‘Modern’ Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819 and remained in British hands for most of that time until it joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963. In 1965 however Singapore separated and became an independent state.
Singapore is around 70 square kilometres in size and ongoing reclamation work may increase that number slightly. The island has over 4.5 million inhabitants with a very diverse background and a large number of them are there ‘temporary’ working in all sorts of industries, you are probably among them.
The island lies less than 2 degrees north of the equator and the climate can be described as hot and humid with ‘2 seasons’, hot and moist (summer) and warm and wet (winter). Temperatures range from the low twenties on a winter night to the high thirties on a summer day in the shade. This may sound reasonable if you have lived in the Middle-East but the high humidity levels make a big difference. Unless you are arriving from a similar country be prepared to perspire a bit.
It may also be interesting to know that because of the 'Urban Heat Island' phenomenon temperatures in the build-up areas (where you work) can be up to 4.5 degrees higher than in 'rural' areas. So if you are looking for a house and can afford it we suggest you look for a place in a green area.
The City area lies in the South of the island and is also called Singapore. Around the city, covering much of the island are the ‘new towns’ with their own names and mayor, they are however not ‘independent cities’ and all mail for instance simply goes to Singapore.
If you are planning on driving here yourself note that in Singapore you drive on the left side of the road !
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