Singapore - Useful information for your trip

Singapore is a city state in south-east Asia, situated on the southern tip of the Malaysian peninsula. It's made up of 63 islands, the largest of which is Singapore island, where the metropolis bearing the same name is situated.

As for morphology, the highest point in the island state is Bukit Timah hill, 166 meters above sea level. Many are the rivers and lakes on the islands. The main river is Singapore, traversing the metropolis and flowing into the Indian Ocean. Around 23% of the territory is made up of forest and nature reserves. Urban development has considerably reduced the extension of forests, except in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, still containing a vast rainforest. Furthermore, the National Orchid Garden in Singapore's botanical gardens is home to three thousand species of orchids. The fauna in Singapore includes 52 mammal species, 364 bird species, 103 reptile species, 28 amphibian species, 301 types of butterflies, 127 types of dragonflies and over two thousand registered marine species. 

The climate is equatorial, without difference of seasons: temperatures and pressure are almost unvaried, humidity levels remain high and rainfalls are heavy all year round. May and June are generally the hottest months, November and December are the most humid and affected by the monsoon.

Singapore plays an important role in the world finance and commerce. Its population, strongly affected by immigration, is made up of Chinese, Malaysian and Indian people. Nearly half of the population is foreign and lives in Singapore to work or study. Market economy is developed and strong and is one of the freest and most competitive in the world. Exports play a major role and affect the manufacturing sector, including electronics, petroleum refining, mechanical engeneering, biomedical sciences and chemistry.

During your stay in Singapore, main landmarks include the markets where you can taste a rich variety of Asian food, the botanical gardens of the metropolis, Chinatown and Little India, Singapore Zoo and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.