Red symbolises universal brotherhood and equality of man.

White signifies purity and virtue.

The crescent moon represents a young nation on the rise.

The five stars signify the ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

Country name: Republic of SingaporeCapital: SingaporeLocation: An island and islets in the heart of Southeast Asia, between Malaysia and IndonesiaArea: 712.4 sq kmHighest point: Bukit Timah Hill at 163.36mClimate: Tropical. Its hot and sunny all year, with two monsoon seasons (December to March and June to September) bringing heavy rainsGovernment: Parliamentary republicGross Domestic Product: S$326,832.4 million (Statistics Singapore, 2011)Major industries: Electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction, life sciences, entrepot tradeCurrency: Singapore DollarPopulation: 5,312,400 (Statistics Singapore, 2012)Median age: 38.4 yearsLife expectancy: 82 yearsPopulation growth rate: 2.5%

Ethnic groups: Chinese 74.2%, Malay 13.3%, Indian 9.2%, Other races 3.3%Language: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English are the 4 official languages in Singapore. The national language shall be the Malay language and shall be in the Roman script.

Religions: Buddhism 33.3%, Islam 14.7%, Christianity 11.3%, Taoism 10.9%, Catholicism 7.1%, Hinduism 5.1%, other religions 0.7%, none 16.9% (Statistics Singapore, Census of Population 2010)Literacy: 96.1% of the population above 15 years of age can read and writeCommunications: Excellent facilities and services, including 3G wireless service launched in 2005, and a 106.4% household broadband penetration rate (Infocomm Development Authority, Aug 2012 )Mobile phone penetration: 148.7% (Aug2012)International country code: +65Internet country code: .sgSingapore lies at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, between latitudes 1 09N and 1 29N and longitudes 103 36E and 104 25E.

It has a total land area of 710.3 sq km, with one main island and 63 offshore islands. The larger offshore islands are Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa.In comparison, New York City (786 sq km) is slightly larger than Singapore and Tokyo (2,187 sq km) is three times bigger.The National Flag, Singapores most visible symbol of statehood, reflects the ideals, beliefs and values that we stand by as a nation amidst our rich and diverse make-up. It forms a crucial element of our national identity. As such, the National Flag is to be treated with dignity and honour.OriginThe National Flag was unveiled on 3 December 1959, together with the State Crest and the National Anthem, at the installation of the new head of state, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara. It was created by a committee led by the then Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Toh Chin Chye, and replaced the Union Jack, which had flown over Singapore for 140 years (1819-1959). Singapores national flag was adopted upon the nations independence in 1965.MeaningThe National Flag consists of two equal horizontal sections, of red above white. The upper left section contains a white crescent moon, and five white stars which form a circle.Each feature of the Flag has its own distinctive meaning and significance.Red symbolises universal brotherhood and the equality of man, while white signifies pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. The crescent moon represents a rising young nation. The five stars stand for the nation's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.The Lion Head is an easily recognisable national symbol of Singapore that is less formal than other symbols, such as the national flag. It is used freely across the country to promote national identity.OriginAccording to the 13th century Malay Annals, Sang Nila Utama, the ruler of Palembang, was shipwrecked and washed ashore to an island. There, he saw a creature which he believed was a lion. So he named the island "Singa Pura" (which means "Lion City"), from which the name Singapore was derived. The lion and Lion City have become informal references to the country.MeaningThe Lion Head symbolises courage, strength and excellence, as well as resilience in the face of challenges. It is in solid red against a white background - the colours of the National Flag. Its mane's five partings represent the same five ideals that are embodied in the five stars of the National Flag, namely democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. Its tenacious mien symbolises resolve to face and overcome any challenges.Guidelines on the use of the Lion Head symbol An individual, organisation or company can use the Lion Head symbol for purposes of identifying with the nation. While Singapore companies may use the Lion Head symbol as a means of identifying themselves with Singapore, it should not be assumed or taken to indicate any kind of official endorsement of the companies' products. The Lion Head symbol should be used in good taste. Its design should not be modified in any way nor have any words or graphics superimposed over it. However, it may be depicted in outline form, be embossed, or portrayed as a watermark.For enquiries on use of the Lion Head symbol, please contact:Education and Outreach DivisionNational Heritage BoardEmail: nhb_nationalsymbols@nhb.gov.sgFax: 6332 3525OriginThe National Coat of Arms, or State Crest, was launched on 3 December 1959.It was unveiled together with the National Flag and National Anthem at the installation of the new head of state, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara, at the steps of City Hall.MeaningThe State Crest consists of a shield emblazoned with a white crescent moon and five white stars against a red background. Red is symbolic of universal brotherhood and the equality of man, and white signifies pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. The five stars represent the five ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.Supporting the shield are a lion on the left and a tiger on the right. Below the shield is a banner inscribed with the Republic's motto, Majulah Singapura, which is the title of the National Anthem. The lion represents Singapore itself and the tiger, the island's historical links with Malaysia.Guidelines on use of the State Crest The use of the State Crest for advertisements or any other commercial purpose is prohibited by law. Only government bodies can display the State Crest within their premises. Approval must be sought for any other use of the State Crest.The State Crest must be treated with respect and be displayed in a dignified manner.For enquiries on use of the State Crest, please contact:Education and Outreach DivisionNational Heritage BoardEmail: nhb_nationalsymbols@nhb.gov.sgFax: 6332 3525The National Anthem, together with the National Flag and the State Crest, reflect Singapore's identity as a nation.OriginThe anthem was written in the wake of nationalism from 1956-57. Its composer, the late Encik Zubir Said, anchored it with two words, "Majulah Singapura" (Malay for "Onward Singapore"). The anthem was launched on 3 December 1959 together with the National Flag and the State Crest, at the installation of the new head of state, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara. Upon Singapore's independence in 1965, "Majulah Singapura" was adopted as the new republic's national anthem.LyricsMAJULAH SINGAPURAMari kita rakyat SingapuraSama-sama menuju bahagiaCita-cita kita yang muliaBerjaya SingapuraMarilah kita bersatuDengan semangat yang baruSemua kita berseruMajulah SingapuraMajulah SingapuraNew RecordingThe Ministry of Information and the Arts embarked on creating a new recording of the National Anthem to make it more accessible to all Singaporeans.In May 2000, several leading local composers were invited to re-arrange the National Anthem in the key of F. Eventually, the version written by Cultural Medallion winner Phoon Yew Tien, was picked. The orchestration is in a slower tempo and uses more instruments to create a majestic rendition.Singapore's flagship orchestra, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, with Lim Yau at the helm, did the new recording at Victoria Concert Hall on 20 November 2000.

