Singapore celebrates its 56th year of independence on August 9, 2021. And the day is a beautiful reminder that this country has been a beacon of hope, progress, and diversity over the past five decades.
The little red dot has shown the world what it is capable of achieving despite its small size, but with a larger grit and resilience to soar higher as a nation, economy and people.
Then there’s its regional diversity, high median income and one of the best education systems in the world to look forward to. In fact, on the occasion of the 2021 National Day, we’ve compiled a list of 50 reasons why Singapore is the best country in the world.
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1. Strong Economy
Singapore topped the global ranking for the second year in a row in the latest Economic Freedom Index. It witnessed an increase of 0.3 points to 89.7 points with the government spending wisely.
2. Safe For Citizens And Tourists
Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. Gallup’s 2020 Global Law and Order report ranked Singapore first in the world for the seventh consecutive year. The World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index 2020 also ranked the island first for order and security.
3. Convenient Public Transport
The true sense of a country’s economy comes from its public transportation system and Singapore has this sorted. With apps like My Transport SG and a strong bus network, it’s easy to track and get from one point to another in Singapore without breaking a sweat. There’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) too that makes travelling around Singapore absolutely convenient.
4. Fantastic Healthcare
The government hospitals are well equipped and provide the best services. The demarcation between a private hospital and a government healthcare centre is extremely minimal.
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5. Several Public Holidays
The perks of living in a multi-cultural society are that you get to enjoy all of them. From the Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Diwali to Christmas, there’s something to look forward to every month and a public holiday waiting for you to enjoy.
6. Brilliant Education System
Singapore leads the world when it comes to Math and Science. The education system is worked upon in such a way that children understand the concept and learn more than just mugging it. There’s a reason why Singapore math is an independent teaching method.
7. Wi-Fi Galore
Singapore gets a strong infrastructure and one of the ways it achieves the same is Wi-Fi connectivity. Any time, anywhere.
No seriously, even the hawkers, cafes and MRT stations will provide you with Wi-Fi connectivity and that should speak volumes about how fast the country moves.
8. Cleanest Country In The World
Singapore has a long-standing reputation of being one of the cleanest countries in the world. It continues to work towards becoming a zero-litter nation by encouraging a culture where people clean up after themselves and dispose of the trash correctly.
9. Best Shopping Experience
You don’t need to go to Milan for the best luxury brands. Singapore’s Orchard Road and its malls pack the best shopping experience that you want to experience.
It also encourages a healthy bargain and Chinatown is the place to be to achieve that. Don’t forget to try out the street style around the corners of Haji Lane.
Image Source: Singapore Airlines
10. Singapore Airlines
AirlineRatings.com ranks Singapore Airlines third in its best airlines list for 2021 behind Qatar Airways and Air New Zealand.
It remains the face of the country in many parts of the world and remains one of the best in-air experiences that you can get your hands on. The airline has consistently delivered in passenger comfort, service, food and safety. Gosh! We can’t wait to get back on a plane.
11. Changi Airport
How can we not talk about the Changi Airport when we talk about planes. Singapore Changi has consistently ranked on top of every list of the best airports in the world.
It connects to over 200 destinations worldwide with 5000 arrivals and departures every week by 80 international airlines.
12. Bright Weather Throughout The Year
Singapore’s tropical weather makes it habitable throughout the year. Wear your shorts, sunglasses and hats. It’s beach weather throughout the year.
13. Swimming Pools
Another thing that Singapore has in abundance is swimming pools. Most condos and houses come with a pool, while there are ample public pools to have access to. It’s strongly a part of the lifestyle and helps you beat the heat with ease.
14. The Best City Views
Singapore offers some of the best views across the city. Watch the sunset at Marina Bay Sands or hop on to the Singapore Flyer and check out the city’s skyline.
15. Brilliant Street Art
Singapore is full of budding graffiti artists and street art is absolutely fantastic to look at across the city. Spend a day cycling and looking at new graffiti and street art across the city.
16. Grabbing A Michelin-Starred Meal For $2
Singapore is home to the cheapest Michelin-starred cuisine in the world. Grab a plate of chicken rice for $2 or some $4.50 bak chor mee and dig into it.
17. Multiple Cuisine Options
Being a diverse nation, the food choices are in abundance. Grab world-class noodles or chicken satay, dumplings, roti prata and so much more.
18. Chicken Rice
Call it comfort food but chicken rice along with chilli crab is one of the country’s signature dishes. It’s absolutely delicious and easily accessible. Be it, adults or kids, everyone loves it.
19. Spicy Food
It’s also easy to find spicy food in Singapore. From Chinese food, Indian food, Malay food to Peranakan food, there’s so much to choose from.
20. Lots Of Brunch Options
The sunny weather makes for perfect brunch dates and you should check out ample of these in Singapore.
21. Teh Halia
Another drink that’s most popular to Singaporeans is Teh Halia. It comprises pulled ginger tea with condensed milk and has just the right bit of zing, sweetness and frothiness. Just the perfect concoction to start your day.
21. Desserts
Right from Kaya toast, ice chendol or a nice glass of milkshake, Singapore has multiple dessert options to choose from. Make sure to indulge in all of them, especially if you have a sweet tooth.
22. Young Coconuts
Beat the heat with the young coconuts right from the refrigerator. That first sip hits different.
