Pulau Ujong

Pulau Ujong, also known as Singapore Island, is the main island of Singapore, a Sovereign state and Island country in Southeast Asia. The island is situated at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, near the Equator, and is separated from the Asian mainland by the Johor Strait. Pulau Ujong is connected to the neighboring country of Malaysia via two Land bridges, the Johor-Singapore Causeway and the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link. The island is home to a diverse range of Flora and fauna, including species found in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Geography

Pulau Ujong is an island with a total area of approximately 719 square kilometers, and is situated near the Riau Islands and the Karimata Strait. The island's terrain is generally flat, with some Hills and Valleys, such as the Bukit Timah Hill and the MacRitchie Reservoir valley. The island's Coastline is approximately 193 kilometers long, and features several Beaches, including East Coast Park and Changi Beach. Pulau Ujong is also home to several Rivers, including the Singapore River and the Kallang River, which flow into the Marina Bay and the Kallang Basin respectively. The island's Geology is composed of Granite and Sedimentary rock, with some areas of Volcanic rock.

History

The history of Pulau Ujong dates back to the 14th century, when the island was a Trading post for the Majapahit Empire and the Srivijaya Empire. The island was later colonized by the Portuguese Empire in the 16th century, and was subsequently occupied by the Dutch East India Company and the British Empire. During World War II, Pulau Ujong was occupied by the Empire of Japan, and was the site of the Battle of Singapore. After the war, the island became a Crown colony of the United Kingdom, and later gained Independence as the State of Singapore in 1959. In 1963, Singapore merged with the Federation of Malaya to form the Malaysia, but later separated to become an independent country in 1965, with Lee Kuan Yew as its first Prime Minister of Singapore.

Etymology

The name "Pulau Ujong" is derived from the Malay language, with "Pulau" meaning "Island" and "Ujong" meaning "End" or "Tip". The name refers to the island's location at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The island is also known as Singapore Island, which is derived from the Sanskrit word "Singapura", meaning "Lion city". The name "Singapore" was given to the island by the Srivijaya Empire, and was later adopted as the name of the modern City-state.

Economy

The economy of Pulau Ujong is a High-income economy and a Free market economy, with a strong focus on Trade and Finance. The island is home to the Singapore Exchange, one of the largest Stock exchanges in Asia, and is a major hub for International trade and Investment. The island's economy is also driven by its Manufacturing sector, which includes industries such as Electronics, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotechnology. Pulau Ujong is also a popular Tourist destination, with attractions such as the Gardens by the Bay, the Marina Bay Sands, and the Universal Studios Singapore. The island is also home to several major Corporations, including Singapore Airlines, DBS Bank, and Singapore Telecommunications.

Demographics

The population of Pulau Ujong is approximately 5.69 million people, with a diverse range of Ethnic groups, including Chinese Singaporeans, Malay Singaporeans, and Indian Singaporeans. The island is also home to a large number of Expatriates and Foreign workers, with many people from countries such as China, India, and Malaysia living and working on the island. The official Languages of Pulau Ujong are English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil, with English being the most widely spoken language. The island is also home to several major Universitys, including the National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University, as well as several major Hospitals, including the Singapore General Hospital and the National University Health System.

Category:Islands of Singapore