Singapore is known for its clean, environmentally-friendly cities and for its unique dishes, such as chili crab and fish head curry. The streets are impeccably clean and the laws are very strict against pollution and car exhaust. Actually, nearly all of their laws are very strict. Spitting into the street is forbidden, and chewing gum is definitely off-limits. Watch what you pack, because importing chewing gum could cost you a fine of 10,000 Singapore dollars. Technology is advanced and abundant in Singapore. Singapore society feels like a shopping mall, with elevators and little shops everywhere.

Country Profile

Full Country Name: Republic of Singapore
Area: 683 sq km (266 sq mi)
Population: 4.1 million
Capital city:Singapore
People:: 77% Chinese, 14% Malay, 8% Indiane
Language:English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil
Religion: 42% Buddhist, 15% Muslim, 14% Christian, 9% Taoist, 4% Hindu
Government:Parliamentary democracy

Money & Costs

Currency: Singapore dollar
Exchange Rate: US$1 = 1.77

Relative cost:
Budget Meal: US$ 3-6
Budget Room: US$ 15-30

Singapore is one of the most expensive countries in South East Asia, with prices comparable to the United States. By living in hostels, it is possible to get by on as little as $20-$30 a day, but Singapore has many luxuries that can easily raise the price tag. ATMs are common and credit cards are generally accepted.

On the Move

Getting around Singapore is very easy, and like everything else in Singapore, it is clean and efficient. Singapore boasts both an excellent bus network and a subway system, both of which are reliable and inexpensive. But don't bring any durian fruit into the subway, or you'll be fined. Metered taxis are also plentiful, as are rental car companies. For water travel, ferry boats will get you to the surrounding islands or Indonesia, and you can charter a bumboat (motorized sampans) on the Singapore River.

Religion

Singapore is a melting pot of religions: Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Taoism and Hinduism all have followers. Many different people live in Singapore, and their religions reflect the varied ethnicities and cultures. Buddhism, Singapore's largest religion, is mainly followed by the ethnic Chinese, although some Chinese are Taoists, and a few are Christians. Most Malays are Muslim and many Indians are Hindu. Other Indians are Muslim or Sikh.

Call to Missionaries

As far as overseas missions goes, Singapore is one of the easiest places to work. It is very easy to get around, and English is probably the most common language used. The people are very friendly and welcoming. There is little religious persecution, and Christians are free to evangelize and preach the good news. Although there are some Christians, they are still a minority, and the need is great for more people who will go out and proclaim Christ. Please pray for God to soften the hearts of these people, to accept the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.