A Little Singapore History for Your Vacation

admin — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:58:59 +0000

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

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A Little Singapore History for Your Vacation