Geography of Singapore

Location : Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia & Indonesia.

Area : total 692.7 sq km (land 682.7 sq km, water 10 sq km). Its area is 3.5 times more than the size of Washington, DC. Land use : arable land 1.64%, permanent crops 0%, others 98.36%.

Environment issues : industrial pollution, limited natural fresh water resources, limited land availability posing waste disposal problems, seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia etc

Singapore Population (as of 2010)

Population : 5.077 million (including permanent residents, foreign workers). Annual population growth rate : 1.8% (total), 1% (singapore citizens and permanent residents). Ethnic groups : chinese 74.1%, Malays 13.4% , Indians 9.2%, others 3.3.%. Education : 95.9%. Infant mortality rate : 2.0/1000. Workforce : Manufacturing 17.3%, services 69.3%, construction 12.7%.

Resident population

Population age pyramid

Religion
Religion Buddhism Christianity No religion Islam Taoism Hinduism Others Percentage 33% 18% 17% 15% 11% 5.1% 0.9%

Native languages of Singaporeans

Language Chinese English Percentage 49.9% 32.3%

Malay
Tamil

12.2%
3.3%

Life expectancy at birth

Age specific fertility rates

Educational Attainment

Visitor arrivals

Economy of Singapore
Highly developed state capitalist mixed economy. Exports (electronics and chemicals, and service) main source of revenue allowing it to purchase natural resources & raw goods. GDP (2010 nominal prices) : $222.7 billion. Annual real growth rate : 14.5%. Agriculture under 0.5% of GDP, Manufacturing - 22.2.% of real GDP.

Trade : Exports ($ 351.18 billion) and Imports ( $310.39 billion)

Trade performance

Exchange Rates
Year 1981 1990 2000 2005 2010 2011( may ) Singapore dollars per US$1 2.0530 1.7275 1.7361 1.6738 1.2844 1.2336

Investment

Share of GDP by industry

Political Structure
Singapore is a republic with a parliamentary system of government. Political authority rests with the prime minister and the cabinet. President is the chief of the state. They have a unicameral parliament with 87 elected members. President--S.R. NATHAN Prime Minister--LEE Hsien Loong Judicial power is vested in the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

Business Etiquettes
1) Arranging for a meeting It is absolutely essential to arrange your meetings in Singapore in advance, at least before 2 weeks. Try not to arrange meeting during Chinese New Year (late Jan- early Feb). During your initial correspondence, you should probably include as much as you can about yourself, including a resume, business card, and dossier .

2) Punctuality Being late for business appointments is considered as an insult. But late arrivals at social events are excused. Set deadlines carefully, do not make unachievable promises.

3) Entering the meeting Enter in the order of seniority, hierarchy reigns. Singaporeans will get seated opposite to us, equally ranked people facing each other. 4) Handshakes Handshakes are the most common business greeting in Singapore. A gentle squeeze lasting 10 to 12 seconds is ideal. Wait for Singaporean counterpart to initiate handshake.

5) Communication While speaking at a meeting let the speech go in the top down order of your seniority. Singaporeans are basically reserved in nature, so it is useful to be aware of their body language and verbal cues. Looking too longer into ones eyes denote disrespect.

6) Power meals Business breakfasts are rare in Singapore. Lunch is the preferred meal for business discussions. Do leave some food on your plate when you are done. Do not give tips to waiters.

7) Giving gifts Ideal gifts are chocolates, company logo etc which are not too costly. Explain why you are giving the gift. Gifts will not be opened in your presence. Wrap the gift neatly with red, pink or yellow wrappers. If you are given a gift refuse it 3 times and then accept it. Do Not Present them with alcohol (insult) , clock (symbolizes funeral). Wrap the gifts in white , blue or black.

8) Business Cards Give business cards to everyone. Hold the card at the top corners with thumb and index finger with the writings of card facing them. When you receive any business cards do not write on them. 9) Concluding the meeting Allow the Singaporean counterpart to conclude the meeting by rising from their seat.

10) Taboos Avoid touching or patting anyone. Pointing with a finger is considered rude. Use your entire hand with the palm up to bring attention to a person or an object. Displaying the sole of your foot or the bottom of your shoes is considered disrespectful and rude to some Singaporeans.

 When dealing with Indians or Malays, always hand items over with the right hand. In a business setting, Singaporeans generally feel most comfortable at arm's length from the other person. A display of anger will only result in loss of face. Always speak in a gentle, calm manner.

THANK YOU