10 Fun facts about Singapore

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When the Sumatran prince, Sang Nila Utama, came to the island he claimed to see an animal with a red body, black head and a white chest – hence the ‘Lion City’. However, it is likely he saw a tiger rather than a lion.

HAPPY HOUR

The famous Singapore Sling was invented by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon at the Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar in 1915. You can still visit the bar to taste the fruity cocktail.

STATE OF INDEPENDENCE

Singapore became an independent republic in 1965 and is one of only three surviving city-states in the world. The others are Monaco and the Vatican City.

RECORD BREAKERS

There’s 1-Altitude, the highest rooftop bar in the world, and Fountain of Wealth, the largest fountain, as well as the highest man-made waterfall at Jurong Bird Park. You can also visit the largest sea aquarium and the world’s first night zoo.

NOT JUST ONE ISLAND

Singapore is actually made up of 63 islands. You can take a ferry to holiday islands like Bintan and Batam, which have family-friendly resorts.

URBAN MYTH

You’ll be disappointed to learn that so-called Singapore Noodles aren’t actually from there. It’s a dish more commonly found in Hong Kong.

PACE-SETTERS

Singaporeans are the fastest walkers on the planet. On average, they walk a distance of 18 metres in 10.55 seconds. That’s a little more than 6km an hour, which is also how fast bumblebees fly.

IN THE ARMY NOW

National service has been mandatory since 1975, meaning that when boys turn 18 they are required to serve their country. They must complete two years working in the army, civil defence force (firefighting) or police.

AIR WE GO

Changi Airport has been voted the world’s best airport for the past four years. Singapore Airlines was named the best international airline in the world last year.

TALKING POLITICS

With a cabinet and prime minister, Singapore’s political system is modelled on Westminster.