* Singapore

Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world, geographically smaller than Oahu. Singapore has a population size of approximately 5 million which is about four times that of Oahu. Singapore is a melting pot of Chinese, Malay, and Indians. The language spoken is English due to British occupation. Today, Singapore is one of the major trade hubs in the world.

Singapore boasts a 182.2 billion GDP and 36,537 per capita. Part of the reason that Singapore was able to achieve this in a short 46 years since their independence is due to the moves of their past Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. During his leadership, Singapore focus has been establishing a trade regime that has embraced foreign investment and continues to be a primary focus.

APEC's headquarters is in Singapore because that is where business, financial, and legal services dominate the Asian economy. Singapore main trade partners are APEC ecomonies: 75 percent of exports are sent to APEC, while 68 percent of all imports to Singapore come from APEC. Singapore currently has free trade agreements with U.S, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Chinese Taipei, ASEAN, and Trans Pacific Partnership. Singapore is one of the most advanced countries in the world as far as modernization of infrastructure, transportation, and technology.

Singapore’s strict laws make it one of the safest places in Asia to visit. In addition, Singapore has been dedicated to making the environment a priority – commissioning a special committee for sustainable energy development in 2008 and has been exploring options in biofuels and wind technology.

(Sin434)

By Kyle Colwell

For recent economic information see;

UHERO APEC Project

http://www.uhero.hawaii.edu/74/apec-project

For flag, map, pictures and information see:

World Factbook, The

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sn.html