The Republic of Singapore is an independent nation in Southeast Asia, located off the tip of the Malay Peninsula and connected to Malaysia by causeway. Formerly a British crown colony and then part of the Federation of Malaysia, it became independent in 1965. The name Singa Pur (Sanskrit for "city of the lion") was given by Sumatran settlers in the 13th century. It is a densely populated and prosperous nation whose people enjoy one of the highest standards of living in Asia. Singapore Island accounts for 93% of the total land area of 617.8 km6 (238.5 mi6); the remaining 7% is composed of…
