Mind-blowing Singapore facts
Whether you’ve lived on this island for 40 or 14 years, you’d never fail to find something intriguing about our island. Every day, I learn new things about our home land and yes, it might be cliché but Singapore never ceases to amaze me. While Singaporeans’ favourite pastimes include complaining, like talking about our expensive HDB or car prices, I’d say enough with that. Let’s focus on the things we do love about our country. Like these Singapore facts that will amaze you.
Here are some fun facts that you can whip out at any gathering.
1. Singapore has the biggest Yakult bottles in Southeast Asia
Image credit: EMRS
When I was younger, I used to pester my mother to buy me Yakult every time we went to the supermarket. They didn’t sell the packets with all Grape flavour back then so every time we bought it, I would rush to ‘chope’ the Grape flavoured one.
I’ve always hated how Yakult bottles are really small but actually, the Yakult bottles in Singapore are the largest compared to those overseas, and of course the most expensive. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind paying for a 500ml Yakult.
Oh, and it turns out, Hong Kong has the largest Yakult bottle at 100ml. Ours is only 80ml. But we still top the ranks in Southeast Asia. If you happen to travel and see a bigger Yakult bottle than that, do let us know
2. You can find the national anthem in micro-text on the back of the $1000 note.
Image credit: tanwj.com
Yes, these big bucks might no longer be in circulation but if you manage to get your hands on one, flip it over and see if you can spot the lyrics to the national anthem! I think it’s a pretty cool idea and I wish they’d do so for every other note.
3. Singapore is one of three surviving city-states in the world
Another fellow city-state: Vatican City. Image credit: Diliff
There’s only three city-states in the world – Monaco, the Vatican City and Singapore! It’s weird to think that we don’t have a capital. I mean, it’d be pretty cool if Orchard Road became our capital but sometimes, meh. We’re also both a country and a state which I guess makes it easier when you want to insert your mailing address.
4. Cartoon Network thought Singapore was in Malaysia
Yes, you read that right. In Season 3 Episode 5 of Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Terrence and Mac battle it out as to where Singapore was. If you watched the video above, you’d know that they got it all wrong.
It’s pretty embarrassing how despite being a highly recognised metropolitan city, some people still think we’re in Malaysia…and some still think we’re in China.
5. Singapore has changed our timezone 6 times since 1905
For 36 years, Singapore was 7.5 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). In 1982, the Singapore Standard Time was redefined to be 8 hours ahead of GMT.
The story behind it is that East Malaysia was GMT +8.00 but West Malaysia was GMT +7.50. Malaysia decided to standardise their timing but it’d be awkward for Singapore to be the only one who’s 7.5 hours ahead of GMT. So, they changed it.
But come to think of it, have we being cheated of half an hour our whole lives? Food for thought!
6. We are the fastest walkers on this planet
According to a research by the British Council, Singaporeans have the fastest walking speed. On average, we walk a distance of 18 metres in 10.55 seconds. That’s approximately 6.15km in an hour!
Here’s a fun fact: That’s also how fast bumblebees fly. Guess that’s why they always say Singaporeans are busy bees…lol
7. The youngest person to pass the GCE ‘O’ Level Chemistry paper is a Singaporean
Image credit: PRWeb
Ainan Celeste Cawley was only 7 years and 1 month when he took the GCE ‘O’ Level Chemistry paper and passed, making him the youngest in the world to do so.
Sometimes I wonder what it must be like to a child prodigy. At 16 I was still trying to cope with the fact that I had to sit for a major exam, how did a 7 year old kid do it? It makes me feel quite incompetent.
8. There’s another Singapore in the world
Image credit: rossograph
Say what? Guess our name isn’t so special anymore. But alas, Singapore is also the name of Michigan’s famous ghost town.
Today, the town lives on only in the name of the Singapore Yacht Club which is located at the end of the town. Don’t get confused though, the yacht club back here’s called The Republic of Singapore Yacht Club!
So how well do you know these Singapore facts?
If you already knew all the Singapore facts above then congratulations! You’re one super patriotic Singaporean! But if not then now you’ve got new facts to share with your friends. If you know other cool, mind-blowing Singapore facts that you’d like to share, feel free to comment below.
Check out our other fun articles that will reveal more secret sides of our home:
- Secret facts about Singapore
- Things that nearly happened to Singapore
- Hidden CBD landmarks
- Singapore legends and myths
Cover image adapted from: , rossograph
Originally published on 18th March 2014. Last updated by Jessica Lai on 12th July 2021.
