Discovering Singapore 2022

Facts About Singapore + Official Country Name: Republic of Singapore + Capital City: Singapore

+ National Language: English (Other Languages: Mandarin, Malay and Tamil) + Official Religion: Singapore has no state religion. It has the most diverse religion in South-East Asia from Buddhism, Roman Catholic, Islam, Christians or Protestants, Taoism, Hinduism, Sikhism. + Currency: Singaporen Dollar, SGD + Weights and Measurements: Metric System and Square Foot + Electricity/Voltage: 230V General Information Public Holidays Most schools, banks, and government offices are closed on national public holidays.

Holiday

Date

New Year’s Day

January 1

Chinese New Year (2 consecutive days)

Date varies every year

Good Friday Labour Day

Friday before Easter Sunday

May 1

Hari Raya Puasa

Date varies every year Date varies every year Date varies every year

Vesak Day

Hari Raya Haji National Day

August 9

Deepavali

Date varies every year

Christmas Day

December 25

Government The Government of the Republic of Singapore is a sovereign republic and has adopted a parliamentary democracy system. It is modelled after the Westminster system with three separate branches: Legislature, the Executive and Judiciary. The Prime Minister is the Head of the Government while the President is the Head of the State. The President is directly elected by the people. However, the President normally plays a nominal role in the executive branch of government. It is the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President who has the general direction and control of the Government together with the Ministers. The legislative agenda of Parliament is determined by the Cabinet. Each parliament lasts for a maximum of five years and once a parliament has been dissolved, a general election must be held within three months. Following a general election, the President appoints a Prime Minister. In practice, the Prime Minister is usually the leader of the political party holding the majority of the seats in Parliament. The President also appoints other Ministers, acting in accordance with the Prime Minister’s advice.

© Dwellworks

Page 5

Discovering Singapore 2022