Majulah Singapore, with a grander and more inspiring arrangement, was launched on 19 January 2001. Guidelines for the singing and playing of the National Anthem have been relaxed to encourage the singing of the Anthem at all events of national significance.You can find the translations of the National Anthem in three languages below:EnglishChineseTamilThe Vanda Miss Joaquim is Singapore's national flower. This orchid was first discovered in 1893, in the garden of Miss Agnes Joaquim, the daughter of an Armenian merchant in Singapore. It was registered within the same year.The Vanda Miss Joaquim is a hybrid between the Vanda teres and the Vanda hookerana.On 15 April 1981, the Vanda Miss Joaquim was proclaimed the National Flower of Singapore by then Minister of Culture S. Dhanabalan. The selection of a national flower was part of Singapores overall effort at fostering national pride and a sense of identity.Orchids are a national passion, and Singapore plays a major role in the cultivation and supply of orchids to the world.MeaningVanda Miss Joaquim was chosen as Singapore's national flower from among 40 other contenders, including some 30 orchids. It was selected particularly because of its hardy and resilient qualities and its ability to bloom throughout the year. These are characteristics which reflect Singapore's quest for progress and excellence in all aspects of life.In a speech by Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan at the official opening of the Singapore Orchid Show in 2006, he said: As the flower most associated with hybrids, the orchid is also a symbol of our multi-cultural heritage. It is representative of the harmony among our ethnic communities, as well as with our many foreign visitors.Singapores national pledge was written by Singapores first Minister of Foreign Affairs, S. Rajaratnam, in 1966, against the backdrop of racial riots in the 1950s and 1960s.Rajaratnams inspiration was to build "a Singapore we are proud of", while emphasising unity and multi-racial harmony. He believed that language, race and religion were potentially divisive factors, which could be overcome if Singaporeans cared enough about their country.The Singapore PledgeWe, the citizens of Singapore,pledge ourselves as one united people,regardless of race, language or religion,to build a democratic societybased on justice and equalityso as to achieve happiness, prosperity andprogress for our nation.Guidelines on use of The National PledgeThe National Pledge is recited in schools during assemblies, during SAF Day, during the National Day Parade, and at National Day Observance Ceremonies. Individuals reciting the Pledge shall place their right fists to the left side of their chests as a gesture to symbolise loyalty to the nation. The Pledge shall not be used for any commercial purposes.