|
|
| Singapore |
| People |
| Population | |
| About 76 per cent of the people in Singapore are Chinese, 15 per cent are Malay, and about 6 per cent are Indian. The population density is extremely high with more than 5,314 persons per square kilometre (1997) (13,763 persons per square mile). Singapore also has the distinction of being the most urban society in the world—the entire population lives in areas that are officially classed as urban. In the past, the multicultural makeup of the country has led to some racial conflicts. However, the government has been remarkably successful in promoting racial harmony and national unity. | |
| Language | |
| Singapore’s
multiplicity of languages reflects its racial diversity. Malay, Chinese,
Tamil, and English are all official languages.
Malay is the national language, whilst English is the language of
administration. All Singaporeans are expected to learn English, which is
widely used in science, technology, commerce, and tourism. The Chinese
speak a number of different dialects
(Hokkien, Chaozhou, and Cantonese, amongst others), but Mandarin (also
called Putonghua) is gradually replacing all other forms of Chinese. Most
Singaporeans are bilingual or multilingual. The government encourages the
use of all the languages, not just English, to maintain traditional
cultures and values.
Religion |
|
| Singaporeans
enjoy freedom of worship, although some religious groups have not been
allowed to organize because they are considered anti-government. Buddhism,
Taoism, Confucianism,
Islam, Christianity,
Hinduism, and Judaism,
as well as a number of smaller religions, are all practised in Singapore.
About half the people, most of whom are Chinese, are either Buddhist or
Taoist. Many actually practise a combination of Buddhism, Taoism, and
Confucianism. Nearly all the Malays are Muslim.
Ten per cent of the people are Christian, most of them from the Chinese or
European communities. About 5 per cent are Hindu. A significant minority,
many of them Chinese, are either atheist
or agnostic. All the religions coexist
in harmony, with Buddhist and Hindu temples next to Muslim mosques
and Christian churches. There are two synagogues.
Education |
|
| Great
importance is attached to education in Singapore, and the fact that the
workforce is well educated has contributed greatly to the country’s
economic success. Schooling is free and compulsory
for 10 years (from ages 6 to 16). Six years of primary education are
followed by at least four years of secondary education. Nearly all
children complete primary schooling, and 70 per cent finish secondary
school. After ten years of schooling, many continue in vocational schools
or pre-university programmes. Children in school learn their first
language as well as English, which is the language of instruction. The
National University of Singapore was established in 1980, and there are
various technical schools offering higher education. In addition, many
students travel abroad for higher degrees.
Health and Welfare |
|
| Medical facilities and services are excellent. The development of good housing, modern sanitation, and the promotion of high standards of hygiene have all contributed to the country’s generally high standard of health. All basic health-care needs are subsidized by the government and are available to all citizens. | |
|
|