Singapore

was a stronghold of Shrividzhaya Empire, centered in Sumatra, and wore Javanese name Temasek. Temasek at those times was an important trading center, but then went into decline. There is very little evidence about the city Temasek except some archaeological finds.
At the time of independence, Singapore is a small, poor country, which had to be imported, even fresh water and building sand.
Neighbouring countries were set unfriendly, and a third of the population sympathized with the Communists. At the time, the ruler of Singapore was Lee Kuan Yew. He strongly promoted their country in economic terms.

in the cabinet led by the prime minister, the president does more representative role, but in some cases it may veto a critical decision.
Singapore is a member of international organizations such as the Commonwealth of Nations, the UN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Diplomatic relations with Russia (USSR) were established in 1968.

the world, with the laws in Singapore quite severe (including those provided and the death penalty).
Manifestations of ethnic hostility and hatred are punishable (recognized even discussions on the Internet).
Some crimes are punishable by beating with sticks. Particularly brutal murder and drug trafficking are punishable by death by hanging.
In the period from 1991 to 2004, 400 death sentences were executed - this is one of the highest rates in the world.

Chinese people follow to traditional beliefs, which combine Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism and the ancient animism. Most Muslims - Malays, Islam are also practiced by other nations. Christianity holds 14% of the population is presented as Catholicism and other religions, in particular, Orthodoxy, Methodism, Presbyterianism and the Assemblies of God.
After serious ethnic conflict which broke out in Singapore in 1960, the government has to carefully monitor the ethnic relations and proclaimed the principle of harmony, which is followed by education, housing, military and other social spheres.

national anthem is sung Majulah Singapura in Malay. The official languages ​​are English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Since independence, the administration is actively using English. Scale campaign "Speak Mandarin" was held to combine all the dialects of Chinese. Many ads, newspapers and publications are printed in English and Chinese.