23. Mustafa Centre
Mustafa Center is your one-stop shop for everything. From hard to find beauty products to ice cream and diapers, there’s something for everyone.
24. Best Museums
The Asian Civilisations Museum and the Peranakan Museum are the perfect places to visit and learn about the country’s rich heritage and culture.
25. Amazing Parks
Spend outdoors in the amazing selection of parks and playgrounds around the city.
26. Lots Of Beaches
Singapore offers the sun, sand and the sea in abundance, so make sure to hit the beach but don’t forget to put your sunscreen on.
27. Lightning Storms
Singapore has a world record for the number of lightning storms every year. And they are brilliant to watch. And only to watch. Avoid standing under a tree when this happens.
28. Cycle-Friendly
Singapore is a cycle-friendly city and there’s plenty of trails and tracks to explore every evening. Make sure to get your kids out on the bicycle as well and enjoy the different views of the city.
29. The Singapore Zoo
It’s one of the best places to get closer to nature and is home to about 2,800 animals. The Singapore Zoo is also one of the best zoos in the world and certainly a place you must visit.
30. Coexisting Nature And People
Singapore manages to bring nature and people in harmony. There are ample trees, bushes, and flowers everywhere in the city, while the many parks, playgrounds and nature reserves remain untouched.
31. Lots Of Hiking And Trail Options
Have a free weekend? Head to the MacRitchie Reservoir and dodge some monkeys, and make a day out of it.
32. Colonial Architecture
Singapore was once part of the British Empire and it’s left that mark in the form of colonial architecture from the 19th century. The Raffles Hotel and the old Supreme Court are worth checking out. And so are the many black and white bungalows from the years gone by.
33. Volunteering And Charity
Singapore’s “kampung spirit” is evident in day-to-day life. Right from schools, politics and more, there’s always a thought to give back to the society among the people.
34. Multicultural Society
Singapore is truly a melting pot of cultures and kids grow up in a diverse environment that sees everything from Indian, Chinese, Malay, Thai, American and even European cultures coming together in some form or the other.
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35. Plenty Of Activities For Kids
Head to the beach at Sentosa, or make a trip to islands like Lazarus and Pulau Ubin, all the places are family friends and kids can experience so much from indoor playgrounds to animal farms.
36. Taxis
Singapore’s taxis like GRAB, Gojek, and more make travelling in the city so much easier. Just tap on the screen and book a cab via the app and everything feels convenient.
37. Taxi Uncles
Since we’ve mentioned taxis, it’s criminal to not mention the taxi uncles. Ever smiling and always pleasing to talk, you always make a friend before getting out of a taxi.
38. Petrol Uncles
Much like the taxi uncles, we also have petrol uncles who’ve been our friends at fuel stations. Another unique bit to Singapore and always great to see them smiling and striking up a conversation.
39. Close Proximity
Being an island, Singapore has a small footprint and that’s great once you consider that you do not spend a lot of time travelling. All the places are easily accessible and you can take in the sights by actually spending more time at the location.
40. Palm Trees
Singapore has more palm trees than you can imagine. The exotic shrubs add to the beauty of city and makes you feel that this is a tropical paradise.
41. Bilingualism
Kids at schools are taught at least two languages in Singapore. Kids start young and learn two or maybe more languages depending on what’s spoken at home. It only adds to the multicultural landscape of the city.
42. Fresh Juices
The ABC addiction is real and the fresh fruit juices at hawkers make for a healthy alternative at some really cheap prices.
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42. Rain Vortex
Singapore is home to the world’s tallest indoor fountain and that’s quite the architectural marvel.
43. House Help
Singaporeans can get house help to keep up with responsibilities and duties at home that makes their lives easier. It also helps that the strict laws ensure to keep the lives and rights of these foreign migrant workers in check.
44. Kid-Friendly Places
From free playgrounds to activities, there’s so much for kids to do everywhere. All the malls are also kid-friendly and equipped with a dedicated space for diaper changes and feeding. There’s always something in Singapore for the kids to explore.
45. A Woman President
Singapore’s Madam Halimah Yacob is the country’s first female president and has been setting quite the example for all the young girls out there. She is an accomplished former Speaker of Parliament and also a mother of five kids.
46. Strict Punishments
One of the reasons Singapore can maintain its tag of being one of the cleanest cities in the world is the strict fines. The number of laws and regulations from smoking in no-smoking areas, jaywalking or even eating and drinking on the MRT can attract some serious fines. We would recommend not getting on the wrong side of the law here.
47. Cocktail Bars
Singapore offers a number of lantern-strewn bars dot rooftops that offer a scenic view, some fine alcohol and good music. Just the kinds to unwind after a heavy week.
48. No Need To Wait
One of the best parts about Singapore is that you do not need to wait too long in lines. From the airport to public spaces, everything is quick and efficient. That service will leave you impressed.
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49. Supertrees
Singapore has 18 man-made trees between 25 and 50 metres tall that make the intricate vertical gardens. The solar-powered supertrees are part of the 250-acre Gardens by the Bay and also host an evening light show that showcases the city’s close relationship with nature.
50. Singapore Night Safari
And finally, Singapore’s Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal safari park. It has over 2,500 animals in their natural nighttime habitats, so that’s something unique to look forward to, especially if you are as nocturnal as the animals.
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