Singapore is an island nation at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It is made up of not just one island but a main island with 63 surrounding islets. The main island has a total land area of 682 square km.
However, its compact size belies its economic power. In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a thriving hub of commerce and industry. Its former role as a trading post has diminished, as the nation has increased its manufacturing base.
Singapore is the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines sending supertankers, container ships, and passenger liners to share the busy waters with coastal fishing vessels and wooden lighters.