South-East Asia.

GMT + 8.

697.1 sq km (269 sq miles).

4.6 million (official figure 2007).

6,584 per sq km.

Singapore City State. Population: 4.6 million (2007).

The island of Singapore is situated off the southern extremity of the Malay Peninsula, to which it is joined by causeways carrying road, railway and water pipe. The Johor Strait between the island and the Malaysian mainland is about 1km (0.8 miles) wide. The Republic of Singapore consists of 63 islands and islets. It is a mainly flat country with low hills, the highest being Bukit Timah at 163m (545ft). In the northeast of the island, and in the urban district, large areas have been reclaimed, and much of the original jungle and swamp covering the low-lying areas has been cleared.

Republic. Gained full independence in 1965.

President S R Nathan since 1999, re-elected in 2005.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong since 2004.

In both January 1997 and September 2001, opposition parties decided to contest only a small proportion (about one-third) of the 83 seats. Unsurprisingly, the People's Action Party (PAP) won both polls comfortably. Goh was widely expected to stand down in favour of Lee Junior finally doing so in August 2004. In September 2005, S R Nathan began his second six-year term as President of Singapore. He won the election after the other contenders were disqualified for not meeting the strict selection criteria. Singapore staged the high profile IMF/World Bank meeting in 2006, and its first F1 Grand Prix in 2008.

Mandarin Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil. Most Singaporeans are bilingual and speak English, which is used as the main language of communication.

Taoist, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim.

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plug fittings of the three-pin square type are in use. Many hotels have 110-volt outlets.

Handshaking is the usual form of greeting, regardless of race. Social courtesies are often fairly formal. When invited to a private home or entering a temple or mosque, remove your shoes. For private visits, a gift is appreciated and, if on business, a company souvenir is appropriate. Dress is informal. Most first-class restaurants and some hotel dining rooms expect men to wear a jacket and tie in the evenings; a smart appearance is expected for business meetings. Evening dress for local men and women is unusual. Each of the diverse racial groups in Singapore has retained its own cultural and religious identity while developing as an integral part of the Singapore community.

Laws relating to jaywalking, littering and chewing gum are strictly enforced in urban areas. Smoking is widely discouraged and illegal in enclosed public places (including restaurants). Dropping a cigarette end in the street or smoking illegally can lead to an immediate fine.