Geography of Singapore

Singapore is a city-state that is situated roughly 85 miles (137 kilometers) north of the Equator at the southernmost point of the Malay Peninsula. The main island takes up the majority of the total area, save for around 18 square miles, which is made up of 60 smaller islands and the diamond-shaped Singapore Island. The Johor Strait, a confined passageway that is more than half a mile long and is traversed by both a road and rail causeway, divides the main island from Peninsular Malaysia to the north.

The Riau-Lingga Archipelago, which is a part of Indonesia, extends to within 10 miles of the main island in Singapore Strait, which serves as the state's southern boundary. Singapore is one of the busiest ports in the world and is the largest in Southeast Asia. Its prominence at the southernmost point of the Malay Peninsula, where it rules the Strait of Malacca that separates the Indian Ocean from the South China Sea, is to thank for its development and wealth.

Physical Features

Singapore's total land area as of 2023 is 734.3 square kilometers (283.5 square miles). The Singapore Strait and the Straits of Johor divide Singapore from Indonesia and Malaysia, respectively. Geographically speaking, Singapore is made up of its mainland and several islands. The mainland of Singapore has a length from east to west of 50 kilometers (31 km), a width from north to south of 27 kilometers (17 mi), and a coastline of 193 kilometers (120 mi).

These numbers are based on cadastral survey borders that are 2.515 meters (8 feet, 3 inches) above high water. A 1,067 km2 (412 sq mi) exclusive economic zone surrounds the country. The main island is only about 50 feet (15 meters) above sea level in about two-thirds of its area. The tallest peak on the island, Timah Hill, is just 531 feet (162 meters) above sea level.

Together with other summits like Panjang and Mandai hills, it creates a block of rough terrain in the island's middle. Lower scarps, like Mount Faber, to the west and south, have clear northwest-southeast trends. A low plateau in the island's eastern region has been intricately carved into hills and valleys by erosion. These physical components are a reflection of their underlying geological formations: the eastern plateau is composed of loose sands and gravels, the scarp lands of highly bent and faulted sedimentary rocks, and the central hills of granite.

The diamond-shaped island that makes up Singapore's main territory is surrounded by smaller islands. Pedra Branca is the farthest outlying island. Jurong Island, Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin, and Sentosa are the largest of Singapore's numerous smaller islands. The majority of Singapore is only 15 meters above sea level. The highest point in Singapore is Bukit Timah Hill, which rises 165 meters (538 feet) above ground and is composed of the igneous rock granite. The northwest is dominated by sedimentary rock hills and valleys, whereas the eastern part of the country is sandy and flat.

Although Singapore lacks natural lakes, freshwater storage facilities such as reservoirs and water catchment areas have been built. Singapore has recovered territory using soil from its own hills, the ocean floor, and other nations. As a result, Singapore's land area increased from 581.5 km2 in the 1960s to 725.7 km2 today, and will likely rise even more as sea polder and barrage projects are built to address the constantly increasing sea level.

Climate

Singapore's climate is characterized by consistently high temperatures and practically constant precipitation throughout the year. It is located in the Southeast Asian tropical monsoon region. From roughly 81° F (27° C) in June to 77° F (25° C) in January, the average monthly temperature fluctuates. With a daily range that is a little wider, it averages around 13° F (7° C). The highest temperature ever recorded in Singapore was only 97° F (36° C), which is kept relatively temperate by the country's marine position and persistent humidity.

The relative incidence of rainfall, which is in turn influenced by the motions of the monsoon air masses, characterizes the seasons. The northeast monsoon, which lasts from November to March, is the wettest and windiest time of year, with December seeing the highest average monthly rainfall of more than 10 inches (250 millimeters).

In contrast, the southwest monsoon (May–September) is when there is the least amount of rain and the lightest winds, with rainfall reaching a monthly low of less than 7 inches in July. Inter-monsoonal seasons between April and October are marked by slow air movements and strong afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Singapore receives an average of 95 inches of precipitation annually, and it rains on the island at some point every day.

Flora and Fauna

With the exception of a few thousand acres of maintained evergreen rain forest around catchment areas, little of the natural vegetation or animal life survives. On the northwest part of the island, in the Kranji area, some mangrove vegetation still exists, but elsewhere, large areas of scrub or cogon grass (locally known as lalang) are typical. For decorative purposes, many alien species have been imported. The long-tailed macaque, a kind of Asian monkey, the slow loris, a large-eyed tailless nocturnal lemur, and the scaly anteater are the largest native species.

There are many different kinds of birds, particularly those that have evolved to coexist well with people, such as the Indian mynah bird, the brahminy kite (a kite with reddish brown plumage with a white head and breast), and the house swallow. It's also typical to see reptiles like lizards and cobras. There are fringed coral reefs all along the shore, along with the fish and other fauna they support.

Drainage and Soil

The island is drained by a vast network of small streams, although localized flooding is a problem due to the low gradients of the streams and the excessive water runoff from cleared area. Many streams, especially those that drain northward, have wide estuaries that reach far inland and are bordered by mangroves. None of the soils are even remotely fertile, but granite-derived soils often have superior quality than others.

Although the soils formed from sedimentary rocks vary, many of them have hardpans (compacted layers) that limit plant roots and obstruct soil drainage. Eastern Singapore's soils are incredibly unproductive. As a result of decades of reckless human usage, all have seen significant erosional deterioration.

Conclusion

Singapore's geography is defined by its strategic location at the Malay Peninsula's southern tip, bordered by the Singapore Strait, the Johor Straits, and the South China Sea. The territory of the country is made up of the main island plus several smaller islands. Its flat terrain is dominated by urban development, with a few elevated areas. High temperatures, steady rainfall, and two monsoon seasons characterize the climate.

Because of significant development, natural plants and wildlife are scarce, however there are still remains of mangroves and introduced species. Although isolated flooding is possible, drainage is handled through a network of streams. The quality of soil varies, with granite-derived soils being somewhat superior. Its excellent marine location has aided its economic growth as a global port and financial hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Singapore located?

Singapore is an island city-state situated at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, between Malaysia and Indonesia, along the Singapore Strait and South China Sea.

What is the main island's geographical layout?

Singapore's main island is roughly diamond-shaped, surrounded by smaller islands.

What is the climate in Singapore?

Singapore has a tropical monsoon climate with high temperatures and consistent rainfall throughout the year.

How has Singapore expanded its land area?

Singapore has undertaken reclamation projects using soil from its hills, ocean floor, and other countries, leading to an increase in land area over the years.