Singapore is an independent nation state located in Southeast Asia. It is located at the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula, and is separated from the Malay Peninsula by the Johor Straits. Directly south of Singapore is the Indonesian Riau islands.

Singapore is a diamond-shaped island with more than 50 small islets. The majority of people who reside in Singapore live on the main island. There are a small number of people who live on the other islands such as Pulau Ubin and Sentosa. Pulau Ubin, known as the last 'kampung' (village) in Singapore, is a laid-back island located in the northeastern part of Singapore. At the Southern end of Singapore is Sentosa. On Sentosa, the growing population of people who live there reside in posh, sea-fronting multi-million dollar properties.

Living on a compact island with a land area of just under 700 square kilometres (270 square miles) means that it takes less than an hour to get from one end of the country to the other. Singapore is the smallest nation in Southeast Asia - the country is approximately 42 km (26 miles) long and 23 km (14 miles) wide. While there are regional / local distinctions within Singapore, most people who live in Singapore regard the city and the country as one and the same.

Singapore has no natural resources to speak of – apart from its strategic geographic position for sea trade routes. Despite this, Singapore enjoys one of the highest GDP rates in the region, and its success in implementing a free market economy is well regarded by economists and country leaders all around the world. Singapore's tremendous progress and development from a fishing village to a cosmopolitan city it is today is renowned.

Responsible for the transformation is a secular government that keeps a tight grip on Singapore's progress. Despite this reputation, the population, a diverse cross-section of Chinese, Malay, Indians and many others, supports this government-led approach. This in turns contributed to the country's reputation of being one of the least corrupt in the region, with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The once lawless atmosphere of the past have been replaced with a modern and prosperous society who is little tolerant of crime, pollution and/or upheaval.

Singapore is a planned city-state, with modern state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure. Due to its robust urban planning culture, Singapore is a very clean, safe and orderly city - this is despite its dense population and built-up landscape. Singapore's ample opportunities for employment and business, its stable and growing economy, its safe and non-corrupt reputation appeals to many expatriates in search for these elements. In addition, Singapore's cosmopolitan flair, and its tolerance and equal treatment of other cultures make the transition to live and work in Singapore relatively stress free.

For more information about Singapore's policies regarding attracting foreigners to live and work in Singapore, refer to Expat Focus' City Guide on Singapore.