How Much Do You Know About Singapore?

1. What does the name "Singapura" (the original name of Singapore) mean?

Jungle City

City of Ships

Lion City

City of Islands

"Singapura" means "Lion City" in Sanskrit. The settlement of Singapura is thought to have received its name sometime between 11th and 14th centuries.

Explanation

"Singapura" means "Lion City" in Sanskrit. The settlement of Singapura is thought to have received its name sometime between 11th and 14th centuries.

2. What does istana mean in Malay?

Palace

Village

Jewel

Tiger

Istana means "Palace" in Malay, it is the Singapore president's residence. The gates are open five times a year to the public.

Explanation

Istana means "Palace" in Malay, it is the Singapore president's residence. The gates are open five times a year to the public.

3. Which university ranks first in Singapore?

Singapore Management University

National University of Singapore

Nanyang Technological University

Singapore Polytechnic Singapore Polytechnic

National University of Singapore or NUS, is Singapore's leading university. Admission to the university is rather demanding and has world-class professors.

Explanation

National University of Singapore or NUS, is Singapore's leading university. Admission to the university is rather demanding and has world-class professors.

4. What was Singapore known as in 14th century?

Forest Town

Forest World

Sea Town

Sea World

During the 14th century, Singapore was known as Temasek or "Sea Town". It was named "Sea Town" because Singapore was a meeting point for traders from different countries.

Explanation

During the 14th century, Singapore was known as Temasek or "Sea Town". It was named "Sea Town" because Singapore was a meeting point for traders from different countries.

5. What is the highest point in Singapore?

Bukit Batok

Bukit Samjong

Bukit Hill

Bukit Timah

Bukit Timah is the highest point in the island of Singapore. Its height is about 176 m/ 577 ft.

Explanation

Bukit Timah is the highest point in the island of Singapore. Its height is about 176 m/ 577 ft.

6. When was modern Singapore founded?

1752

1819

1853

1867

To take its advantage of its deep harbor and strategic location on the Singapore Strait, the British East India Company founded modern Singapore as a trading post in 1819.

Explanation

To take its advantage of its deep harbor and strategic location on the Singapore Strait, the British East India Company founded modern Singapore as a trading post in 1819.

7. What is the name of the bridge that spans across the mouth of the Singapore River?

One Bridge

Orchard Bridge

Esplanade Bridge

Raffles Bridge

The bridge that spans across the mouth of the Singapore River is the Esplanade Bridge. A lot of tourists say that it is one of the most beautiful places in Singapore.

Explanation

The bridge that spans across the mouth of the Singapore River is the Esplanade Bridge. A lot of tourists say that it is one of the most beautiful places in Singapore.

8. Which language is most spoken at home in Singapore?

Chinese

Malay

English

Tamil

Chinese is the most popular language spoken at home, with English as the predominant language in business. About 75 percent of Singapore's population is Chinese.

Explanation

Chinese is the most popular language spoken at home, with English as the predominant language in business. About 75 percent of Singapore's population is Chinese.

9. How long is the term of Singapore's president?

1 year

4 years

6 years

12 years

Singapore's president serves a 6-year term as head of state. The prime minister is the head of government.

Explanation

Singapore's president serves a 6-year term as head of state. The prime minister is the head of government.

10. What is the total area of Singapore, including the smaller islands?

490 square kilometers

622 square kilometers

728 square kilometers

886 square kilometers

The total area of Singapore, including its smaller islands, is approximately 728.6 square kilometers. This figure encompasses Singapore's main island and its surrounding islets and smaller landforms. The country's compact size is a result of extensive land reclamation projects over the years, aimed at accommodating its growing population and expanding its urban infrastructure.

Explanation

The total area of Singapore, including its smaller islands, is approximately 728.6 square kilometers. This figure encompasses Singapore's main island and its surrounding islets and smaller landforms. The country's compact size is a result of extensive land reclamation projects over the years, aimed at accommodating its growing population and expanding its urban infrastructure.

11. In which year did Singapore ban the chewing gum ?

1965

1982

1992

2004

Singapore banned chewing gum in 1992 but revised its policy to allow gum with "therapeutic" value.

Explanation

Singapore banned chewing gum in 1992 but revised its policy to allow gum with "therapeutic" value.

12. How many buildings in Singapore are the "tallest skyscraper"?

Two

Three

Four

Five

Each at 280 meters, the United Overseas Bank Plaza, the Republic Plaza, and the Overseas Union Bank Center all share the title of Singapore's tallest skyscraper.

Explanation

Each at 280 meters, the United Overseas Bank Plaza, the Republic Plaza, and the Overseas Union Bank Center all share the title of Singapore's tallest skyscraper.

13. How much does Singapore's Merlion, a statue of a lion's head with a fish body, weigh?

47 tons

70 tons

85 tons

92 tons

Built in 1964 by the Singapore Tourism Board, Merlion has become a symbol of Singapore. Made of concrete, it weighs 70 tons.

Explanation

Built in 1964 by the Singapore Tourism Board, Merlion has become a symbol of Singapore. Made of concrete, it weighs 70 tons.

14. In which year did Singapore introduce a Goods and Service tax (GST) to increase its strength of economy?

1990

1994

1995

1997

Singapore introduced a GST service on 1 April 1994. It boosted Singapore's economy. Singaporeans could get the GST service in shopping centres, while a lot of tourists need to get it in Changi Airport.

Explanation

Singapore introduced a GST service on 1 April 1994. It boosted Singapore's economy. Singaporeans could get the GST service in shopping centres, while a lot of tourists need to get it in Changi Airport.