In 2014, the area of Singapore was 718.3 square kilometers. However, it has been gradually increasing due to land reclamation carried out in the country since the 1960s. Currently, the state consists of 63 islands. About five million people live in this territory. GDP per capita is nearly 52 thousand dollars (fourth highest in the world).
The creator of Singapore's 'economic miracle' is considered to be the country's first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. He held this post from 1959 to 1990, and later served as Senior Minister and Minister Mentor. Lee Kuan Yew died in March of this year at the age of 91. In 2004, the country's Prime Minister became Lee Hsien Loong, the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew. In 2015, his government entered the top ten most effective in the world.
Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. At the same time, the laws in the country are quite harsh, the death penalty is provided for, and the manifestation of interethnic enmity and hatred (including online discussions) is considered a criminal offense.
When traveling to Singapore, it is worth familiarizing yourself with some local restrictions and prohibitions. For example, alcohol consumption in the country is banned from 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM. The exception is bars, cafes, and hotels. You cannot bring the durian fruit, famous for its pungent smell, into the subway. In some parks in the country, walking barefoot is prohibited. A hefty fine is also imposed on those who forget to flush after themselves in a public toilet.
Most fines start at 500 dollars. They can be issued even for eating in a public place and chewing gum. In addition, fines are given for smoking and spitting in public places or feeding stray animals and birds.
Motorists will have to pay a hefty sum for parking or stopping in the wrong place, not wearing a seatbelt, or disobeying traffic officer instructions. For talking on a mobile phone, drivers can lose their license or be arrested.
Also, for 30 crimes in Singapore, corporal punishment (caning) is prescribed. These include attempted murder, armed robbery, violation of immigration laws and overstaying, as well as vandalism. Vandalism is punishable by a fine of 1400 dollars or three years in prison and caning. In 1994, American teenager Michael Fay was caned for vandalism. Even the requests for leniency from then US President Bill Clinton did not work—the country's government simply ignored them.
As Lenta.ru notes, if you do not violate the numerous prohibitions, which are mostly based on elementary respect for others, then living in this country is very comfortable. At least, that is what 78 percent of foreigners who have moved to Singapore think.