SINGAPORE
A. THE COUNTRY
The Republic of Singapore city-state is one larger and 54 smaller
islands off the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia. It is
strategically located for communications and trade. Singapore is Asia’s
cleanest and greenest city. The parliamentary democratic government is
strong and provides direction and stability for continued economic
growth. In return for such stability and affluence, most have accepted
the strong influence of government policies and the limitation of
certain freedoms (e.g. freedom of speech). Singapore is an efficient
trading and financial centre. It is heavily export-dependent and
increasingly dependent on the employment of foreign nationals in many
industries.
B. THE PEOPLE
The population is ~4,900,000 and official languages Mandarin, English,
Malay and Tamil Indian. English is the primary language for education.
Singapore is a multi-racial society with 95 racial groups.
~74.2% are Chinese, ~13.6% Malay, ~9.2% Indian/South Asian, ~3.2% Other
(Thai, British, Eurasian, many Asian ethnicities).
C. RELIGIONS AND CHRISTIANITY/PENTECOSTALISM
~40.3% are Buddhist, ~18.06% Non-religious, ~16.04% claim to be
Christian, ~13.9% Muslim, ~7% Chinese, 4.1% Hindu, ~0.5% Sikh, ~0.1%
Baha’i. In the Christian category:
~4.58% are Protestant, ~3.62% Catholic, ~3.52% Unaffiliated, ~2.99%
Independent, ~1.12% Anglican, ~0.15% are considered ‘marginal’, ~0.06%
Orthodox.
Evangelicals represent ~7.8% of the population.
Charismatics represent ~5.2% and of those ~1.1% are Pentecostals.
Donna Siemens
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org
Operation World, Jason Mandryk. Colorado Springs: Biblica Publishing, 2010.