|
Singapore is a small island country in southeast asia. It
lies at the southern tip of the malay peninsula where the South China sea and
the Indian ocean meet. Singapore is about 140 kms. north of the equator. It has
an area of 939. 1 sq.kms. It consists of a large island and more than 50 smaller
islands. The large island, which is also called Singapore, covers an area of 573
sq.kms. The main island can be roughly divided into three regions : the central
hilly region of igneous rock formation in bukit Timah, Bukit Gombak, Bukit
Panjang and Bukit Mandai, the western region of sedimentary rocks, which forms a
succession of northwest-trending hills and valleys and the relatively flat
eastern region of sand and graved deposit which extends from Katong to Changi.
About half of the smaller islands are uninhabited. Some of the islands have been
developed for recreation and tourism.
Climate: Singapore's climate is characterised by
abundant rainfall, relatively uniform temperature and high humidity throughout
the year. December is the coolest month of the year while May is the warmest.
Population, religion, language & literacy: The resident
population, comprising Singapore citizens and permanent residents, were
estimated at 3,103,500 in June 1997, a 1.9 Percent increase over 1996.
Total population was estimated at 3,736,700 with a 3.5 percent increase
over 1996. Population density rose from 4,457 people per sq.km. In 1987
to 5,768 people per sq.km.in 1997. The main religions are Buddhism,
Taoism, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism. The official languages are
Malay (national language), Chinese (Mandarin), Tamil and English
(official language). The overall literacy rate, as per 1990 census of
population, stands at 92.8% (Males-96 %; Females-88.5%). The literacy
rates are estimated for every 100 residents aged over 15.
|
