Singapore Trivia Quiz

Answer: Sir Stamford Raffles

I can't find any source that says 18th c. British explorer Capt. Cook ever visited the island. Lee can be said to have established modern Singapore when he led it to independence in 1963. Codrington was the last colonial Governor. Raffles established a British trading post on the island in 1819. He is remembered for little else.

Answer: Malays

Singapore is now a Chinese dominated country, but the island was originally inhabited by a few hundred Malays, now the second largest ethnic group. The remainder are descended from settlers from the Indian subcontinent.

Answer: The Lion City

Singapore is an anglicized version of the Sanskrit for Lion City, and the latter name is still in use. The island was known as Temasek in medieval times but is no longer current. The Japanese conquerors briefly renamed Singapore Syonan (Light of the South) in WWII.

Answer: Unauthorised trading in financial futures

The bank was Barings, which was so stricken that it was bought by another bank for $1.50. The trader at Barings Singapore was Nick Leeson, who spent some years as a guest of the Singapore government in jail as a result.

Answer: More than 40,000

Yes, it's wise to be careful in this notoriously over-regulated state. Among things that can get you into trouble are dropping litter, leaving still water lying around in your house or workplace, and failing to lock your bicycle when not in use.

Answer: Concern about the water supply being cut off

In fact it was the Japanese who were out of ammunition and would not have been able to beat off a counter attack. Then, as now, Singapore relied on water piped from Malaya, and the British commanders thought (or said they thought) that if this was cut off it would endanger the civilian population.

Answer: Singapore Airlines

As with most things Singaporean, Singapore Airlines is efficient and a pleasure to use. Changi is the name of the airport. Orchard Road is the main shopping street.

Answer: True

According to NationsEncyclopedia.com: "Singapore Island is mostly denuded, the dense tropical forest that originally covered it being mostly cleared. There is some rain forest in the central area of the island, however, as well as extensive mangrove swamps along the coast. Urban development has limited animal life."

Answer: Weight Lifting, Rome 1960

Tan Howe Liang won silver for weightlifting in the 1960 Rome Olympics, the first year Singapore sent athletes to the games.

Answer: People's Action Party (PAP)

PAP has been in power since independence, usually with more than 90% of the vote. Since none of the real opposition parties seem likely to win power any time soon I made the other choices up. Sentosa is a small island off the coast dedicated entirely to tourist attractions.