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Singapore

Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign island city-state in Southeast Asia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign island city-state in Southeast Asia. It is both a country and its own capital, with English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil as official languages. Singapore is known for its high population density, major port, and advanced economy.

Geography

Singapore consists of a main island and more than 60 satellite islands and islets. It lies just north of the Equator between Malaysia and Indonesia.

Government and status

Singapore is a sovereign state and a unitary parliamentary republic. Its capital is the city of Singapore, which is also the country itself.

Population and society

Singapore has a large, diverse population for its size and is home to Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other communities. Its official languages reflect this multilingual society.

Economy and currency

Singapore is a major global trade and finance centre. Its national currency is the Singapore dollar, abbreviated SGD.

Key facts

  • Singapore is a sovereign island city-state and its own capital.
  • Official languages are English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.
  • Population was estimated at 6,110,200 in mid-2025.
  • Currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD).
  • Singapore is widely described as safe with low crime.
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Canadian context

Singapore is relevant to Canadian readers as a major international financial, shipping, and education hub, and as a Commonwealth country with close trade and travel ties to Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Singapore?
Singapore is both the country and its capital, so the capital is Singapore.
What language do they speak in Singapore?
Singapore’s official languages are English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.
Is Singapore a country?
Yes. Singapore is a sovereign island country and city-state.
What is the population of Singapore?
Singapore’s population was estimated at 6,110,200 in mid-2025.
What is the currency of Singapore?
The currency is the Singapore dollar, abbreviated SGD.
Is Singapore safe?
Singapore is generally regarded as a very safe country, with a reputation for low crime and strong public order.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore
    Supports: Capital, country status, geography, and mid-2025 population estimate.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Singapore
    Supports: Singapore as an island country/city-state, capital, official languages, currency, and general overview.
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Singapore
    Supports: Geography, independence, and population estimate.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-15961759
    Supports: Country profile including capital, population, languages, and general status as a city-state.
  5. Bundesregierung — https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/news/singapore-820194
    Supports: Official languages, capital, currency, and state status.
  6. U.S. State Department — https://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/singapore/26825.htm
    Supports: City-state status and official languages.