This is a 2.0 percent increase over the previous year. Malay is the national language and English the language used in business. Most of the Chinese community adhere to these religions. The Muslims, predominately Malay, comprised an estimated 16 percent of the population, and the Hindus, mainly Indians, nearly 5 percent. There are also small communities of Zoroastrians, Jains and Jews.
Freedom of worship is guaranteed by the Constitution.
Government Singapore is a republic with a parliamentary system of government. The President is the Head of State and is elected by Parliament every four years. The administration of the government is vested in the Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister. The Cabinet is responsible to Parliament. The GRCs were formed by a 1988 amendment to the Constitution to ensure continued representation in Parliament from the minority races of Singapore.