1. The name of Singapore comes from the Sanskrit “Simhapura” meaning “Lion city”. It is based on the legendary sighting of a lion there in 1299.
2. There have never been any wild lions in Singapore but it may have been a tiger.
3. The national emblem is the mythical Merlion, half fish and half lion.
4. Feeding pigeons, selling chewing gum and forgetting to flush the toilet after use are all illegal in Singapore.
5. So is urinating in a public elevator. Indeed, some lifts are even fitted with urine detectors.
6. Apart from the main island of Singapore, the country also includes 62 other islands, mostly unpopulated.
7. Singapore has the highest rate of millionaires. One-in-six people has assets of $1million or more.
8. The five stars on Singapore’s flag represent democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. The crescent moon is a rising, young nation.
9. According to a study by the British Council, Singaporeans walk faster than any other nation.
10. Buildings in Singapore must not be higher than 280 metres. Three buildings are exactly that high