Many parts of Asia are polluted, poor and crowded, but Singapore is one of the wealthier countries in the region. Singapore is a small island country, situated south of Malaysia. Like other countries in this region, it has a tropical climate – dry and hot for part of the rain, warm and rainy for the rest of the year. The island has coastal plains and flat grasslands. Nature reserves protect monkeys, birds and other native animals.
Singapore Facts For Kids
- In Asia, near Malaysia.
- Very clean city.
- Lots of skyscrapers.
- Has a big zoo.
- Known for yummy food.
- Warm all year round.
- Has a night safari.
- Famous for gardens.
- Lots of islands nearby.
- Home to many cultures.
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands, a notable Singaporean landmark, offers a myriad of attractions that are sure to delight children. This establishment transcends the realm of mere hospitality, functioning as a comprehensive entertainment complex with a multitude of offerings.
Highlights include the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, seemingly merging with the sky, as well as museums, theaters, opulent shops, and a public observatory deck boasting an unparalleled view of the city.
The structure’s unique design, symbolizing a deck of cards, adds an element of fun to the overall experience. Despite its luxurious offerings, Marina Bay Sands maintains a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, boasting a status as one of Singapore’s most eco-friendly buildings. This is achieved through the use of solar panels and a rainwater collection system, underscoring the complex’s dedication to sustainable practices.
Changi Airport
Situated in Singapore, Changi Airport stands as one of the world’s most bustling and expansive flight hubs, offering more than merely aviation services. Characterized as a mini-metropolis, it boasts a myriad of enjoyable activities and attractions that cater to the excitement of children and adults alike.
Among these captivating features are a butterfly garden housing over a thousand butterflies, a rooftop swimming pool, movie theaters, and remarkably, Singapore’s tallest four-story slide. Beyond its myriad of entertainment options, Changi Airport is well-regarded for its exceptional standards of efficiency and cleanliness, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant experience for travelers across all age groups.
Merlion
The Merlion, a mythical creature symbolizing Singapore, intrigues kids with its lion’s head and fish’s body. Its fish body, or ‘Mer’, harks back to Singapore’s early days as a fishing village called Temasek, an Old Javanese term for ‘sea town’.
Meanwhile, the lion’s head signifies Singapore’s original name—Singapura, translating to ‘lion city’ in Malay. This symbol of Singapore’s rich history and maritime roots is embodied in an 8.6-meter tall statue located in Merlion Park in the Marina Bay area. The statue, spraying water from its mouth, along with its smaller replicas around Singapore, captivates both locals and tourists alike.
Multiracial society
Singapore, widely recognized for its remarkable multicultural society, serves as a melting pot where individuals of varying races and cultures exist in harmony. The country’s rich cultural diversity is evident in everyday life, with Chinese schools, Indian temples, and Malay mosques often standing side by side.
This unique multicultural environment provides an excellent learning platform for children, offering them the opportunity to immerse themselves in an array of cultures, traditions, languages, and cuisines from a young age. Every year, on July 21st, Singapore hosts the Racial Harmony Day, a significant event that underlines the importance of peace and mutual respect among the various racial groups residing in the country.
This day is filled with educational activities organized by schools, aiming to foster understanding and appreciation for the variety of cultures, thereby serving as a valuable learning experience for children.
HDB flats
Singapore is a distinctive nation where the majority of its population, over 80%, resides in affordable, government-built residential buildings known as Housing Development Board (HDB) flats. Strategically scattered throughout the island, from the bustling city center to the quieter suburbs, these HDB flats offer a range of sizes and layouts, from 2-room to 5-room units, and even executive flats, catering to the diverse family needs of Singaporeans.
Adding to the city’s vibrancy and liveliness, these iconic flats are frequently adorned in bright and cheerful colors. Therefore, a trip to Singapore would be incomplete without witnessing the unique and colorful cityscape created by these ubiquitous HDB flats.
Food hawker centres
In Singapore, hawker centres present an exciting culinary adventure for kids, offering a fun, affordable, and enriching way to explore the nation’s rich food culture and history. These large, open-air complexes house numerous food stalls that sell a diverse range of dishes, capturing the cultural diversity of the country.
