Singapore: Asia's Unique City-State Revealed

• Singapore is the only country in Asia that functions as both a city and a state, located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula.
• With a total area of 735.7 square kilometers, it is one of the world's smallest countries, comparable to Greater Bengaluru Metropolitan Area.
• Geographically, Singapore comprises a main island and over 60 smaller islands, separated from Malaysia by the Johor Strait and Indonesia by the Singapore Strait.
• After gaining full independence on August 9, 1965, from British colonial rule and a brief union with Malaysia, it has been governed as a parliamentary republic.
• Singapore officially recognizes four languages (English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil) and boasts a diverse population, with its name 'Singapura' meaning 'Lion City'.

Why It Matters: Singapore uniquely combines city and state functions, showcasing a modern, diverse, and economically robust urban nation.