Singapore, a small city state in South East Asia, is known as one of the world’s most prosperous countries. It has a free market economy that is highly developed, and strong international trading links.

It has the second highest per capita gross domestic product in Asia, only Japan’s per capita GDP is higher.

How did this happen when other countries in Asia have not seen such economic growth?

Already in the 14th century, Singapore’s importance in the region was established when it became an important port. This was destroyed in 1613 by Portuguese raiders.

It was in 1819 that Singapore’s modern history started with the establishment of a British port by the Englishman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.

The city’s importance grew rapidly as a centre for the India-China trade and also a trading post within South East Asia under British colonial rule, and it became a major port city.

After the second World War and occupation by the Japanese Empire from 1942 to 1945, Singapore again was under British control, but had increased levels of self-government. On August 9, 1965, Singapore became an independent republic, and this date is still celebrated as the country’s national day.

To counteract heavy unemployment and also a housing crisis, Singapore decided to enter a modernisation programme that established a manufacturing industry and developed public housing estates. In addition, the country invested massively in public education.

And today, visitors to Singapore can enjoy a “East meets West” city with good shopping, dining out, and plenty of relaxation and recreation.

Enjoy a fabulous Singapore vacation.

Technorati Tags: Asia, holidays, Singapore Vacation, travel

Here’s an excerpt:
“I was finally touched ground at Changi Airport after only accumulating 20 hours of air, 7 hours layover in Beijing and an uncomfortable last 7 hours of shuffling on the plane to catch up on sleep. There’s no ideal position in those tight chairs – that is unless you’re like the Chinese who can sleep on a bed of rocks or contortioned themselves on a children’s elephant swing….”

And here’s what he says about the Singapore Flyer:
“…New to the multi-million construction going on at the Marina Bay, the flyer stands at stunning 165m, that’s the height of a 42-storey building – that’s some 30 metres taller than the famed London Eye. Open to the public 15th of April 2008, the 28 air-conditioned capsules initially rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. In August 4, 2008 the direction was changed under the advice of Feng shui masters. For a “dollar a minute” you were treated to a 30 minute ride on a massive carousel and a brief history lesson of the city through a headset and a pie shaped pamphlet. A bit pricey, but this was the only place that provided a great 360 view of all the major landmarks and their history…”

Read the whole article here:

Posted via web from Evelyne’s posterous

Technorati Tags: Singapore Vacation