Here Are Some Unique and Interesting Facts About Singapore

The Meaning Behind the Singapore Flag

Did you know that the Singapore flag carries deep meaning? As we know, the Singapore flag consists of red and white colors, with a crescent moon and five stars surrounding it.

The red color symbolizes fraternity and universality, while the white color represents purity and justice. The crescent moon represents a young and developing nation, and the five stars symbolize the country’s key objectives: democracy, peace, progress, justice, and social welfare. Each element of the flag holds its own message, reflecting the vision of this country.

The Origin of the Name "Singapore"

Known as the Lion City, the name Singapore comes from a direct translation in Sanskrit of the word "Singapura." This name was given by Sang Nila Utama, a prince from Sumatra, after he believed he saw a lion on the island. The word "Singa" means "lion" in Sanskrit, and "pura" means "city." Although it is unlikely that he actually saw a lion, since lions never lived in Singapore, the name has stuck ever since.

Singapore Uses Singlish

If you've ever visited Singapore, you probably know that the everyday language spoken by its people is English. However, what you might not know is that Singapore has a unique accent or dialect when speaking, known as Singlish.

Singlish is a mix of English, Malay, Hokkien, and several other local languages. While most Singaporeans speak English, Singlish is still used in daily informal communication as a proud expression of local culture. Though controversial, Singlish has become a distinct feature that makes Singapore unique and increasingly recognized internationally.

The Composer of Singapore’s National Anthem Was a Minang Musician

This may come as a surprise, but the composer of Singapore's national anthem, "Majulah Singapura," was an Indonesian musician named Zubir Said. Zubir Said, a musician from Minangkabau, West Sumatra, created the anthem, which is now a national symbol of pride for Singaporeans.

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A Hub for Culinary and Cultural Delights

Singapore is a culinary paradise offering a wide range of delicious and unique food. From famous hawker centers to luxury restaurants serving global cuisines, Singapore has something for every food lover.

Moreover, Singapore is rich in culture, with places like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam allowing you to experience the diversity of cultures within the city. So, if you are a food enthusiast, Singapore is a must-visit destination!

The Fastest Walkers in the World

Here’s an interesting fact: Singaporeans are known for walking at incredibly fast paces. The sidewalks and pedestrian areas in Singapore are famous for being clean and orderly, but what’s even more notable is the speed at which people walk. Some people walk faster than the average pedestrian in other countries.

This has often been a topic of discussion for tourists visiting Singapore, who are often surprised at how quickly the locals walk.

Home to Many Beautiful Urban Parks

One of the things that make Singapore special is its ability to blend urban development with nature. Singapore has breathtaking urban parks, including the famous Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Gardens by the Bay, with its futuristic Supertree Grove, is a must-visit spot for experiencing nature in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle. Singapore Botanic Gardens, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a tranquil and refreshing green space for all visitors.

The World’s Largest Ferris Wheel

If you want to see Singapore from a different perspective, you must visit the Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest Ferris wheel. Standing at 165 meters high, the Singapore Flyer provides spectacular views from above, allowing you to take in the beauty of the city. It also offers a clear view of famous landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.

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Chewing Gum is Illegal

This one might sound a bit strange, but did you know that chewing gum and selling it is illegal in Singapore? Yes, it is. This policy was put in place to maintain cleanliness and prevent damage caused by discarded gum on the streets.

Although it may seem strict, this policy has proven effective and is one of the reasons why Singapore is considered one of the cleanest countries in the world.

The World’s First Night Safari Zoo

Singapore is also famous for its Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal zoo. Here, visitors can experience the magic of seeing wild animals from all over the world in a nighttime setting. The concept of a nocturnal zoo allows you to witness the animals in their most active state at night, offering a unique experience that cannot be found in other zoos.

The Best Airport in the World

If you love traveling abroad, you’ve probably heard of Changi Airport, which is consistently ranked as the best airport in the world. With incredible facilities like a flower garden, free cinemas, and even a swimming pool, Changi Airport provides an exceptionally comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. It’s no wonder that many people feel reluctant to leave this airport!

The World’s Tallest Indoor Waterfall

In Singapore, you can find the Rain Vortex, the tallest indoor waterfall in the world, located in Jewel Changi Airport. At 40 meters high, this waterfall offers breathtaking views that you can enjoy right from the surrounding shopping area. The Rain Vortex is one of the most visited attractions in Singapore and a main draw for tourists.

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Top Performing Students in Mathematics

Singapore is well-known for having one of the best education systems in the world. The country frequently ranks high in mathematics, with its students excelling in international competitions. Singapore’s education system focuses on developing skills and knowledge, which is why the country produces some of the best students in the world across many academic fields.

A Country That Imports Sand

Did you know that Singapore is heavily reliant on sand imports? Sand is used for infrastructure development and land reclamation, as Singapore has limited space. The country imports large quantities of sand from neighboring countries to expand its territory, making this one of the unique facts about Singapore.

Aged 30 and Above? You May Be Required to Marry

Singapore has a unique social policy where individuals over the age of 30 who are still unmarried may be fined or required to participate in a government program. This policy aims to encourage people to get married and start families, thereby increasing the country’s birth rate.

The Majority of People Live in Public Housing

As we know, Singapore is a small country with a land area of around 728 square kilometers, making it much smaller than other Southeast Asian countries. Due to the population growth, Singapore has experienced land limitations.

The majority of Singaporeans live in HDB flats (public housing), which are built by the government. The Housing Development Board (HDB) program aims to provide affordable housing for Singaporeans. Currently, around 80% of Singapore’s population lives in these government-built flats.

A City Half Covered in Greenery

Despite being one of the most densely populated countries in the world, Singapore is also known for its impressive infrastructure, modern architecture, and stunning skyline. However, what many don’t realize is that half of this small but highly advanced nation is covered in lush green areas, including forests, parks, nature reserves, and well-maintained gardens.

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The Highest Rooftop Bar in the World

If you love chilling out while enjoying a fantastic view, you should visit 1-Altitude Rooftop Gallery and Bar at One Raffles Place, Singapore. At 282 meters above the ground, this bar not only serves luxurious cocktails but also offers a 360-degree view of Singapore’s bustling city, plus a stunning sunset.

The Coca-Cola "Hug Me" Vending Machine

You may have never seen this before, but Coca-Cola introduced a unique vending machine called the "Hug Me" machine in Singapore in 2013 as part of its marketing campaign to spread happiness.

This vending machine does not ask for money but instead asks for a hug in exchange for a Coke! The machine, located at the National University of Singapore, became a fun part of their successful marketing campaign.

Singapore Consists of 63 Islands

An interesting geographical fact about Singapore is that the country is made up of 63 small islands, though most of them are uninhabited. The main island is surrounded by 62 smaller islands. Since gaining independence in 1959, Singapore has carried out extensive land reclamation projects, increasing its size by 23%.

Singapore was even accused of buying excessive amounts of sand from countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, which led to protests and sand trade blockades.

Another unique historical fact about Singapore is that it didn’t have to fight for independence but was instead expelled from Malaysia through a democratic vote.