!Singapore Singapore is a country, Region - South-eastern Asia, Capital - Singapore (Xinjiapo), Population in 2003 - 4,253,000, Population density - 6,882 per sq km, Surface area - 683 sq km and Currency - dollar. The country consists of the island of Singapore and upwards of 50 islets, off the southern extremity of the Malay Peninsula, from which it is separated by a narrow strait (2 to ½ m. broad); is hot, humid, and low-lying, yet healthy, and possessing a fertile soil which grows all kinds of spices, fruits, sugar-cane, coffee, etc. The Capital and port, on the Strait of Singapore, close to the equator; the chief emporium of trade with the East Indies and South-Eastern Asia generally; is a picturesque and handsome town, strongly fortified, and an important naval coaling station and depôt, with spacious harbour, docks, etc. It was purchased by the British in 1824 and became the most important of the BRITISH STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. It became independent from UK in 1963, and merged with Malaysia. It was expelled from Malaysia in 1965, and then became the Republic of Singapore.