Education
In the late 1980s the country had some 290 primary schools with 278,300 pupils and 160 secondary schools with 200,200 students. The principal institutions of higher education are the National University of Singapore (founded in 1980 with the merger of two major universities), several technical colleges, and a teachers college.
Singapore, Republic of, independent city-state in southeastern Asia, comprising one major island and more than 50 small adjacent islets, located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Singapore Island, the one major island, is separated from Malaysia on the north by the narrow Johor Strait. On the south, it is separated from the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia by Singapore Strait, an important shipping channel linking the Indian Ocean to the west with the South China Sea on the east. The city of Singapore is at the southeastern end of the island; it is one of the most important port cities and commercial centers of Southeast Asia. The total area of the republic is 640 sq km (247 sq mi).
Economy
Singapore has one of the highest standards of living of any country in Asia. In the late 1980s the gross domestic product was estimated at $23.7 billion, or $8870 per capita; the annual budget included $5.8 billion in revenue and $6.2 billion in expenditure. Agriculture is relatively unimportant to the economy because of the limited land area and the relatively poor soils, but market vegetables and fruits are grown. The fishing industry is centered on the port of Jurong, on southwestern Singapore Island. In the mid-1980s the annual catch landed by Singapore vessels was about 13,200 metric tons.
Industry has grown rapidly since the 1960s, and Singapore now produces a diversity of goods, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronic items, clothing, plastics, rubber products, steel pipes, plywood, and processed foods. Shipbuilding and petroleum refining are also important. The leading industrial area is the Jurong Industrial Estate.
Singapore is a major world port and has extensive dock facilities along Keppel Harbour on the southern coast. Much of its trade involves the transshipment of goods produced in the region. In the late 1980s annual imports cost $40.3 billion while exports earned $38 billion. Singapore's principal trading partners include the United States, Japan, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Germany, and Hong Kong. Singapore is also a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Tourism and international banking are important sources of foreign exchange revenue. The country has one of the largest international airports in Asia, and a 26-km (16-mi) rail line that crosses Johor Strait and links with the Malaysian railroad system. The unit of currency is the Singapore dollar (1.629 Singapore dollars equal U.S.$1; 1992).
Climate
Singapore's climate is mostly hot and humid with average temperatures ranging between 79°F (26°C) and 86°F (30°C) during the day with cooler temperatures at night. The wettest months are between November and January (the monsoon period); however rainfall occurs throughout the year. Rainstorms are usually short but heavy, so remember to take an umbrella.
Singapore experiences a tropical climate with hot, humid weather all year round. Temperatures remain high with daytime averages of 86°F (30°C). Humidity is usually above 75%. Singapore has two distinct monsoon seasons, the North Eastern season being from December to March and the South Western season from June to September. November to December is the rainy season. June to August is the best time to travel to Singapore, although it is still rainy and humid and travellers should pack accordingly.
List of Universities in SINGAPORE
Research
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North America
North America
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