10 Shocking Facts About SINGAPORE That You Wont Find Anywhere
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00:00Did you know that Singapore is one of the only three city-states left in the world?
00:08A city-state is a sovereign entity which consists of a city and its dependent territories.
00:13Singapore, along with Monaco and Vatican City, holds this unique status.
00:18It's a bustling metropolis that also happens to be a full-fledged nation, with all the
00:22complexities and responsibilities that come with it.
00:25But that's just the tip of the iceberg.
00:27Let's dive into more fascinating facts about Singapore.
00:31Fact number 10, Singapore is not just a city, it's a green city.
00:35Despite its rapid urbanization and dense population, Singapore has made an unwavering commitment
00:39to preserving its lush, natural beauty.
00:42This bustling metropolis is a world leader in urban sustainability, a testament to its
00:46dedication to maintaining a harmonious balance between nature and city life.
00:51Just take the gardens by the bay for instance.
00:54This sprawling futuristic garden paradise spans over 250 acres boasting an impressive
00:59array of biodiversity.
01:01It's a living testament to the city's innovative approach to urban planning.
01:05But it's not just about the gardens.
01:07Everywhere you turn, the city is filled with vibrant green spaces.
01:11From its tree-lined roads to its eco-friendly buildings, Singapore is a city where nature
01:16and development coexist in perfect harmony.
01:19And it's not stopping there.
01:21Singapore continues to invest in green initiatives, ensuring a sustainable future for generations
01:26to come.
01:27Now that's a city that values its environment.
01:29Fact number 9, Singaporeans speak not one, not two, but four official languages.
01:35Now let's dive into the fascinating linguistic fabric of Singapore.
01:39English is the first language and it's used as the medium of instruction in schools and
01:44for official communications.
01:45The use of English serves as a unifying factor among the diverse ethnic groups in Singapore.
01:51Next up is Malay, the national language of Singapore, symbolizing its historical links
01:56to the Malay Peninsula.
01:57Then we have Mandarin.
01:59With a significant Chinese population in Singapore, Mandarin serves as a link to their cultural
02:03roots.
02:04Last but not least, Tamil represents the language of the Indian community in Singapore, reflecting
02:09the cultural diversity of the nation.
02:12Every language has its own unique rhythm, its own melody.
02:15In Singapore, these four languages blend together, creating a harmonious symphony that
02:19reflects the nation's rich cultural diversity.
02:22Imagine how fascinating it is to hear four different languages on a daily basis.
02:27Fact number 8, Singapore is a paradise for food lovers.
02:31The tiny island nation is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more evident
02:35than in its food scene.
02:36From the bustling hawker centers serving up mouth-watering local dishes like Hainanese
02:41chicken rice and chili crab, to Michelin-starred restaurants offering world-class cuisine,
02:46there's something for every palate here.
02:48Food is an integral part of Singaporean culture, a reflection of its diverse heritage.
02:53It's not just about eating, it's about experiencing a rich tapestry of flavors, textures and aromas.
02:59The city's food scene is a testament to its multiculturalism, with influences from Chinese,
03:04Malay, Indian and Peranakan cuisines.
03:06The culinary landscape is ever-evolving, with innovative chefs continually pushing
03:11boundaries and creating fusion dishes that tantalize the taste buds.
03:15And so, whether you're a fan of spicy street food or prefer the sophistication of fine
03:19dining, Singapore has you covered.
03:21In Singapore, every meal is a culinary adventure.
03:24Fact number 7, Singapore is known as the Lion City but it has never had lions.
03:29That's right, the name Singapore derives from the Sanskrit words, Singha, meaning lion,
03:34and Pura, meaning city.
03:36But how did this lionless city get its name?
03:38Let's travel back in time to the 13th century.
03:40A prince from Sumatra, Sang Nila Utama, was out on a hunting trip when he spotted a strange
03:46creature.
03:47He was told it was a lion, although it was likely a Malayan tiger.
03:51Struck by the majesty of the creature and considering it a good omen, the prince decided
03:55to establish a city in that location, hence the name, Lion City.
03:59So there you have it, Singapore's name is based on a case of mistaken identity, a tale
04:03that blends myth and history, adding another layer to the rich tapestry of this fascinating
04:09city.
04:10Talk about a case of mistaken identity!
04:12Fact number 6, the world's first nocturnal zoo is in Singapore.
04:17Nestled in the heart of the island city-state, the Night Safari stands as a beacon of innovation
04:22in wildlife conservation.
04:24Established in 1994, it has since then opened its doors to millions of visitors who have
04:29been captivated by the enchantments of the night.
04:32The Night Safari is more than a zoo, it's a unique experience where you can observe
04:37over 2,500 animals from 130 species, a staggering 38% of which are threatened.
04:44Their purpose?
04:45To promote biodiversity and inspire visitors about the importance of conservation.
04:50As you traverse the park, you're not simply observing, you're immersing yourself in the
04:54world of nocturnal animals.
