Situated 136.8 kilometer (85 miles) north of the equator, Singapore consists of the main island and some 60 small ones, with a total land area of 647.5 square kilometer. The land is generally undulating, with a number of low hills, the highest being the 163metre Bukit Timah Hill. Its geographic location has been a major factor contributing to its growth as a center for trade. ª¥
      Singapore's climate is warm and humid, with only slight variations between the average daytime maximum of 30.8¡æ and evening minimum of 23.9¡æ. There is no marked wet or dry season; rain falls throughout most of the year. However, during the northeast monsoon period from November to January, Singapore receives more rain than usual. Showers are usually sudden and heavy, but brief. The climate makes Singapore ideal for those who enjoy outdoor sports, including sun bathing, swimming, sailing and other water sports.
     Although geography and climate have played a part in the astonishing success of Singapore, the island's strength lies in its hardworking, adaptable and resilient population.
     Singapore's population of about 3. 1 million comprises 77% Chinese, 14% Malays, 7% Indians and 1% others. The original inhabitants were Malay fishermen, but after the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles and the establishment of a British trading post in 1819, Singapore became a magnet identity while developing as an integral part of the Singapore community. ª¥
     The four official languages in Singapore are Malay, Chinese (Mandarin), Tamil and English. Malay is the national language and English is the language of business and administration. Chinese Singaporeans have traditionally spoken their dialects such as Fujian (Hokkien), Guangdon (Cantonese) and Chaozhou (Teochew). Most Singaporeans are bilingual, and speak their mother tongue as well as English.
     Singapore enjoys freedom of worship. Mosques sit near churches, and Chinese and Indian temples can be found throughout the island. The main religions are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and Taoism. Many of Singapore's national monuments listed for preservation are houses of worship.