With the election of the first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew in 1959, Singapore achieved independence from the British, who were never able to regain the same power that they had held in Singapore before the war. It was in 1965 that Singapore withdrew from the Federation of Malaysia and became a totally independent nation. Since then, Singapore has worked toward becoming Asia's number one spot for trade, tourism and finance. Singapore Island is locate at the southern tip of the Malayan Peninsula. Evening temperatures are only slightly lower.
Rainstorms are usually short and intense.
The feel of the island comes from the cultural diversity of Singapore. The population is made up of Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians. Although citizens of all races think of themselves as Singaporean, there are still certain areas that are inhabited by specific ethnic groups. Each area has its own culture celebrating its own religion. Each religion has many colorful festivals to commemorate days of special significance.