10 Interesting things about Singapore

Singapore, which is officially known as the Republic of Singapore, is an island located in Southeast Asia. This city state which was occupied by Japan during the Second World War, is regarded as the easiest place to do business by the World Bank.

Besides the perfect skyline and the bustling city center, there is still a lot about Singapore for visitors to explore. If you are planning to visit this beautiful country, the following facts about it will interest you.

1. Tallest indoor waterfall

2. It has 63 islands

It is made up of 63 islands surrounding the main island. Can you imagine that? Some of these islands are:

• Sentosa
• Pulau Ubin
• St. John’s island
• Sisters’ islands

3. One of the greenest cities of the world

4. City State

Singapore is among the three surviving city states in the world. The remaining two are the Vatican City and Monaco. It gained independence from Malaysia in 1965 thereby becoming a city state

5. Exciting events

While in Singapore you are sure not to be bored. This is due to the many year round events that will keep you entertained such as the cultural festivals, lifestyle, major sports and art events. For example, there is the Great Singapore Sale that happens annually in June which is followed by the Singapore Food Festival that happens every year in July.

6. Night zoo

7. Singlish

Singaporeans don’t just speak English, but Singlish. Singlish is whereby they add ‘lah’ and ‘leh’ at the end of their sentences. This language is inspired by the multiculturalism of Singapore.

8. F1 Night Race

Since 2008, Singapore has been holding concerts, entertainment and racing activities for fans of Formula One and to visitor s of all ages. Singapore made history by hosting the first ever Formula One night race in the world. This was the star event of the Grand Prix Singapore, known as, the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix.

9. National Anthem on the currency

If you are looking for the lyrics to the national anthem of Singapore, then look no further than at the back of your $1000 Portrait series banknote. The national anthem is written in the official language of Malay. The anthem was composed by Zubir Said in 1958 when Singapore had not acquired self-governance status. It was an anthem to be used during the official functions of the City Council of Singapore. Upon attaining independence, it was chosen as the island’s anthem.

10. UNESCO World Heritage Site

Singapore is home to UNESCO World Heritage Site; the botanic gardens of Singapore which have a history of more than 150 years. The National Orchid Garden, a major attraction, houses a variety of orchid species that are also referred to as Very Important Plants (VIP). This garden houses thousands of species of the orchid.