Today is my adopted home’s 59th birthday. Having lived here for more than two decades now, I call this little sunny island, the red dot, home as much as I believe Mumbai is home. Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and innovations. To celebrate its 59^th birthday, here’s what makes it different and Uniquely Singapore!

1. Singapore is the only island city-state in the world, making it a unique blend of urban and natural environments.
2. Singapore was once a trading settlement in the 13^th century, known as Temasek or Dan Ma Xi by Chinese sources. This settlement was inhabited by fishermen and pirates and was a centre for a wide trading network.
3. According to legend, the Sumatran prince Sang Nila Utama spotted a grand lion standing on the island after a thunderstorm, leading to the name “Singapura” or “Lion City”
4. During World War II, Old Changi Hospital was seized by the Japanese and used as a medical facility for war casualties and injured military personnel. It was also used by the Kempeitai, the Japanese military police, who were known for their inhumane torture techniques.
5. In the 1960s, the Singaporean government implemented a policy prohibiting men from keeping long hair, as part of an effort to nullify the influence of the hippie subculture. This ban was later rescinded in the 1990s.
6. Singapore nearly had its own Disneyland, with plans to build a theme park between the Yio Chu Kang and Khatib MRT stations. However, the project was scrapped due to land scarcity and financial disputes.
7. Singapore has the highest number of millionaires per capita in Asia. One in 10 households contains a millionaire, according to the Boston Consulting Group’s Global Wealth Report.
8. Singapore’s gross domestic product per person is the world’s highest at $61,577.
9. The world’s most impressive swimming pool sits atop the Marina Bay Sands hotel, which looks like a spaceship marooned on three skyscrapers.
10. Once upon a time, Singapore was wiped out from the world map. In 1613, Portuguese pirates burned the city down, leaving the city obsolete for more than a hundred years until migrants from around the region started setting camp, raising it from its ashes. In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles established a British trading post, and word about Singapore got around.
11. Singapore’s time zones changed 6 times. Singapore was seven hours ahead of GMT from 1905 to 1932. Then, it moved 20 minutes forward from 1933 to 1941, and a further 10 minutes from 1941 to 1942. During the Japanese occupation in World War II, clocks moved an hour and 30 minutes ahead to sync with Japan. After World War II, When the war ended, clocks moved back and finally settled to sync with Malaysia in 1982.
12. Singapore is also known as a Garden City because of the lush greenery across the country.
13. Singapore is home to the tallest indoor waterfall at the Jewel in Changi Airport. Standing at 40 metres and surrounded by the terminal’s lush indoor gardens, the HSBC Rain Vortex is a gorgeous sight, especially from 7.30 pm to midnight when the hourly light and sound show is in session.
14. Singapore is made up of the mainland and 63 smaller offshore islands, including St John’s Island, Kusu Island, Pulau Semakau, Pulau Ubin, Lazarus Island, and Sentosa, the largest of them all.
15. Singapore is home to a harmonious blend of Chinese, Malays, Indians, and Eurasians, each contributing to the country’s rich cultural tapestry.
16. English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil are the four official languages of Singapore, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage.
17. The national anthem is written in micro-text on the back of the SGD 1000 note.
18. The Tanjong Pagar Centre is Singapore’s tallest building, standing at 290 meters.
19. Singaporeans are known to be the fastest pedestrians in the world, walking at a speed of about 6.15 kilometres per hour.
20. The Tembusu Tree on the SGD 5 banknote is an actual living tree in the Botanic Gardens.
21. Singapore celebrates National Tree Planting Day on November 7th each year.
22. The iconic Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay are a testament to Singapore’s innovative approach to urban planning.
23. Singapore offers ghost tours, exploring the city’s spooky side.
24. Street performers or buskers add to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
25. Singapore has both natural and man-made waterfalls, including the one at the Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay.
26. The Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal zoo, offering a unique wildlife experience with more than 130 species of nocturnal animals in their natural habitat without any barriers.
27. The historic landmark CHIJMES, was once a girls’ school and now houses restaurants and bars.
28. The Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club is the largest songbird display area in Singapore.
29. Seletar was once Singapore’s first airbase and now features cafes and restaurants amidst lush greenery.
30. Sembawang Hot Spring Park features a natural hot spring and a floral walk.
31. Coney Island in Punggol is a popular spot for nature lovers.
32. Wallace Trail in Dairy Farm Nature Park is perfect for mountain bikers.
33. The Bukit Brown Cemetery is one of the largest and last-remaining graveyards in Singapore.
34. Singapore celebrates National Children’s Day on October 1st.
35. The Singapore Kindness Movement aims to promote kindness, honesty, and good manners.
36. Singapore is known for its strict laws and fines for minor offences and so is known as a “Fine City”.
37. Elevators in Singapore have urine detection devices that set off alarms and shut the doors until authorities arrive.
38. Littering is taken very seriously in Singapore, with fines and public shaming for repeat offenders.
39. Changi Airport has been named the world’s best airport multiple times
40. Changi Airport offers free movie screenings 24/7.
41. Singapore’s passport is considered one of the best in the world, offering visa-free access to more than 192 countries in the world.
42. The Chinatown Complex Food Centre is Singapore’s largest hawker centre in Singapore, with over 700 food stalls.
43. Singapore is ranked as one of the easiest places to do business globally.
44. Singapore imports everything from sand to freshwater.
45. Singapore is the fifth-largest arms importer in the world.
46. The National Stadium has the biggest retractable dome in the world.
47. Two new restaurants open every day in Singapore.
48. Singaporeans do not need a visa to visit China, South Korea, North Korea, or the United States.
49. Singapore gained independence from Malaysia through a democratic vote.
50. Bukit Timah Hill is the tallest natural point in Singapore, standing at 164 meters.
51. The Singapore Flyer is a giant Ferris wheel that initially rotated counter-clockwise but was reversed due to Feng Shui concerns.
52. The Singapore film, Ilo Ilo won the Camera d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013.
53. Tanjong Rimau is an area on the western tip of Singapore that features mangrove trails and secret caves.
54. The century-old Keppel Hill Reservoir is a hidden gem for hikers.
55. Singapore is famous for its street food, with popular dishes like chilli crab and Hainanese chicken rice.
56. Hawker Centres and Food Courts are a staple in the city-state, offering a wide variety of affordable and delicious food options.
57. Singapore hosts the world’s first night Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, a major international event.
58. Singapore’s public transport ranks fourth in the world after Hong Kong, Zurich, and Stockholm.
59. Singaporean sons and second-generation permanent residents are required to serve in National Service for two years.

Happy Birthday Singapore! May you stay the same, yet continue to prosper for years to come!