04:56You're experiencing the mystery, the thrill, the wonder that comes with life under the
05:01cover of darkness, and all this, without disturbing the natural behavior of these creatures.
05:07Fact number 5, chewing gum is banned in Singapore.
05:10This unique law was put into effect in 1992 by the then Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew.
05:15The reasons?
05:16To maintain cleanliness in public spaces and to prevent gum-related vandalism.
05:20This legislation came after instances of used gum being stuck in keyholes, mailboxes and
05:25even on the sensors of public transportation doors, causing disruptions and additional
05:29cleaning costs.
05:31The law was so strict that it even prohibited the importation and sale of gum.
05:35However, in 2004, a slight concession was made.
05:39Now you can purchase therapeutic gum from pharmacies but only with a medical prescription.
05:43The implications of this law are intriguing.
05:46It shows the length Singapore is willing to go to preserve its cleanliness and order.
05:50It's a testament to the nation's commitment to public hygiene and discipline.
05:54So, next time you're in Singapore, remember to leave your gum at home.
05:58Fact number 4, Singapore's national anthem is in microtext on the back of their $1,000
06:03note.
06:04Yes, you heard that right.
06:06Not just a symbol or an emblem, but the entire national anthem, Majulah Singapura, is printed
06:11on the back of the note.
06:13This is a unique way Singapore has chosen to honor its national anthem, a song that
06:17reflects the nation's enduring spirit and aspirations.
06:21The anthem, written in Malay, the national language of Singapore, encapsulates the nation's
06:26history, its struggles, and its rise to prosperity.
06:29It's a testament to the unity and strength of the people of Singapore.
06:33This unusual placement of the anthem shows the value Singapore places on its national
06:37identity.
06:38Just imagine, each time a Singaporean holds this note, they're holding a piece of their
06:43national pride, a symbol of their collective journey, a constant reminder of their roots
06:47and their shared aspirations, right there in their wallets.
06:50Now that's a national anthem that's worth a lot.
06:54Singapore has an orchid so famous it's on their $5 note.
06:58Now the orchid isn't just any flower, it's the national flower of Singapore.
07:03The bloom we're talking about is the Vanda Miss Joaquim.
07:06This particular orchid was named after Agnes Joaquim, an Armenian woman who bred the hybrid
07:11in her Singapore garden in the late 19th century.
07:15This unique orchid isn't just a symbol of the nation's botanical prowess, it's a testament
07:20to Singapore's commitment to preserving and celebrating its natural heritage.
07:24The Vanda Miss Joaquim is a vibrant testament to the city's green thumb, blooming in the
07:29city's parks, gardens and even on the urban skyline.
07:32This flower's fame extends beyond borders.
07:35It's been an ambassador of Singapore's blossoming achievements in orchid breeding and cultivation.
07:40Next time you're in Singapore, don't forget to admire the Vanda Miss Joaquim in all its
07:45glory.
07:46A city that truly loves its flowers.
07:48At number two, Singapore holds the title of the world's busiest transshipment port.
07:53Now you might be wondering, what exactly does this mean?
07:56Well, it's all about the hustle and bustle of global trade.
08:00Singapore's strategic location at the crossroads of major sea lanes has made it a key player
08:04in international commerce.
08:06This bustling port is more than just a hub of activity, it's the heartbeat of Singapore's
08:11economy, contributing a significant portion of the country's GDP.
08:15From the smallest gadgets to the largest machinery, a vast array of goods pass through
08:20Singapore's port every single day.
08:23But it's not just about the numbers.
08:25The port's efficiency and state-of-the-art technology set it apart.
08:29With automated systems and round-the-clock operations, it's a testament to Singapore's
08:34commitment to innovation and excellence.
08:36So when you think of Singapore, remember this.
08:39It's not just a city-state, it's a global trading powerhouse and Singapore every day
08:44is a busy day at the port.
08:45And finally, fact number one.
08:48Singaporeans are among the world's biggest water consumers.
08:51This tiny island nation, with its dense population, has a water consumption per capita that ranks
08:56among the highest globally.
08:58But don't let this fact mislead you into thinking Singapore is water wasteful.
09:03Quite the contrary, Singapore has turned this challenge into an opportunity.
09:07With limited natural water resources, Singapore has invested heavily in technology and innovation
09:13to manage its water supply.
09:15From rainwater collection on a massive scale to advanced water treatment and desalination
09:20processes, Singapore has become a pioneer in water sustainability.
09:24Even the urban landscape is designed to contribute, with green rooftops and vertical gardens acting
09:29as mini-catchments.
09:31The government also encourages its citizens to be water-wise, promoting conservation through
09:35education and awareness campaigns.
09:38So while Singaporeans may consume a lot of water, they do so responsibly.
09:42In Singapore, water is more than just a necessity, it's a way of life.
09:46So there you have it.
09:47If you enjoyed the video, please leave your thoughts in the comments.
09:50Hope to see you in the next one.