Singapore: flag, capital, currency and history
Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is a country in South-Eastern Asia, Asia. Its capital is Singapore. The currency is the Singapore dollar. Languages spoken include English, Malay, Tamil and Chinese.
Quick facts about Singapore
- Official name
- Republic of Singapore
- Capital
- Singapore
- Region
- Asia, South-Eastern Asia
- Currency
- Singapore dollar (SGD, $)
- Languages
- English, Malay, Tamil, Chinese
- Calling code
- +65
- Internet domain
- .sg
- Area
- 710 km² (274 sq mi)
- Land borders
- None (island or surrounded by water)
- Demonym
- Singaporean
- National day
- National Day, August 9
Flag of Singapore
Download the flag of Singapore as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇸🇬.
History of Singapore
The island was known in earlier centuries as Temasek and was a minor trading settlement under various Malay polities. In 1819 Stamford Raffles of the British East India Company established a trading post there, and by 1824 the island was under British control. It became a major port within the Straits Settlements and later a Crown colony. Japan occupied it from 1942 to 1945. After gaining self-government, Singapore joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 and separated from it in 1965 to become an independent republic. It is a city-state in South-East Asia.
Key dates
- 1819Stamford Raffles establishes a British trading post on the island.
- 1824Britain gains full control of the island through treaties with the Sultan of Johor.
- 1942Japan occupies Singapore after the British surrender in February.
- 1959Singapore attains internal self-government within the British Empire.
- 1963Singapore joins the Federation of Malaysia.
- 1965Singapore separates from Malaysia and becomes an independent republic.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Singapore
Singapore uses the Singapore dollar (SGD, $). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Singapore
Celebrations observed in Singapore, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Singapore?
The capital of Singapore is Singapore.
What currency does Singapore use?
Singapore uses the Singapore dollar (SGD, symbol $).
What languages are spoken in Singapore?
Languages used in Singapore include English, Malay, Tamil and Chinese.
What is the calling code of Singapore?
The international calling code of Singapore is +65. Its internet domain is .sg.
Which countries border Singapore?
Singapore has no land borders and is surrounded by water.
On which continent is Singapore?
Singapore is in Asia, in the region of South-Eastern Asia.
What is the national day of Singapore?
Singapore marks National Day on August 9.
More countries in South-Eastern Asia
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).