From skewered grilled meat dish known as satay to Hainanese chicken rice, children can savor the tastes of different ethnic backgrounds. More than just a place to eat, these centres also foster familial bonding over shared meals, a significant part of Singaporean tradition. Additionally, these hawker centres are renowned for their high hygiene standards, ensuring a safe and clean environment for families.
Lee Kuan Yew
Recognized as the founding father of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew’s monumental influence on the nation’s history is undeniable. Born in 1923, Lee embarked on a remarkable 31-year tenure as the first Prime Minister of Singapore, from 1959 to 1990.
His visionary leadership was instrumental in transforming Singapore from a small, underdeveloped port city into a modern, affluent nation that, despite its small size, now stands as one of the world’s leading financial centers.
As a testament to his decisive rule, Lee implemented policies that fostered multiculturalism, thus cultivating a diverse and harmonious society within Singapore. Even after his passing in 2015, Lee Kuan Yew’s enduring legacy continues to shape the nation he helped build.
Garden City
Recognized as the ‘Garden City,’ Singapore presents an exceptional platform for children to gain knowledge about nature and the importance of preservation. This diminutive island nation is a global frontrunner in urban greenery, boasting over 300 parks and 4 nature reserves, making it one of the most verdant cities worldwide.
The government’s proactive tree-planting initiatives have led to the cultivation of over 3 million trees throughout the city. This lush environment is home to a rich variety of wildlife species, offering children an astounding opportunity to witness diverse flora and fauna in their natural habitats.
Attractions like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, and the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve aren’t merely aesthetically pleasing, but they also serve as educational spaces where children can learn about environmental conservation, ecology, and the critical importance of safeguarding our planet.
Strict laws
Singapore is renowned for its stringent laws, which might appear peculiar to children from other nations. For example, chewing gum is prohibited unless it’s for health reasons such as dental hygiene or nicotine withdrawal.
This extends to littering, with heavy penalties, community service, or even corrective work orders involving cleaning public spaces in conspicuous attire. Such regulations contribute to Singapore’s reputation as one of the globe’s cleanest cities.
Even graffiti is viewed as a grave violation, incurring punishments such as caning, fines, or jail time. The government asserts that these rigorous laws foster discipline and mutual respect, thereby enhancing the country’s overall safety and cleanliness.
Financial hub
Globally acknowledged as a premier financial hub, Singapore presents a compelling learning opportunity for children to explore the realms of economics and finance. Despite its petite stature, the city-state houses numerous international banks, investment firms, and the globally recognized Singapore Exchange, all of which contribute to its rank among the world’s top five financial centers.
Singapore’s sturdy economy, rigorous regulatory framework, and strategic position bridging the East and West make it an appealing destination for business and finance. Therefore, children with an interest in monetary affairs, finance, or economics can observe a living example of a flourishing financial hub in Singapore.
The first settlers arrived in Singapore in the second century A.D. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles of the British East India Trading Company bought the island in 1819 and turned it into an important trading port. Singapore has remained an important economic base in Southeast Asia, exporting electronics, computers and other goods. Singapore separated from Great Britain in 1963 and became an independent country in 1965.
Singapore has modern cities, reliable train transportation and clean water and food. Most people have running water and electricity. If you’re visiting Southeast Asia, Singapore is a good first stop.
Fun Facts about Singapore for Kids
- 4,296,000 people live in Singapore.
- The country is little more than a large city with only 255 square miles.
- People in Singapore speak Chinese, Malay, Tamil and English.
- Most people are Buddhist, followed by Muslim, Taoist and Christian.
- People in Singapore can expect to live 79 years.
- 93 percent of adults can read.
Singapore Vocabulary
- Polluted: dirty, contaminated
- Coastal: near the sea
- Settler: someone coming to settle a new area
- Reliable: dependable, predictable
All About Singapore Video for Kids
This is the best video we found for kids to learn about Singapore:
This is a video documentary of the culture of Singapore.
Singapore Q&A
Question: What is life like in Singapore?
Answer: For hundreds of years, people have immigrated to Singapore from other countries, including China and India. Because of this, Singapore has a rich, diverse culture. Most people speak at least two languages.
Map of Singapore
Here’s a map of the country of Singapore and all its cities and villages. Zoom in to get into street level or zoom out to see other countries around Singapore! You can see the terrain, but also see the roads, images of the buildings and even take a 3D tour through the streets of the cities of Singapore, as though you are actually there!
