Singapore

Singapore occupies a small island separated from Malaysia by the Johor Strait and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the Singapore Strait. Its capital and only city is Singapore City. The official languages are English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil; the currency is the Singapore dollar. A majority-ethnic-Chinese society shaped by Malay, Indian, and British colonial influences, Singapore operates as a parliamentary republic and functions as a major global financial and logistics hub.

Citizens of many countries — including most of Europe, North America, Australia, and ASEAN member states — may enter Singapore visa-free for short stays. Others can apply through Singapore's official e-Visa system administered by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Travellers should consult the ICA website for current entry requirements specific to their nationality before travelling.

Gardens by the Bay features 18 steel Supertrees rising up to 50 metres on reclaimed land near Marina Bay. The colonial-era Raffles Hotel on Beach Road has operated continuously since 1887. Chinatown's Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, dating to 1827. Sentosa Island hosts Universal Studios Singapore, one of only a handful in Asia. The Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains a National Orchid Garden of over 1,000 species.

Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with no distinct dry season. Temperatures remain relatively stable year-round, ranging from around 23 °C at night to 31 °C during the day. The Northeast Monsoon from November to January brings heavier rainfall, while inter-monsoon months such as April and October see frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Light, breathable clothing and a compact umbrella are practical essentials at any time of year.

• Chewing gum sales have been banned since 1992.
• One of the world's densest countries by population.
• Changi Airport has won best airport title repeatedly.
• Singapore founded modern hawker centre street-food culture.
• Nearly half its land area has been reclaimed from the sea.

• ica.gov.sg — Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, visas and entry requirements
• visitsingapore.com — Singapore Tourism Board official travel guide
• mfa.gov.sg — Ministry of Foreign Affairs, consular and travel advisories
• weather.gov.sg — Meteorological Service Singapore, forecasts and climate data
• lta.gov.sg — Land Transport Authority, public transit and transport information