Singapore
Singapore is a sovereign island city-state in South-Eastern Asia known for its high-tech infrastructure and status as a global financial hub. The nation is home to approximately 6.3 million people and maintains one of the world's most prosperous economies, with a projected GDP per capita of $98,806.
Where is Singapore?
Singapore
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Singapore
- Coordinates
- 1.37°, 103.80°
Population Details
- Population
- 6.3M
- Area
- 710 km²
- Density per km²
- 8,845 / km²
- Growth rate
- +1.99%
- Annual growth
- +125.3K people
- Daily growth
- +343.17 people
- World population share
- 0.08%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Singapore
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Singapore
- Region
- Asia
- Area
- 710 km²
- Languages
- English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil
- Currency
- Singapore dollar ($)
- Timezones
- UTC+08:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
Singapore features a highly developed market economy, currently achieving a GDP growth rate of 4.4% and maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.8%. The country holds the rank of 27 globally in nominal GDP and is the top-ranked nation in Asia for GDP per capita, placing 8th in the world. Key sectors include financial services, electronics manufacturing, and oil refining, supported by its strategic position as one of the world's busiest deepwater ports.
Society
Social indicators reflect a high standard of living, with life expectancy at birth reaching 83.3 years, which ranks 15th globally. Education is a national priority, resulting in an adult literacy rate of 97.7% and a global literacy rank of 51. Digital integration is nearly universal, as 94.4% of the population are internet users, placing the country 34th in the world for connectivity.
Climate & Environment
Located near the equator, Singapore experiences a tropical rainforest climate characterized by uniform temperatures around 27 °C (81 °F) and high humidity. There are no distinct seasons, though the city-state receives significant rainfall throughout the year, particularly during the monsoon periods.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- parliamentary republic
- Independence
- 1965-08-09 (Malaysia)
Singapore is a parliamentary republic with a political system focused on stability, pragmatism, and multiracialism. The President serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister, currently Lawrence Wong, exercises executive power as the head of government. The nation’s unicameral Parliament is the legislative body, with members primarily elected through a system that includes both Single Member Constituencies and Group Representation Constituencies. Since achieving independence from Malaysia in August 1965, the People's Action Party has been the dominant political force. The judiciary is independent and follows the English common law tradition, known for its efficiency and strict enforcement of regulations. Governance in the city-state is characterized by meritocratic principles and a civil service that emphasizes long-term strategic planning and social cohesion among its diverse ethnic groups, including Chinese, Malay, and Indian populations.
History
Originally known as Temasek, the island of Singapore became a significant trading site in the 14th century before falling into obscurity. Modern history began in February 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles established a British East India Company trading post on the island. It soon became part of the Straits Settlements and grew into a vital strategic port for the British Empire. During World War II, the island was captured by Japanese forces in February 1942, an event often described as the largest surrender of British-led personnel in history. Following the Japanese surrender in September 1945, Singapore returned to British rule but saw a rising movement for self-determination. The colony attained internal self-rule in 1959 and joined the Federation of Malaysia in September 1963. However, deep-seated political and racial tensions led to a formal separation on 9 August 1965, when Singapore became an independent sovereign state. Led by founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the fledgling nation embarked on a rapid industrialization program. By focusing on education, infrastructure, and foreign investment, Singapore transitioned from a developing port to one of the world's most prosperous high-tech economies in just a few decades.
Notable Facts
- Singapore is one of only three sovereign city-states in the world, with its urban population making up 100% of the total residency.
- The nation has expanded its physical size by approximately 25% since independence through extensive land reclamation, currently covering 710 km² (274 sq mi).
- It is a highly multilingual society with four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil, reflecting its diverse ethnic composition.
- The country features a tropical climate and maintains a commitment to green spaces, including the 163 m (535 ft) summit of Bukit Timah and the futuristic Gardens by the Bay.
