Geography of Singapore

Singapore is situated at the southern most point of the Malayan Peninsula nestled between Malaysia and Indonesia. Its geographical location is 96 km north of equator, between longitude 1030 36' East and 1040 25' East. The island is separated from Indonesia and Malaysia by the Singapore Strait and the Straits of Johor respectively.

Singapore has a total land area of 699 sq km, i.e., almost the size of Chicago and boasts of 193 km long coastline. Singapore has reclaimed land with earth obtained from its own hills, the seabed and neighboring countries. Consequently, Singapore's land area has grown from 581.5 sq km in the 1960s to 699 sq km today. It is said that it may grow by another 100 sq km by 2030.

The main island of Singapore is in the shape of a diamond while the entire territory includes smaller islands that surround the region. The bigger and well-known islands of Singapore include Jurong Island, Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa. The elevation of Singapore above the mean sea level is around 15 meters. The highest point is Bukit Timah at an altitude of 164 m (538 ft). The northwest region of Singapore is eclipsed by hills and valleys of sedimentary rock, while the eastern region boasts of sandy and flat land.

Singapore has one small river with the same name as the country. The 11 km long Singapore River is sourced at Kim Seng Bridge and flows from Central Area in the Central Region before emptying into the ocean. The upper watershed of this river is called the Singapore River Planning Area while the north most part of the watershed becomes River Valley.

Singapore mostly experiences warm and humid climate with temperatures ranging between 230 Celsius and 310 Celsius. This is an ideal weather for enjoying sunbathing, swimming, sailing and other water sports. Rainfall is common throughout the year with frequency being more during the monsoon season, i.e., from November to January. Rain showers are usually sudden, heavy and brief but are certainly refreshing.

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