Singapore

Singapore is an island country off the southern side of Malaysia, linked to it by a causeway. It is a modern city and state, that embraces economic progress and the slow backdrop of age-old tradition. The customs that enforce community life are linked out to a cultural mix that includes predominantly Chinese, Indian and Malay ethnic groups.
Singapore evolved from a small sleepy fishing village in the early 1900s to one of Asia’s economic leaders. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles , who landed on it’s northern bank in 1819, felt that its location is ideal for a trading station. From then Singapore’s landscape was transformed by British colonial rule, later Japanese occupation, Communist insurrection and finally, current independence.
Since getting a republic status in 1965 the island has experienced increased prosperity and economic growth. Nowadays skyscrapers tower the slick financial districts while elegant colonial buildings still preserve a lingering old-world charm.
With its dynamism and lack of a welfare system, Singapore in the current time appears as a paragon of capitalism, and enjoys standard of living on a par with that in western Europe and USA. Yet still a huge slice of the economy is dominated by conglomerates that were set up by the state and in it retains a controlling party. At the core of this  success story is paternalism, with some personal freedoms sacrificed so that the government can engineer the economy and society to deliver growth and success.
Whatever the political basis of the state's economic success, visitors prepared to go beneath the state's squeaky-clean surface will discover a mix of colonial buildings, dusty temples and age-old values and traditions that have survived the social and physical changes. Much of Singapore's fascination springs from the multicultural population. This diverse ethnic mix usually turns a ten-minute walk across town into what seems like hops from one country to another.
Singapore’s calendar of events contains a spectrum of cultural celebrations and shopping activities. The early summer months bustle in anticipation of the "Singapore Sale" - the time when tourists can cash in on the very competitive prices of electronic equipment, jewelery and other merchandise produced there. The business activity thrives amidst the numerous celebration of Chinese, Hindu and Muslim festivals that fill the year with their colorful presentations. These include fests like the Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Hari Raya Puasa, Vesak Day, the Dragon Boat Festival, Festival of the Hungry Ghosts and Thaipusam.