Singapore is an independent democratic city-state comprising one main island and 50 small adjacent islands at the tip of the Malay Peninsula with a population of about 5 million. The population is 75% Chinese with significant Malay and Indian minorities. It is the areas most significant seaport plus being a trading and financial center. Its standard of living is one of the highest in the world. Singapore is clean, beautiful, safe, architecturally interesting and offers world class shopping.