Singapore

About the Flag

Singapore is located in Southeast Asia between Malaysia and Indonesia. Singapore is a leading Asian economic power and a member of ASEAN, the Commonwealth of Nations, the UN, and the IMO. It is one of the most densely populated nations in the world. Most of the population is Chinese, a significant minority is Malay, and there are large foreign communities. Chinese, Malay, Tamil, and English are all official languages. Once a British crown colony, Singapore gained independence in 1965. The Chief of State is the President, the Head of Government is the Prime Minister, and there is a unicameral parliament. The legal system is based on English common law.

Singapore is known as a world financial center and major harbor for trade. The government works in partnership with the business community to further the nation's growth. Exports have boomed, led by the electronic and computer sectors. Major trading partners include Japan, the United States, and Malaysia.

The principal legislation covering ship registration is the Merchant Shipping Act (Chapter 179) and the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Regulations which were introduced in 1981 with the aim of tightening up registration conditions. The Ships' Registry is administered by the Shipping Division of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).