How much do you know about Singapore?

I was once asked by a friend staying in US - "Tell me something about Singapore."

I was born and raised in Singapore. But describing my own country is not that easy. What characterizes my home? What so unique about Singapore?

The former Indonesian President Dr. Habibi in an unfriendly mood once called Singapore 'the little red dot.' Indeed Singapore is precisely a mere dot on the map, being a tiny nation without natural resources, located at a tiny spot at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula.

Though prosperous as a nation, Singapore is a relatively small and new country; it has less than 50 years of history as a nation since independence in 1965. As a British colony in the 19 century, it experienced unprecedented prosperity - particularly after the mid-19th century. We do have our dark era. In 1942, Singapore falls into the hands of the Japanese army in the Second World War.

After the independence in 1965, what followed in the short span of less than four decades is legendary. The Republic's economic accomplishments have been hailed as a miracle and frequently studied as a model.

As a tourist, Singapore is best known as a Food paradise.

One of the favourite pass-time for Singaporeans is eating. We are not short of good International cuisine, but the real excitement lies on the local dishes - Fish ball Noodle, Bak Kut Teh, Roti Prata, Hokkien Mee, Nasi Padang, Laksa, Kway Chap, Rojak, Char Kway Teow....the list just goes on and on. What is our National Dish? There are few contenders in the running - Hainanese Chicken Rice, Curry Fish Head and Chilli Crab, all fighting for the elite title - "The best dish that represents Singapore". A must try for the tourists. Which is the best? You be the judge.

Singapore is often regarded by tourists as a "Fine" city. You must not do the wrong things at the wrong places - you may get fine for littering; for smoking; for jay-walking. Durian is also prohibited in most air-conditioned places. Ironically, we have the best and the biggest "durian" in the world. A must see for the tourists.

As a foreigner, don't be surprised if your Singapore friend drove you around in a car that cost more than your house! Yes! Car is an expensive commodity in Singapore. The government used a system called "Certificate of Entitlement" (commonly known as COE) to control car population for this tiny island. As potential car buyer, you have to bid for a COE first before you are entitled to make a purchase of the car you like. COE prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, as well as how well the economy is performing. The highest it ever reached - a cool S$100,000! Yes, that's before the price of the car. So next time if you are invited to sit in one of your friend's luxury car, treasure every moment and pay some respect, you are sitting in one of his priciest asset.

On the whole, Singaporeans are warm and friendly. Never mind the language, if you are lost in the city or need any information, just approach anyone around you, there are no shortage of helpful people. Whether in Mandarin or English, you'll get an answer. Of course, if it's a pretty girl, remember to say a few more "xie xie" - it means Thank You in Mandarin.

If you want to know more about Singapore - not from a tourist point of view, there are more interesting facts here.

Wish to leave your mark in the Red Dot? You are always welcome.