Singapore was founded in the early 19th century by Sir Stamford Raffles. (The statue of Raffles at left is at his original landing site along the Singapore River.) Raffles wanted a trading post for Britain in South East Asia, in order to better compete with the Dutch. Singapore is an island at the tip of the Malayan peninsula, right on the shipping lines between Europe and East Asia. When Raffles arrived, the only settlement on Singapore was a small fishing village. Under Raffles guidance, Singapore became a thriving commercial center. After World War II, Singapore gained independence from Britain and became a part of Malaysia. In 1965, Singapore left Malaysia and became independent country.
Today, Singapore is a busy, efficient, and modern city. Singapore's business-friendly policies have made it the regional headquarters of many companies. However, vestiges of the colonial remain. At right, the Singapore Cricket Club and the downtown financial district.
Singapore began as trading post, and shipping is still a very important part of it's economy. It is one of the busiest container ports in the world.
Singapore's population is made up of ethnic Chinese, Malayans, Indians, and Eurasians. Much effort is made to keep cultural identities intact while creating a sense of nationhood. At right, Betsy walks through Little India.
One of Singapore's more well-known institutions is the Raffles Hotel. It has been around for over 100 years, and has had a number of famous guests. It's also the place where the tiger was shot while it rested underneath the billiards table, and the famous Singapore Sling is served it the bars. At left, Albert is sitting on the fountain in the courtyard. We would have taken a picture inside, but they wouldn't let us in wearing sandals.