1. By: Doug Baird-Miller

2. Founded as a British trading colony in 1819. One of the world's most prosperous countries. Strong international trading.

3. Main religions: Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. Seafood: crabs, clams, squid, and oysters. High context culture: nonverbal signs and indirect suggestions. Business is very formal.

4. Four national languages: Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. English is the language of choice for business.

5. Singapore Dollar Exchange rate: 1 Singapore dollar = 0.8181 US dollars.

6. Market Economy Unemployment rate: 2% Capitalism

7. Electronics, chemicals, financial services. Oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber products. Processed food and beverages. Ship repair, offshore platform construction, life sciences. Entrepot trade.

8. Exports: Machinery and equipment (including electronics and telecommunications). Pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, refined petroleum products. Imports: Machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs, consumer goods.

9. Import partners: Malaysia 10.7%, US 10.7%, China 10.4%, Japan 7.2% South Korea 5.9%, Taiwan 5.9% Export partners: Malaysia 12.2%, Hong Kong 11%, China 10.4% Indonesia 10.4%, US 5.4%, Japan 4.5%