- With approximately 94.38% of the population being internet users, Singapore ranks 34th globally for digital connectivity and 15th for life expectancy at 83.35 years.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Bukit Timah (163 m)
- Lowest Point
- Singapore Strait (0 m)
- Coastline
- 193 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in SingaporeExplore weather and climate data for cities in Singapore
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Singapore
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January best | 30°C / 25°C | 35°C / 29°C | 22days (274 mm) Wet | 8.4h Good | 85% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| February best | 31°C / 25°C | 36°C / 29°C | 17days (110 mm) Wet | 10.2h Excellent | 82% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| March | 31°C / 25°C | 37°C / 30°C | 24days (274 mm) Wet | 10.2h Excellent | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| April | 31°C / 25°C | 38°C / 31°C | 28days (284 mm) Wet | 10.1h Excellent | 85% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| May | 31°C / 26°C | 38°C / 32°C | 28days (247 mm) Wet | 9.6h Good | 85% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| June | 31°C / 26°C | 37°C / 31°C | 26days (228 mm) Wet | 9.6h Good | 85% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| July | 31°C / 26°C | 36°C / 31°C | 24days (164 mm) Wet | 9.9h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| August | 30°C / 25°C | 36°C / 30°C | 27days (229 mm) Wet | 9.6h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| September | 30°C / 25°C | 36°C / 30°C | 26days (213 mm) Wet | 9.3h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| October | 31°C / 25°C | 37°C / 30°C | 24days (249 mm) Wet | 9.3h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| November | 30°C / 25°C | 37°C / 30°C | 27days (392 mm) Wet | 7.8h Good | 86% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| December | 30°C / 25°C | 36°C / 29°C | 26days (290 mm) Wet | 8.4h Good | 86% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 30°C / 25°C . Feb: 31°C / 25°C . Mar: 31°C / 25°C . Apr: 31°C / 25°C . May: 31°C / 26°C . Jun: 31°C / 26°C . Jul: 31°C / 26°C . Aug: 30°C / 25°C . Sep: 30°C / 25°C . Oct: 31°C / 25°C . Nov: 30°C / 25°C . Dec: 30°C / 25°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 274 mm. Feb: 110 mm. Mar: 274 mm. Apr: 284 mm. May: 247 mm. Jun: 228 mm. Jul: 164 mm. Aug: 229 mm. Sep: 213 mm. Oct: 249 mm. Nov: 392 mm. Dec: 290 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Singapore is approximately 6.3M (2024).
The capital of Singapore is Singapore.
Singapore's GDP per capita is $98.8K (2024).
Life expectancy in Singapore is 83.35 years (2024).
Singapore covers 710 km² (274 sq mi).
Singapore is very densely populated, with 8,845 people per km², far exceeding the global average of 60.
Singapore's population is growing rapidly at 2.0% per year — among the fastest in the world.
Yes — based on GDP per capita, Singapore falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $98.8K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Singapore reports a very low intentional homicide rate of 0.1 per 100,000 people — among the safest in the world by this measure.
Singapore has 4 official languages: English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil.
Singapore uses the Singapore dollar ($) as its sole official currency.
Singapore is an island nation and shares no land borders.
The best months to visit Singapore are January, February, based on climate data for the capital.
Singapore is one of the world's wealthiest nations, with a projected GDP per capita of $98,806. This figure places the country 8th in the world and 1st in Asia. Its economic success is attributed to its strategic location, a stable legal framework, and its status as a premier global financial center.
Digital connectivity is exceptionally high in Singapore, where 94.4% of the population are internet users. This ranks the nation 34th globally for internet penetration. The government promotes a digital-first approach to public services, ensuring that the majority of citizens can access essential infrastructure, banking, and education through high-speed networks.
Unemployment is very low in Singapore, with current estimates showing a rate of 2.8%. The country ranks 154th out of 186 nations when ranked by the largest unemployment rates, indicating that its labor market is consistently strong. This low rate is maintained through active government labor policies and continuous investment in worker retraining.
The adult literacy rate in Singapore is 97.7%, and the nation ranks 51st globally for literacy. The education system is consistently recognized for its excellence in mathematics and science. Heavy investment in schools and a focus on meritocracy ensure that the workforce remains competitive in the global market for professional services.
Singapore is a small island nation with a total land area of 710 km² (274 sq mi) and a coastline of 193 km (120 mi). Its highest point is Bukit Timah at 163 m (535 ft). Despite its limited size, it manages a complex urban environment that is 100% urbanized, emphasizing green architecture.
Singapore currently holds the 113th position in the global population ranking among 215 countries. Within the Asian region, it is the 35th most populous out of 49 nations. Despite its small size, it ranks 9th out of 11 countries in its subregion of South-Eastern Asia.
The population density of Singapore is estimated at approximately 8,745 people per km² (22,650 people per sq mi). This makes it the 3rd most densely populated country in the world and the 2nd most dense in Asia. The country maximizes its 710 km² (274 sq mi) through vertical urban development.
The fertility rate in Singapore is approximately 0.97 births per woman, which ranks it 211th out of 215 countries. This is significantly below the replacement level of 2.1. The government has introduced numerous pro-natalist policies to encourage higher birth rates amid concerns over an aging society.
Singapore is 100% urbanized, ranking 1st globally for this metric. Every resident lives in an urban environment with full access to city infrastructure and services. This is a defining characteristic of the country, which functions as a single, highly integrated city-state across its entire land area.
All Indicators
Explore Singapore's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
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