world, next only to Monaco, boasting 6,430 people per square kilometre.
Bukit Timah Hill is the highest, non-manmade, point in Singapore, though if you're a mountain climber you should probably leave your grappling hook at home. It's only 164 metres tall, testament to the remarkably flat nature of the island.
That low landscape is something the government clearly prize highly, as laws are in place to keep buildings from dominating the skyline, limited as they are to 280 metres. The OUB Centre, UOB Plaza and Republic Plaza are the only three buildings on the island currently reaching that size.
Travellers by air can expect their visit to get off to a great start from the moment they arrive in Singapore, as their first port of call will be Changi Airport, commonly considered to be one of the best airports in the world. Since opening its doors in 1981 it has won nearly 400 awards, including 23 ‘Best' awards in the 2011.
Singapore boasts the world's largest fountain, which can be found in Suntec City. It was built in 1997 and cost upwards of US$6 million.
Singaporeans are some of the keenest telephone buyers in the world. 8 in 10 people own a mobile phone, while new numbers are bought at a rate of about 40,000 per month.