Singapore, is a city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, about 85 miles (137 kilometers) north of the Equator.

Singapore is the largest port in Southeast Asia and one of the busiest in the world. The population is diverse; Chinese predominate, making up some three-fourths of the total, while Malays are the next largest ethnic group and Indians the third.

Singapore, one of the great trading entrepôts of the British empire, has experienced remarkable economic growth and diversification since 1960. In addition to enhancing its position as a world trade center, it has developed powerful financial and industrial sectors. Singapore has the most advanced economy in Southeast Asia and is often mentioned along with other rapidly industrializing countries in Asia, notably South Korea and Taiwan.