Located on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula about 137 kilometers north of Equator is the Republic of Singapore, a country that has expanded its territory through land reclamation as well as building skyscrapers. It is separated from the Malay Peninsula by the Straits of Johar and is one of the leading trading hubs in Asia.

If you read your newspapers and watch the news, you will already have that information with you. What you would not know are the following facts about the country.

1. The country's official language is Malay

The country has 4 official languages including English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay and Tamil; however, the country recognizes Malay as its national language because of historical reasons. The reason most people speak fluent English is because the younger generation grew up in English Education System.

2. Singapore is an Archipelago

Most people assume that Singapore is an Island. However, the country is made up of 63 islands in total, making it an archipelago. Among the most popular Islands in Singapore are Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa, Pulau Hantu, Sentosa, Sisters Island and St John’s Island.

3. If touring Singapore, you won’t find Singaporean Noodles

Do not assume that you will get some Singaporean noodles just because you are in the country. It is always exported and the closest dish to this noodle dish is Sin Chew Bee Hoon.

4. Yeah, you can Chew

Although Singapore is renowned worldwide for passing a funny anti-chewing law, it has been relaxed a little bit ant you can carry your own stash during your holiday there. However, you will not find it being sold in the stores, and neither can you sell it locally.

5. Land Reclamation from sea

With the population of Singapore exploding to a whopping 5.4 million people from a low of 1.6 million in the last 40 years, the authorities has reclaimed 200 square miles from the sea to help them cope with the exploding population. Among the areas that have been reclaimed include; Marina Bay, East Coast and Tuas.

Singapore has some of the most magnificent tourist resorts in the world. The fact that it is not very far from the Equator means that it still boasts some tropical weather and thus experiences some sunshine for the 365 days of the year. Hopefully, you will slot in this archipelago on your next Asian tour.