FACTS

Location: Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia

Area (only Total) total: 692.7 sq km

Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons - Northeastern monsoon (December to March) and Southwestern monsoon (June to September); inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms

Terrain: lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water catchment area and nature preserve

Population: 4,608,167 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Mandarin

Government type: parliamentary republic

Capital (Name): Singapore

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+8

Independence: 9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)

National holiday: National Day, 9 August (1965)