Your guide to being an expatriate in Singapore

Demographics of Singapore:

Religion Overview

Singapore is a secular nation where freedom of religion is respected and protected by the government. The majority of the population practices Mahayana Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, while Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism also have significant followings.

Major Religions

Climate

Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with consistent high temperatures and rainfall throughout the year.

Economy Overview

Singapore's economy is known for its pioneering policies, remarkable innovation capacity, and entrepreneurial spirit. It consistently ranks as the most business-friendly country in the world, with a GDP per capita of USD 63,860 as of 2021. The key industries are finance and banking, biotechnology, information technology, and logistics, and multinational companies such as Google, Accenture, and Microsoft have established a significant presence in the nation.

Key Industries

• Finance and Banking
• Biotechnology
• Information Technology
• Logistics

Major Companies

• DBS Bank
• Standard Chartered Bank
• HSBC Holdings
• OCBC Bank
• UOB Bank
• Google Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
• Accenture
• Microsoft Asia Pacific
• Pandora Products Pte. Ltd.
• груды других международных корпораций

Culture and Language Overview

Singapore's unique cultural heritage stems from its multicultural society, blending influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European traditions. Festivals such as the Lunar New Year, Deepavali, and Hari Raya are celebrated with great fervor, while delicious street food and delectable fusion cuisine can be found in noodle stalls, hawker centers, and food courts across the country.

Cultural Highlights

• Cultural Festivals: Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year), Deepavali (Indian Festival of Lights), Hari Raya (Malays and Indonesians' Eid al-Fitr), and Christmas.
• Food: Singapore is known for its tasty and eclectic cuisine, including dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and kueh.
• Architecture: Notable landmarks include the Merlion, their iconic statue, and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark, offering a panoramic view of the city skyline.
• Art: The National Arts Council supports the development of the performing and visual arts through funding, training, and curatorial programs.
• Sports: Cricket, netball, and rugby union are popular sports, and Singapore's nationality, reputation, and legacy as a regional sporting hub are celebrated year-round.
• Literature: Many famous literature, including English novelist Philip Ò Ceallaigh's The Invisible Man and Ernest Gowers' Plain Words, were written in Singapore.

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Singapore has a total land area of approximately 715 square kilometers, comprising a main island and 62 smaller islets. The country boasts lush green parks, prominent skyscrapers, and stylish shopping districts, including Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and the Orchard Road district.

Notable Landmarks

• Merlion Park: The iconic Merlion statue, symbolizing Singapore's mythical past, is a must-visit sight.
• Gardens by the Bay: An ecologically sustainable park featuring breathtaking nature attractions like the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.
• Marina Bay Sands: Featuring a grand casino, luxury hotels, an upscale shopping mall, and a grand rooftop infinity pool.
• Orchard Road: A bustling shopping district consisting of an array of international and local stores, restaurants, and street performers.

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Buddha's Birthday (Date varies)
• Hari Raya Puasa (Date varies)
• National Day (August 9)
• Deepavali (Date varies)
• Christmas Day (December 25)
• Adhoc holidays may be declared by the President for up to half a working day in commemoration of raising of national flag at Thomson Road in 1942, and no more than one other half working day to commemorate national activities, sporting successes or extraordinary achievements, as announced by the Ministry of Manpower through this web page.

Political Stability

Singapore has a stable and efficient government, having maintained one of the highest levels of political stability in Southeast Asia for over six decades. The Singaporean political system is characterized by a multi-party democracy, an independent judiciary, and regular meetings in Parliament. Although there might be disagreements over policies, opinions are expressed constructively, and all individuals have equal opportunity to contribute their viewpoints under the rule of law.