Food and Economy

In Singapore you can get fresh food everywhere. Rice, chicken, fish, and vegetables are the staple food. When these ingredients are mixed with a rich variety of chilies, spices, lime, coconuts, and tamarind, the variations are unending. Very often food is eaten outside the home in food centers where food is tasty, cheap, and also freshly made. Many coffeehouses, cafés, tea houses, and formal restaurants are there. Forks and spoons are mainly used to eat food. But it is better to eat Chinese food with chopsticks. Indian and Malay food can be eaten with the hand. The three main meals can be mentioned as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Foods are preferred to eat while it is hot. In Singapore Indians do not eat beef, Malays do not eat pork, and many Buddhist Chinese are part-time vegetarians. It is also seen that many people do not drink alcohol.

There are some customs maintained at ceremonial occasions. Generally special dishes are eaten during the major ceremonial occasions of all three ethnic groups. But none of them are connected to national celebrations. Basic economy of Singapore can be discussed as it has a fully developed industrial international economy. The country greatly depends on imports. There are few natural resources on the island. A consistent surplus in the overall balance of payments can be seen. There is a large degree of state control of the economy.

In Singapore, there is a large degree of private ownership of houses and flats i.e. apartments. Land tenure is firmly synchronized by the government. Government plans are also there for the use of every inch of the island’s territory. Foreigners are usually not allowed to lease land, but they can buy apartments according to their wish.

Political Life in Singapore

The politics of Singapore takes place in a model of a parliamentary republic. Prime Minister of Singapore is the head of the Government. Executive power is usually exerted by the government where legislative power is invested in both the Government and also the parliament of Singapore. Generally the judiciary is independent of the legislative and executive. The president is the head of the Parliament. A single chamber is also there whose members are generally elected by popular votes. President is the head of the state as well. Some of the Government body in Singapore is discussed below:

Government: As said earlier Singapore is a republic with a parliamentary system. The head of state is the president. President is generally elected for a fixed term of six years whereas the parliament is elected in a general compulsory election in every five years. Six nominated members of the parliament are there. The cabinet is known as the executive organ of the state. The execution of government policies is usually carried out by some ministries and statutory boards.

Social Problems and Control: in Singapore the crime rate is low. British legal system is the base on the judiciary system there. The death penalty is imposed for drug smuggling. Caning is still used as a punishment in Singapore. In addition, there are fines and also other penalties for a wide range of evil doings. The examples can be given as throwing litter on the floor, engaging in politics outside registered political parties and urinating in the elevator, etc.

Military Activity: In Singapore, both military and civil defense are well developed. Armed forces are well equipped where two and a half years of compulsory military service are mandatory for males.

Leadership and Political Officials: The People’s Action Party i.e. PAP has kept a large majority in the parliament since 1965. The politicians from opposite parties held lesser seats. The political position through the cadre system of the PAP lies in educational, loyalty as well as professional merit whereas the other parties are led by politicians with sturdy personalities.