Singapore is often called 'Instant Asia' because of its blend of immigrants, cultures and nationalities. The development of the city state is defined by its situation on the most frequented shipping route in Southeast Asia - the Malacca Strait.
As far back as more than 1000 years ago, the island served the Sumatran Shrivijaya dynasty as a post for controlling the sea routes and the spice trade. The name Singa Pura - city of the lion - is said to originate from that time.
The port developed new economic importance in the 19th century with the activities of the British East-Indian company, later with the opening of the Suez Canal and the use of steamships. Until 1963, Singapore was under British rule, with a short interruption during World War II - when the Japanese occupied the island from 1941 till 1945.
After the independence, Singapore joined the Federation Malaysia at first. But already in 1965 they separated again.
This small state with negligible natural resources achieved a most successful industrialisation. Today Singapore is one of the most important producers of electronic components and a leading financial market in the region. It has a state-of-the-art communication infrastructure and an excellent health system. But lack of space and a high density of population have lead to substantial air pollution and a high volume of traffic. There is no space for industrial waste, water is in short supply and has to be imported.
Even though the geographic situation Singapore's has contributed to the economic success -the people are its most important capital: The hard-working, flexible and resilient population.